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Access changes coming to Terminal 1-Lindbergh

To ensure MSP is as secure as possible, the Airport Police Department (APD) is reducing access through doors between public places and the secure area of Terminal 1, effective July 13.

On that date, most MSP workers will no longer have access to four doors between Terminal 1’s public Ticketing and Bag Claim facilities and the secure side of the terminal: doors LT-2ST30B and LT-2273A near airline counters on the Ticketing level, LT-1061B on Baggage Claim level, and LT-1ST04 which leads to the stairwell located near baggage carousels 2 and 3. Instead, workers will need to use the new security door at Portal 4 (formerly Security Checkpoint 4) on the Ticketing level.

These changes are part of an effort that began several months ago to restrict the number of access points to secure areas and will not impact employees who currently must be screened at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.

“The employee portal door will be used only by those employees who currently use terminal doors to access the sterile area,” said Craig Olson, APD lieutenant and airport security coordinator. “Employees who are currently screened at TSA checkpoints will continue to be screened at the checkpoints.”

Random inspections will occur at Portal 4 and could involve bag inspections, personal searches or the use of a metal detector. Employees shouldn’t encounter issues with bringing liquids or lunches through the new portal. Necessary “tools of the trade” also will be allowed, as they are today. Because of the less extensive screening process, this access point is designated for work purposes only. If traveling, employees must be screened by TSA officers at one of the standard checkpoints.

Additionally, Portal 4 is for entering the secure area only. To exit, the APD recommends using the general exit lane from the Airport Mall (formerly known as Checkpoint 3 or the employee checkpoint) or the escalators or elevators from Ticketing to Bag Claim.

Employees who currently use the freight elevator near Carousel 4 on the Bag Claim level (Door LT-1061B) should begin using the Ticketing Level Portal 4 on July 13 to bring larger items from pre-security to the secure area. All items will be subject to search.

“The (portal) door will feature an auto-opener function to hold the door open for carts, dollies and other large items,” said Craig.

The changes will not impact existing emergency evacuation plans and are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

If you have questions or concerns about your access, contact Steve Nix, APD regulatory compliance administrator, at steve.nix@mspmac.org or 612-467-0929.