School is out, summer vacations are on, and travelers have their schedule set for fun as they arrive at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
Staff at MSP are excited to help summer visitors navigate their way to a great trip. Passenger traffic is already on the upswing as the calendar pushes farther into June, with some days this month expected to see 50,000 people passing through security checkpoints, marking some of the busiest days of the year.
We have a long list of helpful tips to make your passage through MSP as smooth as possible, and you’re encouraged to do some planning ahead to make your trip a delight.
Prior to arriving at MSP, check your flight’s status with your airline and consider checking the airport’s security checkpoint wait times online. Passengers are advised to arrive two hours ahead of a domestic flight’s departure, three hours for international.
If you’re parking at MSP during your trip, remember you can prebook a spot in one of our ramps to guarantee availability ahead of your arrival.
If you’re dropping someone off at Terminal 1, remember that you can use either of the roadway levels in front for pick-ups or drop-offs. You can also use the east curbside for both purposes as well, following the “Delta curbside” signs at the top of the ramp to the upper level. If the overhead digital sign says it’s “closed,” that refers to the Delta bag check counters on that side. The roadway is still open for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Picking someone up? Make sure to utilize MSP’s cell phone waiting lots, conveniently located on Post Road between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can wait there for your passenger’s call or text, and swoop in for a well-timed retrieval.
When your passenger is departing or arriving at Terminal 2, consider using the express lane on the second level of the Purple Ramp for drop-offs and pick-ups. The lane takes you out of the heavy traffic directly in front of the terminal and provides a quick skyway connection for your passengers.
With MSP Reserve, you can secure a spot in the TSA security line at either terminal ahead of your arrival, and you don’t need Precheck. The service will expedite your passage through the security checkpoint, and it’s free!
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also provides some tips to help you prepare for the security checkpoints. Remember that the REAL ID requirement took effect on May 7, 2025.
Once past security, don’t forget about MSP’s Insider Offers, helping you find daily deals and unique events taking place in the terminals. You can also visit our Eat, Shop, Relax page to find your favorite restaurant or shop.
And remember to bring an empty water bottle with you on your trip through MSP, which you can refill as often as you like at one of our Hope Hydration water refill stations.
Happy summer travels!