MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL— If you will be flying out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this week, be sure to get to the airport early. 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).
MSP Airport recommends arriving at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours prior for international flights. This should allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and getting to your gate. Security lines have been particularly long during the early morning and late afternoon hours at Terminal 2-Humphrey, due to checkpoint construction and record high passenger numbers.
If you haven’t flown in a while, take note of the following tips for a smooth journey.
Security screening:
- Remember the Transportation Security Administration’s 3–1–1 rule for non-exempt liquids in carry-on bags: you can only have 3-ounce bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols; they should be placed in a 1-quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; only one such bag is allowed per passenger. Be sure to take your quart-sized bag of liquids out of your carry-on bags to be screened separately.
- If you are a Delta Air Lines customer flying out of gates C10 through C27, G14 through G22 or Concourses A or B, check your bags at the Delta counter on Level T and take the tram to Checkpoint 10 located midway on the C/G Concourse Connector Bridge, avoiding the crowds in the Ticketing lobby.
Other helpful tips:
- Know your airline’s luggage weight and size restrictions.
- Save time at the airport: print your boarding pass at home.
Fun stuff:
- More than 200 works of art are on display at Terminal 1-Lindbergh’s Concourse C gallery as part of the third annual MSP Airport Employee and Family Art Exhibit, co-sponsored by the National Arts Program and the MSP Arts & Culture Program.
- A costumed character will read to children near the Red Balloon Bookshop across from Gate C12 on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 20 and 21 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the hour and half-hour.
- Pick up a FREE Eat, Shop, Relax coupon book for savings throughout the airport during November and December, available at all directory kiosks and information booths.
- Internet service is now free at MSP, so if you have time to kill at your gate, power up, log on and enjoy.
There is ample parking at both terminals during the holidays. However, cost-conscious travelers can save $6 per day, compared with general parking at Terminal 1-Lindbergh, by parking in MSP Value Parking at Terminal 2-Humphrey. The ramp is directly adjacent to light rail, which passengers can ride for free between 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 & 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 or download MSP’s official mobile app, FlySmart. Also, MSP Airport customer information associates are available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day – including holidays - by calling 612-726-5555 or dialing 201 from any Airport Assistance telephone.
