The spring break travel season will bring big crowds to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, but navigating the crush doesn’t have to be a blood pressure-raising experience. Here are a few ways to get your trip off to a calmer start while getting to your flight on time.
Flying out of MSP for spring break? Here are tips for travelers.
As many as 48,000 passengers will pass through TSA checkpoints on Thursday and Friday, airport officials said.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
March 21, 2024 at 3:17PM
Weather
That trip to a warmer climate might be delayed — but hopefully not canceled — as a pair of snowstorms could impact operations at the airport. Travelers should check with their airlines to keep up with their flight status. The same goes for those picking up arriving travelers.
Traffic
Expect congestion on roads leading to the terminals. At Terminal 1, consider dropping off passengers on the east side/parking ramp side of the road, which runs in front of the main terminal. It’s often less crowded than the road immediately adjacent to the terminal. Passengers can use a skyway to access the ticketing lobby.
When picking up arriving passengers, help reduce congestion at curbside pickup zones by waiting in the airport’s cell phone lots on nearby Post Road. There are 140 spaces allowing drivers to wait until travelers have their bags and are ready for pickup.
Parking
Parking ramps will be jammed full, so “prebook, park and be on your way,” the airport’s website reads. Travelers can reserve a parking spot guaranteeing themselves a spot at the lowest daily rate. Bookings must be completed at least 12 hours before arriving at the airport.
On Thursday morning, the ramps connected to Terminal 1 were 80% full and Terminal 2 was 72% full, per the airport’s website.
Reservations are required to use the airport’s Quick Ride Ramp, an on-site value-priced lot with a shuttle taking passengers to the terminal.
Transit options
Metro Transit and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority serve the MSP Airport with service most hours of the day. Uber and Lyft, taxis, and airport shuttles operate out of Level 1 of Green/Gold Ramp, directly across from Terminal 1.
Entering security lines
Just as airlines celebrate early arrivals, passengers should follow their lead. The number of travelers passing through TSA checkpoints is up 10% in March compared to last year. The airport expects to screen 48,000 people on Thursday and Friday. The busiest day will be April 4, airport officials said.
For the shortest waits, check electronic message boards on both ends of the Terminal 1 lobby, which display how long it will take to pass through the north or south checkpoints. Travelers can use either checkpoint, but the north checkpoint has more lanes and often has shorter waits. The airport also lists wait times on its website.
In Terminal 2, passengers can skip the line and reserve a time to pass through security. There is no charge to use the airport’s MSP Reserve program. Appointments are available from 3:45-8 a.m. and from noon to 4 p.m. daily, but availability is limited.
While in line
Screening can be seamless and quicker if passengers follow instructions. That includes having an ID ready for the TSA agent. Be prepared to remove electronic devices larger than a cellphone from carry-on bags. Place liquids, gels and aerosols 3.4 ounces or smaller in a plastic bag. Place larger containers in checked baggage, or they will be confiscated. See the rules here.
The governor said it may be 2027 or 2028 by the time the market catches up to demand.
