Lois Larson
Spending the night at the Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport (MSP) is possible, with the airport providing a limited supply of sleeping mats for passengers at both terminals. The airport also has an on-site hotel, the InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel, which is connected to Terminal 1 via a skybridge. However, spending the night in any airport can include a level of risk, and certain precautions should be taken to ensure safety and the security of valuables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tolerant of sleepers | Yes, especially during mass delays or cancellations |
| Security staff allowing entry | Depends. If you're inside the airside zones, you can stay overnight, but security staff may not allow you through the night before an early-morning flight. |
| Safety | No reports of safety issues at the time of the update. However, incidents of pickpocketing have been reported. |
| Sleeping spots | Terminal 1 is busier and noisier, but has more nooks and crannies for floor sleeping. Terminal 2 has less foot traffic, making it easier to find a peaceful spot. |
| Quiet areas | Terminal 1 – Airside, Gates A13-14 and B13. Terminal 1 – Airside, Concourse D has an observation deck. Terminal 1 – Airside, Concourse E has benches without armrests. Terminal 2 generally has less foot traffic, making it calmer. |
| Sleeping mats | Available at the airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity. |
| Hotels | The InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel is on airport grounds and accessible via a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. There are also nearby hotels with free airport shuttles. |
| Dining | 24-hour restaurants are available, and vending options provide packaged and fresh food. |
| Other amenities | Free WiFi, charging points, first-class lounges accessible to economy-class passengers for a fee, and pay massage chairs. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping in the airport is tolerated, especially during mass delays or cancellations
- There are designated quiet areas and sleeping mats available
- Terminal 2 is quieter and easier to navigate, with less foot traffic
- There is an on-site hotel with a 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals
- Nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles and discounted rates
Sleeping in the airport is tolerated, especially during mass delays or cancellations
Sleeping in the airport is generally tolerated, especially during mass delays or cancellations. Airport staff are usually understanding of sleepers, and there are plenty of spots to rest. Both terminals at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport are sleeper-friendly. However, it's important to note that security staff may not allow passengers through the night before an early-morning flight, in which case you may have to remain in the landside/public zones.
If you're looking for a quiet spot to sleep, Terminal 2 has less foot traffic, especially at night, making it calmer and easier to find a peaceful spot. Terminal 1 is larger and busier, but it also has many nooks and crannies that offer quieter floor sleeping areas. Specifically, Gates A13-14 and B13 in Terminal 1, and the observation deck in Concourse D, tend to be quieter, especially at night. Additionally, there are designated quiet areas in Terminal 1 with benches without armrests and power outlets.
If you're looking for additional comfort, you can pay to access the first-class lounges in Terminal 1. There are also pay massage chairs located randomly throughout the airport, which you may be able to rest in without paying for a massage. The airport provides free WiFi and plenty of charging points to keep you connected and entertained.
In the case of mass cancellations, the airport has 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 cannot be reserved in advance and are not provided simply for those choosing to stay in the airport before their flight.
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There are designated quiet areas and sleeping mats available
If you're looking for a place to spend the night at Minneapolis Airport, there are a few options available. The airport has designated quiet areas and provides sleeping mats for passengers in certain situations.
Firstly, it's important to note that airport staff generally tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. If you're inside the airside zones, you can usually stay overnight, but security staff may not allow you through if you're planning to spend the night before an early-morning flight. In such cases, you may have to remain in the landside or public zones. To ensure your safety and the security of your belongings, it's recommended to locate the security office and look for areas with video surveillance. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest spots to spend the night.
Now, let's focus on the designated quiet areas and sleeping mats. Terminal 2 (T2) is generally quieter and has less foot traffic, making it easier to find a peaceful spot for the night. Within T2, there are lower-traffic areas near the observation deck, Concourse D, Concourse E, and Gates A13/14. Additionally, T2 offers the comfort of armrest-free benches and power outlets in its designated quiet areas.
Terminal 1 (T1) is larger and busier, but it also has some quiet spots. The observation deck in T1, as well as Concourse D, Concourse E, and Gates A13/14, offer relatively quieter environments. The baggage claim area in T1 also has some semi-private carpeted areas behind the escalators. However, keep in mind that the benches in Concourse E are mentioned as having armrests, which may be less comfortable for sleeping.
