Owais Crawford
If you're flying from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, you'll want to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This will give you enough time to check your bags, go through security, and arrive at your gate. While the airport recommends these arrival times, some travellers have reported checking their bags as early as six hours before departure, and in one case, 11 hours early.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early can you check bags? | 6 hours before departure. Some sources suggest 11 hours before departure, but this may be a fluke. |
| How early should you arrive at the airport? | 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. |
| How to save time at the airport? | Use digital boarding passes, use offsite parking, and check real-time security wait times before leaving for the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Check-in times for domestic and international flights
For travellers boarding at Minneapolis Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight. This is to allow enough time to check your bags, go through security screening, and arrive at your gate.
It is important to note that security checkpoint wait times can change rapidly, so it is always a good idea to give yourself some extra time. If you have any metal implants, you may need to undergo a secondary screening process, so letting a security screener know about this beforehand and allowing extra time for screening is recommended.
When checking in, you should first confirm which terminal your airline flies from and check if your airline has any specific check-in recommendations or requirements. Most airlines at Minneapolis Airport suggest that you check in at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
In addition to checking your bags, you should also be aware of the carry-on baggage restrictions. The standard carry-on bag size is 45 total inches, and passengers are generally allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one smaller item, such as a purse or laptop bag. It is always a good idea to check with your airline, as they may have stricter carry-on luggage policies.
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Baggage check-in at Terminal 1
At Minneapolis Airport, the general recommendation is to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This is to allow sufficient time for checking in your bags, security screening, and reaching your gate. Most airlines suggest adhering to these guidelines, although specific check-in requirements may vary across airlines. Thus, it is advisable to refer to your airline's guidelines for checking in bags.
For Terminal 1 at the Minneapolis Airport, the check-in and bag-check services are located in the Ticketing Lobby on Level 2, which is one level above Baggage Claim. This lobby can be reached via different routes depending on your parking location. If you are using hourly parking, take the skyway to the Ticketing Lobby. For Green and Gold Parking Ramps, the skyway also provides direct access to the Ticketing Lobby. If you are parked in the Blue and Red Parking Ramps, you can take the underground tram to the terminal and then go up two levels to reach the Ticketing Lobby. Finally, if you are in the Pink and Brown Parking Ramps, enter the terminal at Tram Level (Level T) and proceed upwards to the Ticketing Lobby.
Security checkpoints are located on the Ticketing Level, with at least one checkpoint remaining operational 24 hours a day. Both the North and South checkpoints can be accessed by all passengers. The Skyway Security Checkpoint on the Concourse C/G connector bridge is currently closed, but the automated exit remains accessible around the clock. Additionally, Checkpoint #7 on Concourse G is exclusively for international connecting travellers.
To expedite your security screening process at Terminal 1, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. TSA PreCheck allows eligible passengers to keep their shoes on, carry compliant liquids, gels, and aerosols in their bags, and leave their laptops and light outerwear on during screening. CLEAR, on the other hand, employs biometric technology for expedited identification, using fingerprints or irises for verification. Both options are available at Terminal 1, facilitating a smoother security experience.
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Security wait times
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to stay informed about security wait times at Minneapolis Airport. The recommended arrival time at MSP Airport is two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. However, it is always a good idea to check the latest wait times before travelling and to take into account factors such as ticket counter wait times and potential changes to your flight schedule.
Minneapolis Airport offers various services to expedite security screening and reduce wait times. TSA PreCheck, available at Minneapolis Airport, offers expedited security screening. PreCheck members can go through security without removing their shoes, light outerwear, or belts, and they can keep their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. CLEAR+ is another option that speeds up security checks and reduces wait times. CLEAR+ lanes are available at two security checkpoints, and members can use biometric technology for identification. Additionally, passengers can reserve a time in the security line through the free MSP RESERVE program, providing them with more control over their airport journey.
To further streamline the security process, passengers can take advantage of electronic boarding passes and passports, which minimise contact and expedite their journey. It is also important to be aware of the carry-on bag size restrictions and the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Passengers with metal implants or pacemakers should inform security screeners beforehand and allow extra time for potential secondary screening.
By utilising the available services, staying informed about wait times, and following security guidelines, passengers can efficiently navigate security checkpoints and minimise potential delays at Minneapolis Airport.
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Offsite parking options
When parking offsite, it is recommended to arrive at the lot at least 30 minutes before you want to reach the airport terminal's ground transportation areas. Additionally, booking your offsite parking spot in advance is advisable to ensure availability and often comes with benefits like free cancellations and no booking fees.
For those seeking convenience and proximity to the terminals, on-site parking at MSP Airport is also available. Terminal 1 offers skyway access from Level 3, while Terminal 2 is connected via a free light rail service. The airport provides a 24/7 curbside shuttle service for added convenience.
Regardless of your parking choice, it is generally recommended to arrive at MSP Airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international travel to allow sufficient time for checking bags, security screening, and reaching your gate.
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TSA PreCheck and CLEAR identity checks
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This allows sufficient time to check bags, go through security screening, and arrive at the gate.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows eligible travellers to undergo expedited security screening at participating airports, including MSP Airport. PreCheck passengers can usually keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on during the security check. They can also leave their laptops in their bags and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on luggage.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can follow the steps outlined on the TSA website or visit an enrolment centre. Enrolment locations are available across the United States, and you can find the nearest one by entering your zip code on the TSA website. Once enrolled, look for PreCheck lanes at open checkpoints when passing through MSP Airport.
CLEAR
CLEAR is a separate membership program that offers expedited access to airport security processing through biometric technology. CLEAR uses fingerprints or irises to identify travellers, speeding up the identity check process. CLEAR kiosks are available at both the North and South checkpoints in Terminal 1 at MSP Airport.
You can enrol in CLEAR by visiting their website, clearme.com, or by visiting an enrolment centre. CLEAR is often used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck to further expedite the security screening process.
By participating in these programs, travellers at MSP Airport can save time and streamline their security screening experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) will usually check bags 6 hours before departure. However, there are reports of passengers checking in their bags 11 hours before departure, though this may be a one-off. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
You can save time by checking in online and using a digital boarding pass. This will allow you to skip the check-in and kiosk lines. If you don't have a digital boarding pass, you can print one at a kiosk or with the help of a ticketing agent.
You can save time by parking offsite. There are four offsite parking options within seven miles of the terminals that provide a 24/7 shuttle service to the airport. You can also save time by enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, which uses biometrics to verify your identity.
