The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) will be a huge hub of activity this week and through the weekend as race fans from around the world arrive to participate in the one-and-only Indy 500-mile race – and the official summer travel season kickoff as well.
Below are facts and figures about summer travel out of IND this week-
More than 111,000 travelers are expected to fly out of IND May 22 – 26.
Heaviest travel days will be May 23 – 26, with nearly 74,000 people expected to depart from Indy.
On May 26 alone, almost 23,000 people are expected to fly out of Indy.
The hours of 5 a.m. – 7 a.m. and then again from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. will be the heaviest travel times of each day.
TSA Concourse A checkpoint will be open at 3 a.m. on the May 23 – 26.
The Indianapolis Airport Authority kindly asks media to please share important travel tips with the public whenever possible during this immensely busy Indy 500 weekend and summer travel kickoff.
PREPARING FOR SUMMER TRAVEL: With summer travel season upon us, it’s expected to be a busy few months 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 generally, they open two hours before flight departure.
REAL ID: As 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
TSA PreCheck: The Indy airport also strongly encourages travelers to consider the following travel tips below, and to sign up for TSA PreCheck at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck for a smoother screening process, which eliminates the need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops or light jackets.
BEFORE ARIVING AT 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, including 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
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
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.