Indianapolis Airport: A Hub Of Nonstop Action And Activity

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is a busy airport, voted the best airport in North America by Airports Council International. It is known for its efficient security checks, with typical wait times of less than 3 minutes at both checkpoints. However, these times may vary during peak travel periods and holidays, with some travellers reporting wait times of up to 45 minutes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport two hours in advance for domestic travel and three hours for international flights.

Security wait times

The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is known for its efficient security checks and short security wait times. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport two hours before domestic flight departure and three hours before international flights. However, travellers are encouraged to arrive well before their flights to accommodate security screening and airline check-in procedures, adhering to the recommended arrival times set by each airline.

Digital displays at each security checkpoint provide real-time wait information. Typical wait times at the airport are less than three minutes at both checkpoints. However, these times may vary during peak travel periods, holidays, and weekends. For instance, the wait time may increase to around 45 minutes on a Saturday morning or during the weekend before Christmas.

To avoid long wait times, passengers can sign up for the TSA PreCheck programme, which expedites the security screening process. Once approved, passengers will receive a Known Traveller Number, granting them access to an expedited screening lane. PreCheck passengers do not need to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops from their cases. The cost of TSA PreCheck is $85 for five years.

To further reduce wait times, travellers can familiarise themselves with airport security procedures and prepare for the security screening process in advance. This includes being aware of what items can be packed in carry-on luggage and ensuring that all bags are attended to at all times.

TSA PreCheck

The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has consistently been voted the Best Airport in North America by Airports Council International and the Best Airport in America by Condé Nast Traveler readers. It is also rated the #1 Convention City in the US by USA TODAY. The airport offers a range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable experience for travellers.

For travellers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck programme, there are specific instructions to follow at the airport. TSA PreCheck passengers at Indianapolis International Airport should proceed to Checkpoint A for security screening. This checkpoint opens at 3:30 am, while Checkpoint B opens at 3:45 am. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport two hours before their domestic flight departure and three hours before international flights.

The TSA PreCheck programme allows expedited security screening for travellers who have undergone a background check and pre-authorisation. It is available to US citizens and lawful permanent residents who are deemed low-risk after a thorough vetting process. This typically includes a background check, fingerprinting, and an in-person interview.

By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, travellers can enjoy a faster and more convenient screening process. They can keep their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening and leave their laptops and approved liquids in their carry-on bags. This significantly reduces the time and hassle of going through security, especially during peak travel periods.

Additionally, the Indianapolis International Airport offers the TSA Cares programme, which provides additional assistance to travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances. Travellers can call the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours before travelling to receive guidance on screening policies and procedures and support during the security screening process. This service is available to all travellers, including those enrolled in TSA PreCheck, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience at the airport.

Airport services

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is located seven miles (11 km) southwest of Downtown Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana, United States. It is owned and operated by the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) and has flights to over 52 destinations across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. As of 2023, it was the busiest airport in Indiana and the 47th busiest airport in the US, with 4,788,376 passengers. The airport is also home to the second-largest FedEx Express hub in the world, which employs around 4,000 people and has a sorting capacity of nearly 100,000 packages per hour.

Indianapolis International Airport offers a variety of services and amenities for travellers, including health and wellness resources, and the fastest Wi-Fi of any airport in the country, with no ads or login required. Charging stations and under-the-seat charging ports are available throughout the terminal. The airport also provides a parkIND Plus Program, which makes the journey from home to the terminal the simplest part of the trip.

For first-time visitors, volunteer ambassadors are available to greet and answer questions about transportation, baggage claim, and other airport services. The Guest Services desk can be found in Civic Plaza, just beyond the Ticketing Hall, and can also be contacted by phone or online.

The airport has a single terminal with two concourses and a total of 39 gates. All Concourse A/B gates are accessible from either checkpoint, and TSA Pre✓™ passengers should proceed to Checkpoint A. The TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours in advance for domestic travel and three hours in advance for international flights.

The airport also has a range of dining and shopping options, as well as transportation and car rental services. A new 253-room Marriott Westin-branded hotel is expected to be completed by December 2027, featuring a full-service restaurant, a seventh-floor lounge area with airfield views, a fitness centre, and dedicated parking with valet.

Peak travel periods

Indianapolis International Airport is known for its short security wait times, with typical wait times of less than 3 minutes at both checkpoints. However, these times may vary during peak travel periods and holidays. While the airport provides real-time wait information at each checkpoint, travellers are encouraged to arrive well before their flights to accommodate security screening and airline check-in procedures.

Another traveller who flew out of the airport during the weekend before Christmas also anticipated longer wait times due to the high volume of travellers. They advised arriving at the airport no later than 1:30 pm to account for potential delays. Additionally, a traveller who received an email notification of longer-than-usual TSA wait times shared their experience, emphasising the importance of allowing ample time for security screening.

To ensure a smooth travel experience during peak travel periods, it is advisable to follow the recommendations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and allow for additional time when passing through the airport. This includes arriving 2 hours before domestic flight departure and 3 hours before international flights, as well as factoring in time for parking, checking luggage, and obtaining a boarding pass. By planning ahead and allowing for potential delays, travellers can minimise stress and ensure they catch their flights.

Best airport awards

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has been named the "Best Airport in North America" for 12 consecutive years by Airports Council International (ACI) World. ACI World surveyed 600,000 travellers in 2023 to determine the awardee, with indicators such as the ease of finding one's way, check-in, shopping and dining, and overall cleanliness. The airport was also recognised as the "Best Airport in America" by Condé Nast Traveler and was voted the "#1 Airport in North America" by its passengers.

The airport's success has been attributed to its dedicated and experienced workforce, which delivers award-winning service. The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) also plays a significant role in supporting the Central Indiana community socially, environmentally, and economically.

The airport has been recognised for its efforts in various other areas. It was named a "Best Place to Work in Indiana" by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and honoured in the Mayor's Celebration of Diversity Awards. Additionally, it has received recognition for customer satisfaction among medium-sized airports in North America.

Indianapolis International Airport handles a significant number of commuters, with over 10.5 million travellers passing through in 2024, a number that is expected to grow due to Indianapolis' expanding economic opportunities. To ensure a smooth travel experience, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport two to three hours before the scheduled departure, depending on the type of travel.

The airport strives to provide a comfortable experience for its passengers, offering a range of dining, shopping, and transportation options. With its world-class service and commitment to the community, Indianapolis International Airport sets a high standard for airports worldwide.

Frequently asked questions