Navigating Minneapolis Airport: A Step-By-Step Guide For Travelers

Checking in at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is a straightforward process. The airport recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. There are two terminals at MSP Airport, and the check-in process varies slightly between them. At Terminal 1, check-in and bag check services are located in the Ticketing Lobby on Level 2, whereas at Terminal 2, you can purchase tickets, obtain boarding passes, and check luggage in the Ticketing Lobby on Level 1. Some airlines at both terminals also offer curbside check-in services. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for specific recommendations and requirements.

Check-in and bag check services at Terminal 1

If you are departing from Terminal 1, you can check in and check your bags in the Ticketing Lobby, located on Level 2 off the upper roadway, one level above Baggage Claim. This is the same level as the security checkpoints.

If you are parking in the hourly lot, or the Green or Gold Parking Ramps, you can take the skyway to the Ticketing Lobby. If you are parking in the Blue or Red Parking Ramps, take the underground tram to the terminal and go up two levels to the Ticketing Lobby. If you are parking in the Pink or Brown Parking Ramps, enter the terminal on Tram Level (Level T) and go up two levels to the Ticketing Lobby.

Curbside check-in services are offered to Delta Air Lines passengers on the roadway in front of the terminal, near Door 4.

Most airlines suggest you check in at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight. You can check the specific recommendations of your airline, as well as their rules about luggage, such as the number and size of bags you are allowed, and information about any applicable fees.

Check-in, ticketing, and boarding at Terminal 2

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has two full-service terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Both terminals offer covered parking. It is best to know which terminal your airline flies from before you arrive at the airport.

At Terminal 2, you can purchase a ticket, obtain a boarding pass, and check your luggage in the building's Ticketing Lobby, located on Level 1. Some airlines also offer curbside check-in services in front of the terminal. Contact your airline for hours or more information.

Security checkpoints are located on Level 2, with one near the Orange Parking Ramp skyway and another near the Purple Ramp skyway. At least one of the two checkpoints will be open between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. Both checkpoints are closed between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Passengers are encouraged to take advantage of MSP RESERVE, a new program that allows you to reserve a time at the security checkpoint for free.

It is recommended that you arrive at MSP two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior to international travel. This allows enough time to check your bags, go through security, and arrive at your gate.

The Denver Air Connection ticket counter is located in Main Hall South, next to Alaska Airlines. The ticket counter opens two hours before flight time and closes one hour before departure time. Check-in will close one hour prior to departure time, and any passengers not checked in at that time will not be allowed to board.

Security checkpoints at both terminals

Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) has two terminals with security checkpoints.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 has TSA-operated security checkpoints in the following locations:

• 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. MSP RESERVE, a free program that allows passengers to reserve a time in the security line, is available at the North Checkpoint.
• The Skyway Security Checkpoint on the Concourse C/G connector bridge is temporarily closed, but 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 closed for the foreseeable future as of April 1, 2020. A hotel shuttle brings guests to the terminal.
• Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved low-risk travellers, is available at Terminal 1 near baggage carousel #11 on the baggage claim level.
• CLEAR, a service that offers expedited access to airport security processing through biometric technology, is available at both the North and South checkpoints.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 has two security checkpoints located on Level 2:

• One is located near the Orange Parking Ramp skyway.
• The other is located near the Purple Ramp skyway.

At least one of the two checkpoints will be open between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. Both checkpoints are closed between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Passengers at both terminals are encouraged to take advantage of the MSP RESERVE program, which is free and allows passengers to reserve a time at the security checkpoint.

TSA Precheck and MSP RESERVE

TSA PreCheck is open from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. at MSP Airport. Passengers can use either the North or South checkpoints in Terminal 1 on the Ticketing level. However, if you want to use your TSA PreCheck clearance, you must go to Checkpoint 2, located across from the Purple Parking Ramp.

MSP RESERVE is a free program offered by MSP Airport that allows passengers to reserve a time slot for their TSA security screening. This service is optional and gives travellers more control over their airport journey, providing the same high standard of security as all TSA lanes.

To use MSP RESERVE, you can either schedule an appointment ahead of time or scan the QR code on the MSP RESERVE signs when you arrive at the airport. When making an appointment, you will need to provide your trip details (airline, destination, and flight number), as well as your name, contact information, and party size.

Appointments for MSP RESERVE are available at the following times and locations:

• Terminal 1: 3:45 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. at the North Security Checkpoint
• Terminal 2: 3:45 - 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Checkpoint 1

It is important to note that MSP RESERVE is only available at the North Checkpoint in Terminal 1.

Arrival times and wait times

Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport (MSP) is one of the biggest and busiest airports in the US. However, it reportedly has some of the shortest security wait times of any airport. A study by Planetare found the average security wait time to be around 10 minutes. Over 80% of flights depart on time, so you can expect to be on schedule.

That being said, it's always good to be cautious, and there are peak times when the wait can be much longer. During busy periods, such as weekends and holidays, the average security wait time can be around 50 minutes. So, it's best to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. The airport recommends arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to allow enough time to check your bags, go through security, and arrive at your gate.

If you want to check the current security wait times, you can contact the airport directly on 612-726-5555 from 8 am to 10 pm, or follow @mspairport on social media for live updates and announcements. You can also pre-book your parking space and reserve your spot in the security line to save time on the day of your flight.

To make your journey through security as smooth as possible, consider signing up for expedited screening facilities like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, light outerwear, and belt on, hold on to your laptop, and keep compliant liquids in your carry-on bag. TSA PreCheck is available at both terminals (Lindbergh and Humphrey) of MSP airport, from 4 am to 8 pm.

Frequently asked questions