Airport ready for holiday travelers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Expect crowded flights this holiday season.

That is the word from the airline trade organization which defines the period of December 17 through January 6.

Passengers are advised to pack carefully and check flight status before leaving home.

Nearly 42 million people will fly over the three-week period.

Airlines for America says flights will be heavily booked even in the face of fewer overall passengers.

With higher jet fuel prices, airlines have become more disciplined in matching aircraft capacity with demand.

Peak travel days, which see up to 2.3 million passengers flying, will occur this weekend prior to Christmas, the day after Christmas, and Jan. 2, 2013.

Travelers are advised to follow the following travel tips:

All travelers should stay up to date on the varying individual airline policies for cancellations, refunds, change fees, checked and carry-on luggage restrictions and fees, customer-service plans, amenities and flight status alerts offered. This information can be found on airline websites.

Passengers should monitor the weather not only here at Indianapolis International Airport, but also at connecting and destination airports. Travelers should always check the status of flights for delays or cancelations before departing for the airport at www.indianapolisairport.com or airline websites.

The “MyTSA App” can be downloaded to mobile devices 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. More information is available at www.tsa.gov/mobile .

Gifts should be wrapped after arrival at the final destination. TSA officers may need to unwrap gifts for inspection.

Snow globes are now allowed in carry-on bags but must be limited to 3.4 ounces or less of liquid (the approximate size of a tennis ball) and be included in the clear plastic quart-sized resealable bag other approved liquids must be kept in.

New TSA policies now permit children 12 or younger to enter metal detectors without removing their shoes. In addition, passengers who are 75 years or older may go through TSA checkpoints without removing shoes.

Passengers should ensure that the name they provide when booking travel is the same that appears on their government-issued IDs used when traveling.

Passengers should be sure to 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 3 ounces in size or smaller and stored in one 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 .