In terms of sleeping mats, the airport does provide a limited supply of sleeping mats for passenger use. These mats are typically distributed at an airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity. In Terminal 1, you can find these mats near Gates G9 and the entrance to Concourse E. In Terminal 2, passengers can contact their airlines to request mats. It's important to note that these mats are not meant for general use but are specifically provided during mass cancellations or when hotels are unavailable.
Overall, while spending the night at the airport may not be as comfortable as a hotel, the designated quiet areas and sleeping mats can provide a reasonable option, especially during unexpected delays or cancellations.
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Terminal 2 is quieter and easier to navigate, with less foot traffic
If you're looking for a quiet spot to spend the night at Minneapolis Airport, Terminal 2 is your best bet. With less foot traffic, it's a calmer and more peaceful option compared to Terminal 1. While both terminals are generally sleeper-friendly, T1 is the larger and busier of the two, making it noisier and more crowded.
The Airport Mall in T1 offers a handful of 24-hour restaurants, but T2 has a more limited selection. This means fewer people will be wandering through, and you'll have fewer distractions if you're trying to sleep. T2 also has fewer gates, which contributes to the reduced passenger traffic in the area.
If you're looking for a quiet place to rest your head, T2 is a good option. You can always ask security personnel for advice on the safest spots to spend the night, and they may point you towards T2 as well. Keep in mind that T2's checkpoints are closed between 10 pm and 3:30 am, so if you exit security during those hours, you'll have to wait until a checkpoint reopens to re-enter.
Additionally, T2 offers a peaceful overnight experience, especially if you're seeking a calmer atmosphere. Its more relaxed environment can make it easier to navigate, and you may find it simpler to locate a comfortable spot to settle in for the night. If you're spending the night at the airport, T2's lower foot traffic can make your stay more manageable and tranquil.
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There is an on-site hotel with a 24-hour shuttle service to both terminals
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) has an on-site hotel, the InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel. The hotel is directly connected to Terminal 1 via a skybridge from Gate C25 and offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. This service is particularly useful for guests with checked baggage. The InterContinental is a 12-story hotel with 291 rooms, including two extravagant suites. The rooms are described as "breathtaking", with immaculate bathrooms and sealed rooms to ensure privacy. The hotel also boasts three restaurants and bars, with exceptional dining options, and a coffee shop offering a range of hot and cold beverages and grab-and-go meals. There are flexible event spaces, including twelve meeting rooms, and an elegant ballroom that can accommodate up to 900 seated guests or 1500 for cocktails.
The InterContinental is a popular choice for travellers, with many praising the courteous and professional staff, the cleanliness and luxury of the rooms, and the quality of the food. The hotel is conveniently located, with easy access to the airport and the Mall of America, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers.
For those who wish to stay within the airport itself, there are some options available. The airport staff generally tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations, and there are some quieter spots for sleeping, such as near the observation deck, Concourse D, and Concourse E. However, it is important to take precautions to ensure safety and the security of valuables, as incidents of pickpocketing have been reported.
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Nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles and discounted rates
If you're looking for a place to stay near the Minneapolis Airport (MSP), there are several hotels in the area that provide free airport shuttles and other convenient amenities.
The InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport Hotel is an award-winning, on-site hotel directly connected to Terminal 1 via a skybridge from Gate C25. It offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to both terminals and boasts elegant guestrooms, exceptional dining options, and sophisticated meeting spaces. Guests with carry-on luggage can take advantage of the exclusive TSA security checkpoint located within the hotel. The hotel is also conveniently located just a 30-second ride from the airport and less than 10 minutes from the Mall of America.
Other nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles include the Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites, Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast, and Hampton Inn (as per a Tripadvisor review). These hotels offer clean and comfortable accommodations, friendly staff, and convenient access to the airport and other attractions.
When planning your stay, it's always a good idea to contact the hotels directly to confirm the availability and specifics of their shuttle services, as schedules and offerings may vary. Additionally, some areas in Bloomington provide easy access to the airport and the Mall of America, with many hotels in the area providing shuttle services as well.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport staff tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
Terminal 2 has much less passenger traffic, making it easier to find a peaceful and relaxing overnight spot. Terminal 1 – Airside, Gates A13-14 and B13 may be quieter, especially at night. Terminal 1 – Airside, Concourse E has some benches without armrests.
Yes, the airport has a limited supply of sleeping mats for passenger use at both terminals. Mats are distributed at an airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity.
Yes, there are several hotels near the airport, including the InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel, which is directly connected to Terminal 1. There are also several nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles.
