The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) expects approximately 24,000 passengers to travel through the terminal on Oct. 10 – putting it on the trajectory to be the busiest Fall Break travel day yet.
Indy airport officials expect parking to be near capacity on that date, and they encourage travelers to consider a backup plan for parking. Those backup plans could include using rideshare services like Lyft or Uber, or having a friend or loved one drop them off at the airport. Passengers can visit https://www.ind.com/parking for real-time parking availability before arriving at the airport.
Below are key facts about high-traffic dates, anticipated general passenger volume, and travel tips to help make Hoosiers’ Fall Break travel a delight.
FALL BREAK 2025 – FACTS & FIGURES
This Fall Break travel will reach new records, with some days landing in or exceeding the top 10 busiest days ever at the Indy airport.
Approximately 24,000 passengers are expected to fly out of IND on Oct. 10.
During Fall Break, airlines have increased daily seat capacity* by 6% compared to Fall Break 2024.
Capacity on 11 days of the Fall Break timeframe exceeds Memorial Day 2025 (IND’s busiest day on record).
Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays will be the Indy airport’s busiest days each week of Fall Break.
TSA checkpoints will open at 3 a.m. on those days to accommodate.
In total, about 400,000 people are expected to travel out of the Indy airport between Oct. 6 – 24.
*Seat capacity is the potential number of seats available on an aircraft through a designated schedule period.
PREPARING FOR FALL BREAK TRAVEL
With Fall Break season upon us, it’s expected to be a busy few weeks of air travel — and it’s important for travelers to be prepared before arriving at the airport. Plan ahead, pack smart, and get to the airport early.
Hoosiers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate in either concourse using the concourse connector. TSA PreCheck is only available on checkpoint A. Airline ticket counters opening time varies, but they open two hours before flight departure.
Passengers no longer need to remove their shoes during TSA screening.
It’s important for travelers to ensure they have their government-issued identification on hand and ready to show to TSA personnel.
As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Learn more at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
The Indy airport also strongly encourages travelers to consider the following travel tips below,
Before leaving for the airport
Always check flight status with the airline prior to arriving at the airport
Arrive a full two hours ahead of the departure time to get checked in, through security, and to the gate in plenty of time before boarding call
Download the airline’s mobile app for all pertinent travel update
Use a mobile boarding pass or print boarding passes ahead of time
Download the MyTSA app for 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information, including helpful tips for preparing for security and a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags
Pack smart – check for prohibited items and follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Learn more at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/refresh-your-memory-liquid-rules
Plan ahead for parking
Consider ride-sharing options and drop off on Oct. 10 specifically
For help determining parking options at IND, visit https://www.ind.com/parking
The Economy Lot is a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers https://www.ind.com/parking/economy-lot
For a contactless parking experience at IND, register for the free parkIND plus program https://www.ind.com/parking/parkind-plus-program
Valet parking offers the closest proximity to the pedestrian walkway to the terminal. To learn more, visit https://www.ind.com/parking/valet
At the terminal
Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up at the numerous water bottle filling stations located throughout the terminal
New restaurants are now open at IND offering a local flavor, see all available dining options and their operating hours at https://www.ind.com/dining-shopping-services/dining – note that dining and retail will have extended hours during peak travel days
Use the Concourse Connector to explore available dining options in both concourses, no matter which one you are flying out of
Explore new artwork throughout the terminal from local artists, and the KIND Gallery space. Learn more at: https://www.ind.com/publicart
When picking up friends or family, use the Cell Phone Lot to wait, then proceed to the drive for pick-up or park in hourly parking and meet your guest inside