Lois Larson
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are about 3 miles apart and connected by roadway or light rail. Terminal 2 has two security checkpoints located on Level 2, near the Orange and Purple Parking Ramp skyways. The Ticketing Lobby, where passengers can purchase tickets, obtain boarding passes, and check their luggage, is located on Level 1 of Terminal 2. Level 2 of the Purple Ramp also has an Express Drop-off/Pick-up area, providing a climate-controlled alternative to the main roadway.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level 2 exit | Express drop-off/pick-up area |
| Security checkpoints | |
| Ticketing and check-in | |
| Level 1 | Baggage claim |
| Ticketing and check-in (Terminal 2) | |
| Arrivals (Terminal 1) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Terminal 2 security checkpoints
Terminal 2 at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has two security checkpoints located on Level 2. One is near the Orange Parking Ramp skyway, and the other is near the Purple Parking Ramp skyway. At least one of these checkpoints will be open from 4 a.m. until the last scheduled departure of the day, and both are closed between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Passengers can reserve a time at the security checkpoint for free through the MSP RESERVE program. This program has its own dedicated lane at the TSA checkpoints, reducing wait times for those who participate.
The Ticketing Lobby at Terminal 2 is located on Level 1, where passengers can purchase tickets, obtain boarding passes, and check their luggage. The light rail station is located in the parking building, with a walkway connecting to the terminal. The station is on the north side of the Orange Ramp. From Level 1, passengers can take the elevator or escalator up to the Orange Ramp skyway, follow the signs to the LRT station, and then take the elevators or escalators down one level to the station platform. The light rail is fully accessible, and the METRO Blue Line operates every 15-30 minutes from approximately 3:30 a.m. to midnight (southbound) seven days a week.
The Purple Ramp at Level 2 also has an Express Drop-off/Pick-up area, providing a free, climate-controlled alternative to the main roadway. Vehicles entering the Express Drop-off/Pick-up area have the option to enter the Hourly Parking area if they need to wait or leave their vehicle.
For those who are eligible for TSA PreCheck screening, look for PreCheck lanes at open checkpoints. TSA PreCheck passengers may usually leave their shoes on, keep compliant liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags, leave laptops in their bag, keep their belts on, and continue to wear light outerwear.
Destination Stickers: Airport Availability and Beyond
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ticketing and baggage claim
At MSP Airport, the ticketing and baggage claim areas vary between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
In Terminal 1, the check-in and bag check services are located in the Ticketing Lobby on Level 2, which is one level above the Baggage Claim area. The Global Entry interview area is also located in Terminal 1, near baggage carousel #11 on the baggage claim level.
In Terminal 2, passengers can purchase tickets, obtain boarding passes, and check their luggage in the Ticketing Lobby on Level 1. Security checkpoints for Terminal 2 are located on Level 2, with one near the Orange Parking Ramp skyway and another near the Purple Ramp skyway. At least one of these checkpoints is open from 4 am until the last scheduled flight of the day, and both checkpoints are closed between 10 pm and 4 am.
Passengers at MSP Airport can take advantage of the MSP RESERVE program, which allows them to reserve a time at the security checkpoint for free. This program is available at both terminals and provides expedited access to security processing.
Airport Metal Detectors: What to Know Before You Go
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport options
MSP Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with different airlines operating out of each. Both terminals offer a range of transport options for arriving and departing passengers.
Terminal 1
If you are arriving by car, Terminal 1 offers covered parking with several parking ramp options to choose from. Some are better for picking up and dropping off, while others are suitable for longer-term parking. Check out your options for pricing and convenience before arriving.
For those not arriving by car, Terminal 1 offers many public transportation options. Shuttle buses, taxis, and limousines are available one level up from Level T in the Ground Transport Center. Additionally, Metro Transit bus route #54 is accessible from the Transit Center located on Level 1 of the Silver Ramp and complies with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 also provides covered parking with two parking ramp options: Hourly for short-term stays and Value for leaving your car for a day or more.
