MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL—Whether you are flying home to be with family, meeting the future in-laws or just getting away for a few days, be sure to get to the airport early this week for your flight. While the number of travelers this year will be only slightly higher than last, it’s always a good idea during the holidays to plan ahead and arrive early at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
“Travelers departing Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this holiday season should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their departure,” said Jeff Hamiel, executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “Mornings can be especially busy.”
If you haven’t flown in a while, plan ahead and read the following tips for a smooth journey.
Security screening:
- Be sure to take your 1-quart size bag of liquids out of your carry-on luggage to be screened separately.
- The security checkpoint closest to where you check in isn’t always the best option. Consider using Checkpoint 6 – the checkpoint with the most queuing capacity - in the ticketing lobby at Terminal 1-Lindbergh, even if your departure gate is on the A, B, C, D or E concourse.
New at MSP:
- Taco Bell is now serving all your favorites in the Airport Mall Food Court at Terminal 1.
- Pei Wei Asian Diner, located on Concourse C near gate C2, is now open offering inspired flavors from five Asian cultures.
- La Tapenade Mediterranean Café, located on Concourse F near gate F6, is an all-day café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fun stuff:
- More than 170 art pieces are on display at Terminal 1-Lindbergh Concourse C as part of the second annual MSP Airport Employee Art Exhibit, co-sponsored by the National Arts Foundation and the MSP Arts and Culture Committee.
- A costumed character will read to children near the Red Balloon Bookshop across from Gate C12 on Nov. 22 and 23 on the hour and half-hour between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Pick up an Eat, Shop, Relax coupon book for savings throughout the airport during November and December. Available at all directory kiosks and information booths.
- Enjoy live musical performances, now through the end of the year, every Wednesday and Friday through a partnership with McNally Smith College of Music and the MSP Arts and Culture Program.
There is usually ample parking capacity at both terminals during the holidays. However, cost-conscious travelers can save $4 per day by parking in the MSP Value Parking ramp at Terminal 2-Humphrey. The ramp is directly adjacent to light rail, which people can ride free between MSP terminals.
And if you are traveling on Thanksgiving or simply have a hankering for a hot turkey meal, you’re in luck. Ike’s Food and Cocktails in the Airport Mall or Itasca Grille on Concourse A can satisfy your craving.
For more information about airport amenities, including full-service restaurant menus, airport accessibility and family services visit www.mspairport.com. Also, MSP Airport customer service representatives are available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day by calling 612-726-5555.
