As spring break crowds descend upon the Indianapolis International Airport, many travelers are worried about long TSA lines.
But it turns out, at the Indianapolis airport, another hassle faces residents heading to the airport: parking.
As of the afternoon on March 25, 2% of airport garage parking is open along with 5% of economy parking. The park and walk lot is completely full. Valet parking is open.
Parking availability can change quickly as people come and go from the airport. The best way to check availability is on the airport’s website, ind.com. There, you can see what percent of parking spaces are available in each lot and level of the garage.
In light of the anticipated high passenger volume, the Indianapolis Airport Authority encouraged travelers to consider alternative transportation to the airport, including rideshare services or a drop-off from a friend or family member.
The airport expects the busiest days at the airport will be March 26 to 30, April 2 to 7 and April 13, with airline capacity during spring break up 2.7% compared to last year.
Here’s what to know if you’re driving yourself to the airport.
What are the parking options at the airport? How much is airport parking?
The Indianapolis airport has three self-park options and valet service if you plan to leave a car at the airport during your travels. Those options include an 8,000-space economy lot with a complimentary shuttle and a parking garage connected to the terminal.
Daily prices are:
Off-site airport parking
Some companies offer unofficial off-site airport parking a short shuttle ride away from the airfield and terminal. Popular options include Fast Park at 8550 Stansted Rd. Fast Park charges $10 per day plus a reservation fee.
Indianapolis reports lower TSA callout rate, shorter lines
While some airports around the country are struggling with a dearth of TSA agents leading to hours-long security lines, Indianapolis has reported a lower callout rate for TSA employees than many other airports. An average of 4 to 8% of Indy workers have called out since Feb. 14 as the agency works without pay due to a partial government funding lapse. Nationally, about 10% of TSA employees are calling out each day.
Indianapolis has seen a slight uptick in TSA wait times, but airport officials attributed the increase to spring break crowds, not staff shortages. The airport recommends travelers arrive two hours before boarding time.
Some airports reported record-breaking wait times that exceeded four and a half hours, the Transportation and Security Administration said.
President Donald Trump called Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, workers into more than a dozen airports across the country to assist TSA. The Indianapolis airport is not one of those airports, as of March 25, the airport confirmed.
Alysa Guffey writes business and development stories for IndyStar. Contact her at alysa.guffey@indystar.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Flying in next few weeks? Your biggest hassle may not be TSA lines
Reporting by Alysa Guffey, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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