The MEA school break holiday is here now, with most schools off on Thursday Oct. 15 and Friday Oct. 16, and many travelers already in the air.
MSP Airports will again see a bump in passenger traffic, with busy days for departures in the lobby anticipated on Wednesday Oct. 14 and Thursday Oct. 15. Both dates anticipate nearly 50,000 departing passengers.
To make your passage through MSP efficient and smooth, we have some tips to keep you on-time and smiling.
Suggested pre-flight arrival times for passengers remain at two hours ahead of a domestic flight, and three hours ahead of international travel. Stay in touch with your airline and watch for any changes to your flight before coming to the airport.
If you’re picking up passengers, remember to stay in touch with your traveler and time your arrival for the pick-up. There is road work on Post Road in front of the cell phone waiting lots. If you do use that route, arrive from the west and 34th Avenue for access to the cell phone lots.
For drop-offs and pick-ups, if the roadway is busy in front of Terminal 1, you can use the Overflow Pick-up and Drop-off area on the east curb, which will be accessible by following the digital signs and taking the first left as you drive up to the departures level of Terminal 1. Once out of the car, passengers follow signage to go up and over the roadway via skyways to the Terminal 1 lobby.
At Terminal 2, follow signs to the Express Lane to avoid any traffic snarls directly in front of the terminal. The Express Lane will take you into the Purple Parking Ramp and provide a convenient drop-off or pick-up point for your passengers, near the skyway to the terminal.
If you’re parking at MSP, you can guarantee your spot and receive a discounted parking rate! The popular Quick Ride Ramp is requiring Prebooked parking from Oct. 11 to Oct. 17.
As you move toward the security checkpoint lines, the TSA has some tips for families traveling with children. You can also consider utilizing MSP Reserve, a free way to reserve a spot in the security line.
Once in the terminal, consider MSP’s Insider Offers to find you the best deals and steer you to entertainment as well. If you’re a sports fan, schedule a visit to the MSP FanZone, which features a 136-inch TV to capture the MLF playoffs and NFL games as we head deeper into October. Find the FanZone in the Airport Mall food court in Terminal 1, where you’ll also enjoy a wide range of dining options.
Also certainly not to be forgotten; we have surprise-and-delight events planned inside the terminal during MEA’s busy days. The “family fun” in the schedule below includes photo opportunities with Paul Bunyan, facepainting, a caricature artist and some swag! Make sure to stop by on the way to your gate.
Terminal 1, Wednesday, Oct. 14
Family Fun: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Local Marketplace, near Gate F6
Walter Bond Book Signing
Location: Estes News, near Gate E9
Terminal 2, Wednesday, Oct. 14
Family Fun: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Hometown Market, near Gate H9
Illy Grand Opening Celebration: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Pre-Security, near Baggage Claim
Family Fun: 1 - 3 p.m.
Location: Near Gate H8
Grandma Edna’s Popcorn Sampling: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Estes on the Fly, near Gate H10
Terminal 1, Thursday, Oct. 15
Family Fun: 12 - 2 p.m.
Location: Airport Mall, North Rotunda
Prairie Organic Spirts Tasting 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Duty Free, Airport Mall
Family Fun: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Wild & Sweet, near Gate F6
Book Fair: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Open Book, Airport Mall
Gabella’s Cookie Pop-Up: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Near Open Book, Airport Mall
Family Fun: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Local Marketplace, near Gate F6
Terminal 2, Thursday, Oct. 15
Family Fun: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Hometown Market, near Gate H9