Main Terminal

Gate assignments split off from the Civic Plaza

The Main Terminal at Indianapolis International (IND) runs all airlines through one central check-in hall and security zone, then splits to Concourses A and B from the Civic Plaza. Alaska, American, Contour, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and United all operate from this single terminal, so you never have to guess which building to head for when you pull up to the curb.

Single security checkpoint feeds both concourses

IND Main has one primary TSA checkpoint in the center of the terminal, usually feeding both concourses in under 20–25 minutes outside the early morning bank. PreCheck and CLEAR lanes sit on the same line, so you just pick the correct side once you reach the stanchions. No airline in this terminal has a dedicated private security lane, even for first or business class.

Civic Plaza is your main waiting and food zone

Once you clear security, you walk directly into the Civic Plaza, a high-ceiling rotunda that sits between Concourses A and B. Most of the terminal’s sit-down options and snack stands cluster in this space, so if you want real food rather than a gate-area kiosk, eat here before walking out toward your gate. Seating around the Plaza tends to fill during the 5–7 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. banks when Delta, American, and Southwest departures stack up.

No airline lounges in the IND Main Terminal

Even with United, Delta, and American flying from IND Main, there are no branded lounges or independent clubs inside the secure area. That means no United Club, Sky Club, or Admirals Club for elites or premium cabin passengers, and no Priority Pass options either. If you want a quieter space, aim for the outer gate areas on the ends of Concourse A or B, which usually calm down outside the early morning push.

Concourses A and B cover all 40+ gates

Concourse A handles a mix of Southwest, Frontier, and some Delta and American regional flights, while Concourse B usually sees United, additional Delta, and other partners. Walking from the center of the Civic Plaza to the far end of either concourse takes about 7–10 minutes at a normal pace. IND Main does not use trains or moving walkways, so build in that extra walking time if you land at one end and depart from the other.

Curb, check-in, and parking are all steps apart

The Main Terminal sits directly opposite the parking garage, with a covered pedestrian bridge linking the garage to the check-in level in under 5 minutes on foot. Airline counters for Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, United, and Contour line a single ticketing hall, so bag drop is straightforward once you know your carrier. Rideshare pickup sits on the lower arrivals level, and local reports put the drive to downtown Indianapolis at roughly 20–25 minutes in light traffic.

Final tip: use the Civic Plaza as your orientation point

If you ever feel turned around in IND Main, walk back toward the Civic Plaza, the circular hall just past security with the tallest ceiling and central artwork. From that hub, Concourse A branches to the left and Concourse B to the right, with all 11 listed airlines feeding out from those two spokes. Use this spot to regroup, grab food, and then time a 10-minute walk out to your gate so you are not stranded at the far end with no services.