Travel Tips
When to Arrive

All airlines strongly encourage passengers to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time (Allegiant recommends 120 minutes). At FWA the airline ticket counters close 45 minutes prior to departure to allow staff to assist with the flight. Please check with your airline before departing for the Airport to ensure there are no additional delays.

Frequent Travelers Should Apply for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a program through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create a more efficient, expedited screening process for qualified travelers. Keep your shoes, jacket and belt on; your laptop in its case; 3-1-1 compliant liquids in your bag; and enjoy a better overall travel experience. TSA PreCheck allows low-risk travelers to experience faster, more efficient screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel.

https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

Acceptable Forms of ID

Make sure to bring a valid picture ID with you. You will need it when you check-in at the ticket counter and when you go through the security checkpoint. For a listing of acceptable forms of ID, visit http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids

Beginning May 7, 2025 ALL travelers will need a Real ID - REAL ID | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

Traveling with Children

Minor children (younger than 18 years of age) are not required to provide an ID at the airport ticket counter or the security checkpoint if traveling domestically in the United States. Some airlines may ask to see proof of age, however, if a child is traveling unaccompanied or if a child will be sitting on an adult's lap. Please consult with your airline regarding the specific rules for unaccompanied minors and their policies regarding identification for minors.

Packing your Carry-on Bag

Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers - a layer of clothes, then electronics, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help security officers see what's in your bag and help you get through screening faster.

Keep toiletries, medication, and any food items separate - as they may require additional screening.

What to Wear

Wear shoes that can be easily removed. You will have to take your shoes off at the security checkpoint (unless you have TSA PreCheck). Wear comfortable layers that can easily be added and removed for security screening, as well as for spending long periods of time in the airport and on the aircraft.

Carry-on Restrictions and the 3-1-1 Rule

Limit your carry-on items to one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a laptop computer, briefcase, purse, or camera case. Check with your airline for size restrictions and other rules.

Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-ons:

  • 3.4 ounces or less bottles for liquids (Due to Covid, bottles of hand sanitizer up to 12oz are allowed)
  • All bottles placed in 1 quart-sized clear, plastic, zip-top bag
  • 1 bag per passenger

ADDITONAL INFORMATION

The FAA has established a website entitled PackSafe. The website is an excellent resource to educate the flying public about hazardous materials. The website illustrates an array of dangerous items passengers may or may not carry in their checked and carry-on luggage. Click here: FAA PackSafe website.

FAQs
Where can I fly to non-stop from Fort Wayne?

You can get to ANY destination from Fort Wayne International Airport through a connecting hub. Below are the nonstop destinations serviced from FWA:

  • Atlanta (ATL)
  • Charlotte (CLT)
  • Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
  • Las Vegas (LAS)
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)
  • Myrtle Beach (MYR) - seasonally
  • Orlando/Sanford (SFB)
  • Phoenix/Mesa, AZ (AZA)
  • Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, FL (PGD)
  • Sarasota (SRQ)
  • Tampa/St. Petersburg (PIE)
When I have a question about my airline reservation, who should I call?

There are no local numbers for the airlines here at FWA. If you have a question about your reservation, luggage, fees, etc., please contact the customer service number of the airline you are flying:

  • American: 1-800-433-7300
  • Delta: 1-800-221-1212
  • United: 1-800-241-6522
  • Allegiant: 1-702-505-8888
I have a disability. What type of arrangements should I make for my trip?

If you need wheelchair assistance, please notify your airline ahead of time to assist you with luggage and a wheelchair for you if needed.

How can I check the status of my flight?

You can check the status of a flight the day you are traveling by checking our flight tracker on our website. You can also visit the website of the airline you are flying with for flight status information. You will not be able to check your flight status before your day of travel.

What size carry-on luggage can I take on my flight?

Carry-on bags should measure approximately 22" x 14" x 9" and should weigh no more than 30 pounds. In genera, your carry-on needs to be able to fit in the overhead compartment of the aircraft and/or under your seat. Passengers are limited to one carry-on plus one personal item (such as a purse, backpack, or laptop bag).

