Owais Crawford
Spending the night in an airport can be risky, especially if you're alone. However, if you're considering spending the night in the Minneapolis Airport, there are a few things you should know. Both terminals at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport are relatively accommodating to sleepers, with Terminal 2 experiencing less foot traffic and being calmer at night. If you're inside the airside zones, you can stay overnight, but security may not permit you to stay the night before an early morning flight. The airport offers free unlimited WiFi, and there is a hotel on airport grounds, as well as nearby hotels with free airport shuttles. If you have the necessary visa, you may also leave the airport to stay at a hotel for the night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Generally considered safe, but there are inherent risks when sleeping in any airport. |
| Security Staff Tolerance | Staff are tolerant of sleepers during mass delays or cancellations. |
| Terminal 1 | Busier and noisier, but has many quiet spots for floor sleeping. |
| Terminal 2 | Less foot traffic and calmer at night. |
| Amenities | Free unlimited WiFi, seating with armrests, and a 24-hour pharmacy nearby. |
| Re-entry | Requires a boarding pass issued within 24 hours and a photo ID at security checkpoints. |
| Nearby Accommodations | Hotels near the airport and Mall of America. |
| On-site Accommodations | InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel with skybridge access from Terminal 1. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in Minneapolis Airport is tolerated, especially during mass delays or cancellations
Spending the night in the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport is possible, and airport staff seem to tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. The airport is open 24 hours, with most services concentrated within Terminal 1, which is larger and busier than Terminal 2. If you're inside the airside zones, you can stay overnight, but security staff may not allow you through if you have an early-morning flight. In that case, you may have to remain in the landside/public zones.
There are several spots in the airport where you can get some rest. Terminal 1 has two designated quiet areas with comfortable seats without armrests on the Mezzanine Level, Level 3. Gates A13-14 and B13 in Terminal 1 may be quieter, especially at night. The observation deck in Terminal 1 also offers some peace and quiet. Terminal 2 is generally quieter, with less foot traffic, especially at night.
The airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats for passenger use at both terminals. These mats are distributed at an airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity. However, they are specifically used during mass cancellations and not if you choose to stay in the airport before your flight. In the event of mass cancellations, airport staff may also provide mattresses and blankets, so it's best to check with your airline.
If you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are hotels near the airport that provide complimentary shuttle services, including the onsite InterContinental Minneapolis Airport Hotel, which offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals. Other nearby hotels include the Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport South, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport.
It's important to note that if you exit the airport's secure area and wish to re-enter, you'll need a boarding pass issued within the last 24 hours and a government-issued photo ID. At Terminal 1, one checkpoint on the Ticketing Level is always open 24 hours. At Terminal 2, both checkpoints are closed between 10 pm and 3:30 am, so you won't be able to re-enter during those hours.
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There are quiet spots in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Minneapolis Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey). T1 is the primary terminal, with seven concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) serving most airlines. T2 has only one concourse (H), primarily for low-cost airlines. Both terminals are friendly to airport sleepers, but T1 is busier and noisier. There is plenty of seating throughout the airport, but many seats have armrests.
There are quiet spots in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is large, so there are many nooks and crannies that offer some quieter floor sleeping spots. In Terminal 1, there are two designated quiet areas with comfortable seats without armrests. These can be found airside on the Mezzanine Level, Level 3. Gates A13-14 and B13 in Terminal 1 may also be quieter, especially at night. The observation deck in Concourse D and Concourse E in Terminal 1 may also offer some peace and quiet. There are benches without armrests spread throughout Concourse E.
In general, Terminal 2 has less foot traffic, especially at night, so it tends to be calmer. Finding a peaceful and relaxing spot for the night is easier in T2. However, if you exit security in Terminal 2 between 10 pm and 3:30 am, you will not be able to re-enter until a checkpoint reopens.
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There are sleeping mats available in certain circumstances
Spending the night in Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) is possible, and airport staff seem to tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. However, it is important to note that spending the night in any airport can come with certain risks, and there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, if you exit the secure area of the airport, you will need a boarding pass issued within the last 24 hours and a government-issued photo ID to re-enter. At Terminal 1, there is always a checkpoint open 24 hours a day, but at Terminal 2, both checkpoints are closed between 10 pm and 3:30 am, so you may not be able to re-enter during those hours.
