Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport

Travel Tips

• Confirm and reconfirm your flight with your airline before you leave for the airport. Check with your airline if you suspect that there may be delays or cancellations, such as those created by inclement weather. Provide your airline with a telephone number so they can contact you should your travel itinerary change.

• Pack light, and pack smart with security in mind. Remember, 3-1-1. Only liquids and gels of three ounces or less are allowed through the security checkpoints. Each three ounce container must be placed in a one-quart sized plastic zip top bag. Only one bag per traveler is allowed. There are some exceptions. For more information about what items are or are not allowed through a security checkpoint, please visit the Transportation Security Administration's Web site.

• Label your baggage both inside and out with your name and contact information, but don't lock it unless you use a TSA-approved lock. Check the TSA's website at www.tsa.gov to determine where to purchase these locks.

• Arrive two hours prior to domestic flights or three hours prior to international flights to ensure you have plenty of time to park, check-in, be screened and get to your gate.
   
• If you are flying mid-week, consider parking at the Humphrey Terminal even if your flight leaves from the Lindbergh Terminal. You save $4 per day on general parking, there is less congestion so it is faster and easier to find parking spot, and the shuttle bus between terminals operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  
• If you will be dropped off at the airport, keep in mind that federal regulations prohibit idling at curbside. An alternative is to park in the short-term parking ramp for both drop-off and pick-up.

• Dress to navigate the security checkpoints. Avoid wearing or carrying excessive metal. Remove your shoes and coat when approaching a security checkpoint.

• Don't forget your photo identification if you are 18 or older. For domestic travel, minors under the age of 18 do not need a photo ID to travel by air. For international travel, all air travelers entering the United States must have a passport. If you will be traveling by air outside the U.S. be sure you have a passport. You will need it for re-entry, even when traveling from Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas.

• Check your airline's website to see their recommendations for carry-on luggage size restrictions and checked baggage weight restrictions. Airlines may charge travelers if their checked luggage exceeds their weight limitations.

• Keep in mind that not all airlines offer on-board snacks or meals. You can bring food from home to carry onto the plane, or you can purchase a meal to go from any MSP restaurant to carry on and enjoy during your flight. Just remember, federal regulations prohibit travelers from bringing drinks or gelatinous items such as yogurt or pudding through security checkpoints.However, any food item purchased within the airport past the security checkpoints can be taken onboard an aircraft.

• Be sure to plan ahead for the return trip, too. The flights may be even more full on the day you fly home, so care should be taken to reconfirm your flight, arrive early to check your luggage and stick close to your departure gate.