What is TSA PreCheck? How do I apply?

TSA PreCheck is a program through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create a more efficient, expedited screening process for qualified travelers. Keep your shoes, jacket and belt on; your laptop in its case; 3-1-1 compliant liquids in your bag; and enjoy a better overall travel experience. TSA PreCheck allows low-risk travelers to experience faster, more efficient screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel.

What items are restricted through the TSA security checkpoint?

For the safety and security of the traveling public, certain items are prohibited from being brought onto airplanes in carry-on and/or checked bags. To help you plan ahead and avoid the potential of additional screening, be sure to check out the prohibited items list from the TSA and pack accordingly.

Keep in mind that gels, liquids, and aerosols packed in carry-on luggage must be limited in quantity and follow the 3-1-1 rule - 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The 3-1-1 rule is applicable for carry-on luggage only. There is no limit to the quantity of liquids in checked luggage. Visit the TSA website for more information about the 3-1-1 rule. Due to COVID-19, TSA is currently allowing liquid hand sanitizer up to 12oz in carry-on bags.

ADDITONAL INFORMATION

The FAA has established a website entitled PackSafe. The website is an excellent resource to educate the flying public about hazardous materials. The website illustrates an array of dangerous items passengers may or may not carry in their checked and carry-on luggage. Click here: FAA PackSafe website.

How much does it cost to check my luggage?

Each airline sets the price for checked bag fees, and fees may vary based on the weight, size, and number of bags. Contact the airline you are flying for the most up-to-date baggage fees. You may also reference this chart from SmarterTravel.com for a cost estimate.

*Prices are subject to change at any time.

Where can I find foreign currency exchange before my trip?

If you would like to order foreign currency before you leave the U.S., please contact a local Fort Wayne credit union or bank to inquire about this service.

We recommend that international travelers exchange their foreign currency back into U. S. dollars before returning to the United States. If you need to exchange currency after returning to the U.S. you can do so at major airports like Chicago O’Hare, Dallas, Detroit, or Atlanta. These airports all have foreign currency exchange in their terminals.

Can I be dropped off or picked up at the curb?

Yes, but for security reasons someone must remain with the car at all times while it is parked next to the terminal. If your driver would like to assist you inside, they may park in the short or long term parking lots for 30 minutes at no charge.

Due to construction currently occurring on and around the exterior of the terminal building and the terminal drive, the terminal drive and curb front has temporarily been relocated. Because of this, those coming to pick up passengers are asked to wait in the Cell Phone Lot until their passenger has landed and then proceed to the pick-up area.

Where can I park at the airport? How much does it cost?

FWA has three parking options - Short Term, Long Term or Economy Parking Lots. All lots are now pay by credit card ONLY. For a map and for costs, see our Parking page.

Where can I eat and shop at the airport?

Chapmans Brewing Company and Conjure Coffee are available on the post-security side of the airport and offer a full bar and menu options - both are available landside for order without full-service. For additional information about dining options at FWA, please contact MSE Branded Foods at 260-747-4189.

Hours of Operation:

Chapmans Brewing Company 5:00 a.m. - last outbound flight of the day

Conjure Coffee 5:00 a.m. - last outbound flight of the day


The gift shop at FWA is available post-security only and has a wide variety of travel products and gift items. The gift shop also features local gifts and local favorite, DeBrand Fine Chocolates. You can also visit the Fort Wayne Marketplace Express on the upper concourse near Gate 5, which features a small assortment of food, beverages, gifts and other travel items.

Is the airport hiring?

The Airport Authority always accepts applications for positions in administration, customer service, maintenance, operations, and public safety. For current job openings with the Airport Authority, visit our Employment page.

If you are looking for employment with the airlines, TSA, gift shop, restaurant, car rental agencies, etc., you will need to visit each company and complete their application(s). The Airport Authority does not track which of the airport tenants are hiring and each company has its own procedures.

Are there Covid-19 restrictions on travel from FWA?

Find specific Covid restrictions and requirements for your destination here.