Secondly, while there are some designated quiet areas and comfortable seats without armrests, the airport can still be busy and noisy, especially Terminal 1. Terminal 2 generally has less foot traffic and is calmer, so it may be a better option for finding a quieter spot to sleep. Additionally, the observation deck in Terminal 1 and the massage chairs throughout the airport can provide some relaxation.
Now, in certain circumstances, the airport does provide sleeping mats for passengers. These mats are distributed at an airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity. They are specifically used during mass cancellations and cannot be reserved in advance. At Terminal 1, mats are available near gates G9 and the entrance to Concourse E, while passengers at Terminal 2 can contact their airlines to request mats.
If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are hotels near the airport that provide courtesy vans or shuttles, including the onsite InterContinental Minneapolis Airport Hotel, which offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. However, these options will come with additional costs.
Overall, while it is possible to spend the night at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and there are sleeping mats available in certain circumstances, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, the varying levels of comfort, and the availability of alternative accommodation options.
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There are hotels on airport grounds, as well as nearby
Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is open 24 hours and is considered a reasonably safe airport to spend the night in. Airport staff tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations, and there are plenty of spots to rest. However, if you're inside the airside zones, security staff may not allow you through the night before an early-morning flight, in which case you may have to remain in the landside/public zones.
If you'd prefer more comfort, there are hotels on airport grounds, as well as several nearby. The InterContinental Minneapolis Airport Hotel is located on airport property and offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals. The hotel also offers a full gym, which can be accessed by non-guests for a fee.
There are also several other hotels near the airport that provide courtesy vans or shuttle services. These include:
- Hilton Minneapolis-St Paul Airport (2.6 km/1.6 miles)
- Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport South (2.7 km/1.7 miles)
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport (2.7 km/1.7 miles)
- SpringHill Suites Minneapolis-St
- Many hotels in Bloomington
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There are free 4-hour Wi-Fi sessions
If you're spending the night at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, you can take advantage of the free 4-hour Wi-Fi sessions available. The airport also offers other 24-hour services, including ATMs, business centres, quiet rooms, children's play areas, baby changing facilities, and pet relief areas.
When it comes to finding a comfortable place to rest, there are a few options within the airport. Both terminals are sleeper-friendly, but Terminal 1 tends to be busier and noisier. If you're looking for a quieter spot, Terminal 2 generally has less foot traffic, especially at night. There are designated quiet areas in Terminal 1 on the Mezzanine Level, Level 3, and near Gates A13-14 and B13. The observation deck in Terminal 1 and the Concourse E in Terminal 2 may also offer some peace and quiet. Additionally, pay massage chairs are located throughout the airport, providing another option for relaxation.
If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are hotels near the airport that provide complimentary shuttle services. These include the Intercontinental Minneapolis Airport Hotel, which is located on airport property and offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals. Other nearby hotels include the Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport South, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, and SpringHill Suites Minneapolis.
It's important to note that spending the night in the secure area of the airport may depend on various factors. Airport staff may be more tolerant during mass delays or cancellations, providing sleeping mats in such cases. However, if you're planning to spend the night before an early morning flight, security staff may not allow you through. In that case, you may have to remain in the landside or public zones. It's always a good idea to check with airport staff or security personnel for the latest information and advice on spending the night in the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Spending the night in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone. However, the Minneapolis Airport is considered reasonably safe. It's a good idea to locate the security office and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest spots.
Both terminals at Minneapolis Airport are sleeper-friendly. Terminal 1 is larger and busier, so it has more nooks and crannies that offer quieter floor sleeping spots. Terminal 2 has less foot traffic, so it tends to be calmer. If you're inside the airside zones, you can stay overnight, but security may not allow you through the night before an early-morning flight.
Yes, there are several hotels near the Minneapolis Airport. The InterContinental Minneapolis: St. Paul Airport Hotel is directly connected to Terminal 1, with skybridge access from Gate C25 and a 24-hour shuttle to both terminals. There are also hotels near the Mall of America that are accessible via the light rail.