Like Terminal 1, Terminal 2 offers various public transportation options. Shuttle buses, taxis, and limousines are accessible from the Ground Transport Center. Additionally, a complimentary shuttle service is available for passengers with mobility challenges, special needs, or young children. This service operates every 20 minutes from 6 am to 10 pm between Level 1 of the Purple Ramp and the Intercontinental Hotel, with on-demand service outside these hours.
Express Drop-off/Pick-up
Both terminals offer a free, climate-controlled Express Drop-off/Pick-up area on Level 2 of the Purple Ramp. This area provides a convenient alternative to the main roadway, and vehicles have the option to enter the Hourly Parking area if needed. Motorists are encouraged to use the complimentary cell phone waiting lots located on Post Road between the terminals to avoid circling the airport roadways.
Schiphol Airport: A Good Place for Sleep?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Parking
MSP Airport has two terminals with parking available at both. The airport offers a range of parking options, including hourly, daily, and value parking, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.
Terminal 1 Parking
Terminal 1 offers covered parking in several parking ramps, including the Silver, Green, and Gold Ramps. The Silver Ramp is best for long stays, while the Gold Ramp is recommended for visits shorter than four hours. The Green and Gold Ramps are connected to Terminal 1 via enclosed skyways on Level 3. The Silver Ramp can be accessed via skyway (Level 3) or a brief tram ride (Level T). The Blue, Red, Pink, and Brown Parking Ramps are connected to Terminal 1 via Level T.
Terminal 2 Parking
Terminal 2 also has covered parking available in two parking ramps: the Orange and Purple Ramps. These are designated as hourly and value parking, respectively. The Orange and Purple Ramps are connected to Terminal 1 via a free light rail service.
General Parking Information
Pick-up and Drop-off
For those picking up or dropping off passengers, MSP Airport offers an Express Drop-off/Pick-up area on Level 2 of the Purple Ramp. This area provides a free, climate-controlled alternative to the main roadway. Vehicles can also enter the Hourly Parking area if needed. Strict federal security directives prohibit parked or unattended vehicles on the roadways in front of the terminals, so it is important to ensure that passengers are already waiting outside the terminal before pulling up to the curb. Motorists can also wait in the complimentary cell phone waiting lots located on Post Road between the terminals.
Dublin Airport: Can You Exchange Irish Pounds to Sterling?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
MSP Reserve
MSP Airport, also known as Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Both terminals have different airlines operating out of each. Terminal 2 is about 3 miles from Terminal 1 and can only be accessed via roadway or light rail.
MSP Airport offers a program called MSP Reserve, which allows passengers to reserve a time at the security checkpoint for free. This program has its own dedicated lane at the TSA checkpoints, reducing wait times for participating passengers. Reservations can be made up to seven days before your flight, and are available 240 to 60 minutes before the scheduled flight time.
At Terminal 1, MSP Reserve is available daily from 3:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the North Security Checkpoint. At Terminal 2, it is available daily from 3:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Checkpoint 2.
Passengers can access the MSP Reserve program by scanning a QR code with their smartphone at key locations in the airport or by booking on the MSP Reserve page. A brief grace period is provided before and after the scheduled reservation time, and passengers can try to reschedule by accessing their booking in the confirmation email.
Other services at MSP Airport include covered parking, top-tier dining and shopping, rental car counters, and a cell phone waiting lot with free parking for those picking up passengers.
Accessing Airport Gates: Ticketless Entry Explored
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exit MSP Airport at Level 2. Level 2 is the Ticketing Level, where you can also find security checkpoints and the Express Drop-off/Pick-up area.
The Express Drop-off/Pick-up area is a free, climate-controlled alternative to the main roadway, located on Level 2 of the Purple Ramp. It provides a convenient option for those dropping off or picking up passengers, as vehicles can enter the Hourly Parking area if needed.
To get to the light rail station from Level 2, you can take the elevator or escalator up to the Orange Ramp skyway on Level 3. Follow the signs to the LRT station, and then take the elevators or escalators down one level to the station platform.
