INDIANAPOLIS — The holiday rush has arrived at Indianapolis International Airport.
AAA is predicting 115 million Americans will travel between Christmas and New Year's. That's a 2% increase over last year, but still not as high as 2019.
Airports are expected to be the busiest they've ever been, with 7.5 million people flying. The average ticket prices are slightly lower than last year.
Still, the nightmares of a year ago are still fresh on some of their minds.
"My Southwest flights were canceled. So, I ended up having to get a flight out of Ronald Reagan and flew back in here. When I got here and went to get my baggage, all the suitcases that were downstairs, all roped off that had not been claimed. It was unbelievable. This year I'm hoping we won't run into that issue," said Mary Ecker.
Thursday night, travelers said things are so far so good.
"Oh great. No ice, no rain, no snow. God is good," said Tracy Reynolds.
In Indianapolis, airport officials say nearly 15,000 passengers came through Indianapolis on Thursday. On Friday, they are anticipating over 17,000 travelers.
The day after Christmas will be the busiest time to travel in Indianapolis, with more than 18,000 people flying.
Megan Carrico with the Indianapolis Airport Authority said early morning flights between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. account for nearly a third of passenger traffic for the day. They encourage travelers flying out during this timeframe to arrive at the terminal two hours before their departure time.
Hoosiers can go through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate in either concourse using the concourse connector. TSA PreCheck, however, is only available at Checkpoint A.
The times that airline ticket counters open vary, but generally, they open two hours before flight departure.
Some of the littlest travelers Thursday were flying for the first time.
"It means a lot. I'm so excited for my family to get to meet him. It's hard living far away, so the holidays are a little more special this year," said Dakota Eaton, who was visiting with her newborn baby.
People heading out and those arriving eyes were filled with happy tears.
"It means absolutely the world to me to be home with my family for the holidays. I've been gone for nine months," said Madison Qualters, who had been away on a Navy deployment for nine months.
With things flying smoothly, passengers can focus on what's important.
"We are going to be spending Christmas with family, which is what Christmas is all about," said Susan Schricker.
Holiday travel tips
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, 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 here.
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 a contactless parking experience at IND, register for the free 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 here.
- 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 here.
- 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.