INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 is only days away, and the influx of visitors will result in an exceptionally busy Monday at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) security checkpoints. To expedite the screening process, passengers are encouraged to arrive two hours before their departure time and keep prohibited items, including firearms, out of their carry-on bags.
TSA works closely with the airport and airlines to prepare for large events like the Indy 500, and checkpoints will be staffed appropriately to meet the projected passenger volume.
More than 22,000 people are expected to be screened at IND checkpoints on Memorial Day, with 5-7 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. expected to be the busiest times of day. As a comparison, just over 17,000 passengers were screened on Memorial Day in 2022 and 2019 at IND. Monday is expected to bring the highest number of passengers through IND checkpoints since the day after the Super Bowl in 2012.
In addition to keeping IND passengers safe, TSA plays an important security role for the race itself. TSA is among 28 federal agencies that provide resources to make sure fans and the area’s public transportation system are safe during the busy weekend. Indiana Federal Security Director Aaron Batt, who has played a key role in security planning for this large-scale event for the past seven years, serves as the federal coordinator for security in support of the Indy 500.
Approximately 50 TSA personnel, the most of any federal agency, will provide event support including intelligence monitoring and sharing, putting explosive detection canines and Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams into action, aviation security, weather forecasting and coordinating emergency communication between agencies.
“We love to see race fans and holiday travelers coming through the checkpoint, but everyone plays a role during busy weekends like this one,” Batt said. “Arriving to the airport with extra time and knowing what can and can’t be packed in carry-on and checked bags, as well as packing a little patience for our officers and your fellow passengers, will result in a better screening experience for everyone.”
Travel Tips
Tip 1: TSA PreCheck® members: Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation. With over 15 million TSA PreCheck members, it is essential that airline reservations have the passenger’s correct KTN and date of birth so they can truly “Travel with Ease.” Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time they travel. TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Additionally, the agency announced this week that teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany TSA PreCheck® enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes anytime without restriction.
Tip 2: Pack an empty bag and know before you go. When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. Firearms are prohibited at airport security checkpoints and on board aircraft. Passengers may travel with a firearm if they properly pack the firearm in checked baggage and declare it with the airline at check-in. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers must also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport. If passengers bring a firearm to the security checkpoint, they will face significant penalties to include federal penalties and additional screening.
Tip 3: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel will be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check-in with your airline, check in bags with the airline and prepare for the security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.
Tip 4: Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow guidance from our TSA officers. IND has installed new state-of-the-art advanced technology Computed Tomography (CT) scanners at every lane. All passengers traveling through IND are no longer required to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel, but to ask a TSA officer for assistance. Passengers are also reminded to bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening.
Tip 5: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or assistance. Travelers with questions have many options for contacting TSA. AskTSA is available for live assistance from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET via Twitter or Facebook by messaging @AskTSA or by sending a text to “272872” (“AskTSA”). For customer service issues, travelers may reach the TSA Contact Center (TCC) at (866) 289-9673. Individuals with disabilities, medical needs or other special circumstances may request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.