The MEA school holiday in 2025 arrives the week of Oct. 16 in Minnesota, which brings thousands of sun-seeking travelers to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
Wednesday and Thursday — Oct. 15 and 16 — are expected to be among the busiest days that week. MSP Airport staff will be on the ticketing levels at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and near the TSA security checkpoints, to help passengers navigate their way to their flights. The airlines and the TSA are also prepared for additional passengers.
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 use our cell phone waiting lot to stage your pick-up. If the roadway is busy in front of Terminal 1, you can use the FLEX Lane, which takes you on the east side of the roadway in front of the terminal. Follow the digital signs as you drive up to the departures level of Terminal 1 to guide you.
- Also, remember that you can use either roadway level at Terminal 1 for drop-offs and pick-ups. If one roadway level is congested, use the other level, and coordinate the new location with your passenger by phone.
- Prebook your parking for your MEA trip, guarantee your spot and receive a discounted parking rate! The popular Quick Ride Ramp will require Prebooked parking from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19.
- At Terminal 2, you can use the Express Lane for pick-up and drop-offs in the Purple Ramp. Follow the signs or read more here!
- As you move toward the security checkpoint lines, the TSA has some tips for families traveling with children. Another TSA webpage provides additional guidance for an efficient security checkpoint experience.
- After you’ve cleared security, MSP has ramped up entertaining options that aim to surprise and delight. Here’s the schedule:
Once inside either terminal, look for kiosks operated by your airline to print out bag tags for checked bags. Airline staff can help direct you.
For your movement through the TSA security checkpoints, consider utilizing MSP Reserve, a free way to reserve a spot in line.
Wednesday, Oct. 15 (Terminal 2):
- Surprise and Delight: 1 – 3 p.m. T2
- First time flyer table
- Pet Duet: 1 – 3 p.m. T2 (across from gate H11)
- Face painting
- Paul Bunyan
Thursday, Oct. 16 (Terminal 1):
- Surprise and Delight: noon - 2 p.m. T1
- First time flyer table
- Pet Duet: noon – 2 p.m. T1 (Airport Mall Gallery)
- Open Book children’s book signings in the main mall: noon – 2 p.m. T1
- Face painting
- Paul Bunyan
As you look at the dining options at MSP, visit MSP’s Eat, Shop, Relax page to find your favorite destinations. We look forward to seeing you at MSP for MEA!