Ruth Haines
Minneapolis Airport is open 24 hours a day, but only in the landside zones. Airside access ends overnight, so unless you are in transit with a boarding pass, you will need to stay landside and pass through security again in the morning. TSA checkpoints open at around 4 am, but close after the last flight, typically around 1 am for Terminal 1 and midnight for Terminal 2. The airport seems to tolerate sleepers, especially during mass cancellations, and provides sleeping mats and blankets for stranded passengers. However, if you are checking in bags, you might not be able to pass through security until 4-6 hours before your departure. There are several hotels near the airport, including the Intercontinental, which is onsite, and the Country Inn, Park Plaza, and Homewood Suites, which are within walking distance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Hours | The airport is open 24 hours on the landside across T1 and T2. Airside access ends overnight. |
| TSA Checkpoints | Typically open at 4:00 AM and close around 1:00 AM in T1, and midnight in T2. |
| Security | Staff may not allow you through the night before an early-morning flight. |
| Sleeping Areas | Terminal 1 has designated quiet areas with comfortable seating without armrests, sleeping pads, pillows, and blankets near Gates E & F entrances. Terminal 2 is generally quieter and has fewer amenities, with lights and sounds turned down at night. |
| Food Services | Limited options, especially at night. All restaurants close by 9 PM, with only vending machines available after. |
| Nearby Hotels | The Intercontinental Hotel is attached to the airport, with rates typically under $200. Other nearby hotels include Country Inn, Park Plaza, and Homewood Suites. |
| Transportation | Hotels near the airport offer shuttle services, especially early in the morning. |
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What You'll Learn
Minneapolis Airport's tolerance of sleepers
Minneapolis Airport is open 24 hours in the landside zones across Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. However, airside access ends overnight, and unless you are in transit with a boarding pass, you will need to stay in the landside zone and pass through security again in the morning. TSA checkpoints open at approximately 4:00 AM, but close based on the last flight, typically around 1:00 AM in Terminal 1 and midnight in Terminal 2.
Minneapolis Airport staff seem to tolerate sleepers, especially during mass delays or cancellations. If you are inside the airside zones, you can stay overnight, but security staff may not allow you through if you have an early-morning flight. In this case, you may have to remain in the landside/public zones.
Sleeping mats and blankets are available for stranded passengers who choose not to get a hotel room. These are supplied during mass cancellations and can be found by asking an airline or airport employee or using a courtesy phone. Locations have included Terminal 1, Airside, Airport Mall, Airside near Gates C16 and G9, and Airside, Entrance to Concourse E.
There are also several spots within the airport that are suitable for sleeping. Terminal 1 is appreciated for its designated quiet areas, particularly on the Mezzanine Level and Level 3, which offer comfortable seating without armrests. The observation deck in Concourse D and specific areas on the floor between notable eateries like Chilli's, Dunkin', and Starbucks are also highlighted as good resting spots. Terminal 2 is noted for its safety and cleanliness, with lights and sounds reportedly turned down during the night hours, which could create a more restful environment. However, it lacks the extensive amenities and designated rest areas found in Terminal 1.
If you are looking for a hotel near the airport, there are several options available. The Intercontinental Hotel is attached to the airport, with rates usually under $200 and is a 5-10 minute walk to security. There are also lots of hotels in Bloomington that offer shuttles at all times of the night and morning.
If you are looking for food options near the airport, keep in mind that all restaurants inside the airport close by 9 PM, and only vending machines are available after that. Outside the airport, Pizza Luce in Richfield is open until 1 AM, and IHOP and Cowboy Jack's are open past midnight.
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Sleeping mats and blankets
Minneapolis Airport is open 24 hours in the landside zones of Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey). Airside access ends overnight, and unless you are in transit with a boarding pass, you will need to stay in the landside zones and pass through security again in the morning. TSA checkpoints typically open at around 4:00 a.m.
The airport sees more than its fair share of flight cancellations, mainly due to winter weather. When mass cancellations happen, a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets are available for stranded passengers who opt against getting a hotel room. These mats are distributed at an airline's request when local hotels are full or near capacity.
To find a mat, ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone to reach someone with access to this information. Mats are distributed in the following areas:
- Terminal 1: Airside, Airport Mall, Airside, Concourse C, near C16, Airside, near Gates G9, Airside, entrance to Concourse E.
- Terminal 2: Contact your airline to request a mat.
Sleeping mats cannot be reserved in advance and are specifically used when mass cancellations occur. It's important to note that you may not be allowed to stay airside if you have an early-morning flight, in which case you will need to remain in the landside/public zones.
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Nearby hotels
If you're looking for a place to stay near Minneapolis Airport, there are a few options available. The airport is located in Bloomington, which has a variety of hotels that provide shuttle services to and from the airport at all hours. These hotels can be more affordable than those connected to the airport.
If you're looking for a hotel connected to the airport, the InterContinental Hotel is located onsite and can be accessed through Terminal 1. It is a short walk from security and typically offers rates of less than $200.
