Lois Larson
Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is a busy 24-hour airport that experiences frequent flight cancellations and delays due to winter weather. The airport offers limited sleeping mats and blankets for stranded passengers during mass cancellations, but these cannot be reserved in advance. Travellers can also utilise free resting zones, such as the mezzanine level of Terminal 1, which has carpeted floors and seats without armrests. Additionally, there are various nearby hotels, including the InterContinental Minneapolis Airport, which offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping mats | Available in limited supply at the airline's request during mass cancellations. |
| Sleeping blankets | Provided by the airport during mass cancellations. |
| Charging stations | Samsung Power Pole charging stations are available for free mobile device charging. |
| Power outlets | Widely available near food outlets and concourses. |
| WiFi | Free unlimited WiFi is available at the airport. |
| Dining | Most dining establishments within the secure area are open during evening hours, and some may stay open late. Outside the secure area, vending machines provide packaged and fresh food. |
| Nearby hotels | Intercontinental Minneapolis Airport is located on airport property and offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. Other nearby hotels also provide free airport shuttles. |
| Transportation | The light-rail transit (LRT) service between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 operates 24 hours a day. LRT service to downtown Minneapolis is available from 4 am to 1 am. |
| Security | You may not be able to get through security until 4-6 hours before your departure time. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping mats and blankets are provided by the airport
Minneapolis Airport experiences a high number of flight cancellations due to winter snow storms, which means the airport is accustomed to accommodating stranded passengers. In the event of mass cancellations, the airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets for passengers who do not wish to book a hotel room. These mats are distributed at the request of the airline when local hotels are full or near capacity.
Sleeping mats are available at Terminal 1 Airport Mall, Concourse C16, near Gates G9, and the entrance to Concourse E. At Terminal 2, passengers can contact their airlines to request mats. It is important to note that these mats cannot be reserved in advance and are specifically intended for use during mass cancellations.
Passengers can also take advantage of the airport's other amenities to enhance their comfort during their stay. Free unlimited WiFi is available, and most dining and shopping establishments in the secure area remain open during evening hours, with some locations remaining open later depending on the situation. Outside the secure area, vending machines provide packaged and fresh food options. Additionally, passengers can utilize the Samsung Power Pole charging stations, which offer free mobile device charging throughout the airside areas of Terminals 1 and 2.
If you are considering sleeping in the airport, it is recommended to take necessary precautions to secure your belongings, as theft can occur even when sleeping in the rest zones. Earplugs or headphones are also suggested due to the airport's busy nature and high traffic volume.
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Sleeping in the public area
Minneapolis Airport is open 24 hours and experiences a fair share of winter snow storms, which cause delays and cancellations between November and March. The airport staff tolerates sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. Sleeping mats and blankets are provided by the airport for stranded passengers, but these cannot be reserved in advance. To access them, inquire with your airline or an airport employee, or use a courtesy phone. Sleeping mats are distributed in the following areas: Terminal 1 Airport Mall, Airside Airport Mall, Airside Concourse C near C16, Airside near Gates G9, and Airside entrance to Concourse E. Terminal 2 passengers can contact their airlines to request mats.
If you plan to sleep in the public area, the observation deck in Terminal 2 is quieter, and there are massage chairs throughout the airport. The mezzanine level of Terminal 1 has two lounges with carpeted floors and seats without armrests. The C concourse is also recommended for sleeping, with lots of couches, and it's dark and quiet overnight. The airport provides free unlimited WiFi, and power outlets can be found near food courts in Terminals 1 and 2.
If you prefer more comfort, there are hotels on airport grounds and nearby that provide free airport shuttles. The InterContinental Minneapolis Airport is connected to Terminal 1 and offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service for both terminals. The hotel features a full gym with showers that non-guests can access by purchasing an access pass. There are also several hotels near the airport that provide courtesy vans.
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Nearby hotels and shuttles
Minneapolis Airport experiences a fair number of flight cancellations due to winter weather. During mass cancellations, the airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets for stranded passengers. However, if you prefer the comfort of a hotel, there are several options near the airport that provide free shuttle services.
The InterContinental Minneapolis Airport, located on airport property, offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The hotel also features a full gym, which non-guests can access by purchasing an access pass.
Other nearby hotels with shuttle services include:
- Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites - Traveler rating: 4.3/5
- Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area - Traveler rating: 4.6/5
- Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast - Traveler rating: 4.1/5
If you're looking for a more suburban experience, Eagan offers good access to major freeways and attractions like Minnehaha Park. Bloomington is another great option, providing easy access to the Mall of America and MSP Airport, with many hotels in the area providing shuttle services.
When choosing a hotel, always confirm the availability and cost of shuttle services before arriving at the airport. Additionally, check the shuttle schedules to ensure they align with your travel plans, especially for late or early flights.
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Food and shopping options
Minneapolis Airport, or MSP Airport, has a range of food and shopping options for travellers. Most dining and shopping establishments in the secure area are open during the evening, and some may stay open later depending on the situation. Outside the secure area, vending machines provide packaged and fresh food.
The airport is conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Mall of America via light rail, which offers a wider variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The light rail also connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis.
For those seeking a pharmacy, Walgreen's at 4547 Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis is accessible via the 46th and Hiawatha Light Rail stop and is open 24 hours.
Within the airport, free unlimited WiFi is available, and charging stations and power outlets can be found throughout the terminals.
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Charging stations and Wi-Fi
Minneapolis Airport (MSP) has numerous charging stations and free Wi-Fi available throughout its terminals. Samsung Power Pole charging stations offer free mobile device charging throughout the airside areas of Terminals 1 and 2. Power Seating, which provides flat surfaces, power outlets, and seating, can be found near food outlets at the main mall and Concourses A, C, E, F, and G Concourse. In Terminal 2, Power Seating is available in the Southwest Airlines gated areas and at the Service Center opposite Gate H3. Charging outlets can also be found near the food courts in Terminals 1 and 2.
The airport also offers free unlimited WiFi. To connect, open your device's WiFi settings and select "MSP Free Wi-Fi" from the list of available networks. Launch your web browser and accept the terms and conditions, then click "Connect" to access the internet. Please note that the SSID is subject to change, so it's a good idea to verify the network name upon arrival.
When using any public WiFi, it's important to protect your personal information. Avoid accessing sensitive information or making transactions while connected to the airport's WiFi. If you encounter issues connecting to the "MSP Free Wi-Fi" network, additional WiFi services may be available within airline lounges.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Minneapolis Airport is open 24 hours and has free resting zones. However, due to the noise, it is recommended that you use earplugs or headphones if you plan to sleep there.
The airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets to stranded passengers when there are mass cancellations. These cannot be reserved in advance.
There are massage chairs distributed throughout the airport. The mezzanine level of Terminal 1 has two lounges with carpeted floors and seats without armrests. The C concourse also has padded benches and is described as a "comfy" place to sleep.
Yes, there is a hotel connected to Terminal 1, which can be accessed via a skyway link on Concourse C near Gate C25. There are also several other hotels nearby that provide free airport shuttles.
