Indianapolis International prepared for influx of Super Bowl travelers

With thousands of extra fans expected to fly in for Super Bowl weekend, Fox59 got an exclusive look at steps taken to make sure things are as safe as possible.

"We are very proud the way the planning has been taking place for two plus years," said David Kane, TSA Federal Security Director. "We have been an integral part of that. I think we are ready for the crowds when they come."

According to the Airport Authority, that crowd is an estimated 150,000 people, and they are all coming and going through Indianapolis International during Super Bowl week. Kane said more people, tickets, buckets and bags will take up extra space, space the airport had, even before the big game.

"That was largely a plug and play," said Kane. "The space was here, the real estate was here. It was just a matter of getting the equipment in and putting it in place, getting it certified and it is ready to go."


It is a place few people get to see, behind closed doors where bags are sorted. TSA officials said their set-up is more than capable of handling the increase in baggage over the next few days.

To help with travelers, 24-hour, around-the-clock flights leaving from Indianapolis International, will start shortly after Super Bowl 46 is over. That way people can get back home shortly after the big game wraps up. About 32,000 people are expected to take advantage of the timely departures. Members of TSA's VIPER team will be visible in the terminals, to help keep everyone safe.

Inda Royall is in town from Atlanta. She is one of the members of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. She said flying into Indianapolis was easy, for the most part.

"I did get patted down just a little bit, but I think that was me and my earrings and nothing else out of the ordinary," said Royall. "It has been pleasant, very simple."