Other nearby hotels include Country Inn, Park Plaza, and Homewood Suites, which are all within walking distance of the airport. The Element and AC hotels are also close by, located across the street to the east.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the airport does accommodate overnight stays with designated quiet areas and comfortable seating in Terminal 1. However, food services close by 9 PM, so it is recommended to bring snacks if you plan to stay overnight. Terminal 2 is also an option, as it is generally quieter at night, but it lacks the extensive amenities and comfortable resting areas of Terminal 1.
Additionally, in the event of mass cancellations, the airport provides a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets for stranded passengers.
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TSA checkpoints
Minneapolis Airport (MSP) has two terminals: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey). Terminal 1 is the primary terminal, with seven concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G) serving most airlines. Terminal 2 has one concourse (H).
Terminal 1
- The North and South checkpoints are located on the Ticketing level and can be used by all passengers. One checkpoint is open 24 hours per day.
- The Skyway Security Checkpoint on the Concourse C/G connector bridge is temporarily closed. The automated exit is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Checkpoint #7, located on Concourse G, is for international connecting travelers only.
- The checkpoint that served the InterContinental Hotel MSP Airport is open daily from 5 am to 10 am for passengers with carry-on luggage only. Access the hotel from Terminal 1 by proceeding to Concourse C at Gate C25 and following the signs to the hotel.
Terminal 2
- Two security checkpoints are located on Level 2, near the Orange and Purple Parking Ramp skyways. The checkpoints are open from 4 am.
- Checkpoint 2 (located across from the Purple Parking Ramp) is only available for those who wish to use their TSA PreCheck clearance.
The TSA PreCheck program allows eligible travellers to undergo expedited security screening. During TSA security checks, PreCheck passengers may usually keep their shoes on, leave liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags, keep their laptops in their bags, keep their belts on, and continue to wear light outerwear.
The REAL ID initiative sets standards for state-issued IDs, including driver's licenses. Starting May 7, 2025, passengers with non-compliant IDs will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel.
The MSP RESERVE program allows passengers to schedule a specific time for their TSA security screening. Participation in the program is optional and free for all passengers.
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Food options
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has a wide range of restaurants and cafes, from commonly known fast-food chains to dine-in restaurants offering more ethnic and diverse cuisines. There are also convenience stores where you can get prepackaged snacks to take on board your flight. No matter your dietary restrictions, you're sure to find something to eat at MSP.
In Terminal 2, Surdyk's is a great choice for a light meal. Enjoy a glass of merlot with a cheese plate, panini, or salad, and be sure to save room for dessert. Surdyk's also serves breakfast and has a case of gourmet cheeses if you want to take a treat home. Unfortunately, this spot is closing in August to make way for new food vendors. Also in Terminal 2, you'll find People's Organic, which offers grain bowls, wraps, salads, and burgers suitable for gluten-free and vegan diners.
In Terminal 1, you can find Settebello, a certified Neapolitan pizza purveyor that also serves sandwiches and salads, with a full bar. Breakfast pizzas are available here. Northern Soul is another option in Terminal 1, offering a quick-serve Southern menu with fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and salads, as well as sweet potato waffle fries, tater tots, beer, seltzer, and canned cocktails. Breakfast biscuits are provided by Angel Food.
Other dining options at MSP include Lake Wine Kitchen + Bar, where you can enjoy flights of wine, soups, salads, small plates, cheese, and charcuterie, with a full bar. The Cook & The Ox offers steaks, pan-seared salmon, wild rice soup, sandwiches, wine, and cocktails, as well as breakfast items like pancakes and hash browns. Hissho Sushi serves sushi, sashimi, and poke bowls, with beer, wine, and sake. For something quick and fresh, try Farmer's Fridge, a vending machine offering salads and other fresh fare.
If you're looking for a bite to eat before your flight, MSP MKT is a bistro-style marketplace offering pizza, salad, sandwiches, and grab-and-go items at Gate H5. Surdyk's Flights, at Gate H8, is another option for a quick meal, offering gourmet cheeses, wine, salads, paninis, sandwiches, and desserts. Ike's Clubhouse, located on the North Mezzanine Level, serves breakfast all day, along with grill food like walleye po'boys, Caesar salads, mushroom Swiss burgers, and cheese curds, plus a range of beers on tap. Stone Arch, also in Terminal 1, serves pub food like cheese curds, burgers, and breakfast.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the airport is open 24 hours on the landside across T1 and T2. However, airside access ends overnight, unless you are in transit with a boarding pass.
Terminal 1 is appreciated for its designated quiet areas, particularly on the Mezzanine Level and Level 3, which offer comfortable seating without armrests. The observation deck in Concourse D and specific areas on the floor between notable eateries like Chilli’s, Dunkin, and Starbucks are also good resting spots. Terminal 2 is noted for its safety and cleanliness, and the lights and sounds are reportedly turned down during the night hours. However, it lacks the extensive amenities and designated rest areas found in Terminal 1.
Yes, during mass cancellations, a limited supply of sleeping mats and blankets are available for stranded passengers. These can usually be found airside in Terminal 1.
Yes, there are several hotels near the airport, including the onsite Intercontinental Hotel, Country Inn, Park Plaza, and Homewood Suites. There are also various hotels in Bloomington that offer shuttle services to the airport.
