Security FAQs

No. Starting May 7, 2025, passengers who have driver’s licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel. Please see TSA’s website for a list of acceptable forms of identification. Passengers who have licenses issued by a state that is compliant or that has an extension to become compliant with REAL ID requirements may continue to use their licenses as usual. For information on obtaining a REAL ID in Minnesota, please visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's website. 

The 3-1-1 rule is still in effect. This means liquids and gels can be brought on board only if you:

• Package them in containers that have a 3-ounce or smaller capacity
• Place them in a 1 quart-sized zip-top plastic bag
• Bring only 1 quart-sized bag per traveler

The plastic bag must be taken out of your luggage for screening. For additional information about traveling with liquids and gels, visit the Travel Tips page on TSA's website.

The standard carry-on bag size is 45 total inches. To determine your bag's size, measure the width, depth and length and then add those measurements together. Please check with your airline, as they may have stricter carry-on luggage policies. Passengers are generally allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one smaller item, such as a purse, laptop bag or briefcase.

Visit this page for information about proper identification: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

If your ID has expired, please contact your airline. Most airlines will allow renewal paperwork from the respective state in addition to two other forms of ID.

Children ages 2 to 17 traveling domestically do not need identification. Everyone who flies to locations outside the United States, regardless of age, is required to have a passport. Children under the age of 2, who are sharing a seat with an adult, need to show proof of age.

Visit this page for information about proper identification: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

Average wait times at MSP vary by time of day and time of year. Busy times of the year include February through April, June through August and major holidays. The morning hours can be especially busy. The average wait time is between 20 and 25 minutes, but can be as long as 50 minutes during especially busy times. Generally, arriving at the airport at least two hours prior for domestic flights and three hours for International flights is recommended. However, be sure to follow your airline's recommendations, as many have specific cut off times for checking bags. For the latest information, view security wait times.

Yes, you are allowed to leave the secured area on your layover. Remember to bring your boarding pass and identification with you, as you will need those items to re-enter security and be re-screened.

The airlines at MSP can issue passes to non-travelers for the purpose of escorting someone to a gate upon departure or meeting someone at a gate upon arrival. These are only issued for specific situations, including:

• Escorting a minor child traveling unaccompanied 
• Escorting a person who needs assistance due to a disability and/or medical need

You will need to request a pass from a ticket agent from your respective airline at the airport. 

Please let a security screener know, either in writing or verbally, that you have a metal implant. A note from your doctor is not necessary. You may, however, want to allow extra time for screening, as you may need to undergo a secondary screening process.

Please let the TSA representative know that you have a pacemaker before being screened.

All security checkpoints, at both terminals, are equipped to screen passengers who use wheelchairs.