Airport ready to welcome holiday travelers

INDIANAPOLIS – According to Airlines for America (A4A), the trade organization representing major airlines, the 2011 holiday travel season will feature very full flights despite fewer overall air travelers than 2010. A4A estimates that 43.3 million passengers will fly on U.S. airlines between Dec. 15 and Jan. 4, a 1 percent decrease from the same period a year ago.

Although this averages out to 20,000 fewer passengers per day, significant reductions in airline capacity will make empty seats scarce. The heaviest travel is expected to take place between Dec. 21-23, Dec. 26-30, and Jan. 2 and 3, with load factors at or above 85 percent.

Reflecting national trends, holiday travel volumes are expected to decrease slightly from last year’s levels at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), with reduced airline capacity as well. With systemwide flight availability booked close to capacity, passengers should monitor the latest flight information and weather conditions both locally and at connecting hubs and destinations.

Travel tips

• All travelers should understand individual airline policies for cancellations, refunds, checked and carry-on luggage – including fees – , customer-service plans, amenities, and flight-operation alerts and notifications offered by their airlines. This information can be found on airline websites.
• Passengers should monitor the weather in origination, connection, and destination cities. Travelers should always check the status of flights for delays or cancellations before departing for the airport at www.indianapolisairport.com or airline websites.

• Download the “MyTSA App” to your mobile device for instant access to the most commonly requested Transportation Security Administration (TSA) information, including how to clear security smoothly and what can and cannot be brought through security checkpoints. Go to www.tsa.gov/mobile for more information.

• Wrap gifts after arriving at your destination. TSA officers may unwrap gifts for inspection.

• Snow globes are not allowed in carry-on bags but are permitted in checked luggage.

• Ensure the name you provide when booking your travel is the same that appears on the government-issued ID you will use when traveling.

• Follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags when passing through security checkpoints. Lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, and other items must be three (3) ounces in size or smaller and stored in one (1) one-quart plastic zip-top bag. One bag per passenger may be carried on board the aircraft.

For complete details about permitted and prohibited items, travelers with disabilities or medical conditions, traveling with children, batteries, electronic devices, or special items (like musical instruments or ice skates), visit www.tsa.gov.

Passenger volumes

Please note that these passenger volumes are estimates only. The estimates are based on load factors provided by the airlines and are subject to change. These volumes include both arriving and departing passengers:

On behalf of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, we wish you and yours a safe and merry holiday season!