Travel Confidently™ Tips

Whether it’s the planning, excitement of travel, or shopping before your flight, there’s a lot to consider before heading to the airport. Let’s simplify the process:

Plan Ahead

• Check your flight’s status before you leave home — times and gates may change.
• Ensure you have proper identification, such as a REAL ID or passport.
• Check with MnDOT for traffic conditions, construction delays, or weather warnings.

Pack Smart

• Be sure to put your name, address, and phone number on your luggage.
• Essential items, like medications and documents, should be in your carry-on baggage.
• Baby food and breast milk are allowed in carry-on baggage. Just let the TSA officer know during screening.
• Bringing in snacks is fine. Just ensure they’re in a zip-top bag or container.
• Review the TSA Travel Checklist for more information.

Go Digital

• Print boarding passes at home or download to your smartphone for quicker entry.
• Use our online Prebooked Parking feature to reserve a parking spot and save on rates.
• Skip the security line! With MSP RESERVE, you can schedule your TSA screening time and breeze right through — for free! 

Before arriving at MSP, make sure you know which terminal you’re heading to. Plan on arriving two hours before taking a domestic flight or three hours before an international flight.

Drop-Offs & Pick-Ups

• MSP has two terminals, each serving different airlines. Find the terminal you need here.
• Terminal 2 has an Express Lane for quick pick-ups and drop-offs, located by the skyway on Level 2 of the Purple Ramp.
• Curbside parking is not allowed. Wait until your traveler has their luggage before picking them up.
• Skip the hassle of circling the airport — use our short-term parking or free cell phone waiting lots.

Light Rail or Bus

• Metro Transit offers many convenient ways to get to MSP. Explore the best public transportation options for you.

Van or Shuttle Services

• Schedule a bus, van, shuttle, or limo to and from MSP. Ticket counters are in the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of the Green and Gold parking ramps.

Car Rentals

• MSP offers multiple car rental companies with counters at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Find details and hours here.

Save time and skip the hassle. Find all your MSP parking options right here.

• Hourly and daily parking is available at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the Quick Ride Ramp. Check ahead for parking availability.
• For stays over 24 hours, prebook parking online to save time and money.
• Valet parking is available at Terminal 1 — follow the overhead signs on the roadway.
• Remember where you parked! Take a picture of the level and section on your smartphone so you don’t forget.
• If you feel unsafe walking through the lot, call 612-726-5577 to request an escort from the Airport Police Department.

We understand that no one enjoys waiting in a long line. At MSP, we’ve made it easier to get in, get out, and get on your way.

• Avoid the line completely with MSP RESERVE! Just schedule a good time to go through security and zip right through — for free!
• See up-to-the-minute security checkpoint wait times on any device.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck for shorter lines and smoother screening — usually 10 minutes or less.
• Learn more about the security screening process.

Need help getting to your gate? Looking for an interpreter? Want to find the nearest coffee? Don’t worry — our MSP team is here to help you every step of the way.
 

• You can find information booths throughout MSP, ready to help with questions, interpretation, and personalized assistance for elderly or disabled travelers.
• Look for our Go Guide Volunteers in bright green vests that say “Need Help?” — they’re all around MSP and ready to assist.
• For travelers with special needs requiring additional care, we recommend planning ahead with our Meet & Assist Services to help you navigate the airport.

We offer a broad range of accessibility services for travelers, including ADA-accessible restrooms, ASL services, mobile assistance, and more. Discover how we’re working to become the most accessible airport in the world!

• Request a wheelchair to take you to your airline.
• Have specific questions? Take a look at our Accessibility FAQs.
• Read the ADA Policy and Complaint Procedure from the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
• If you have additional questions, reach out to our Passenger Engagement Office or contact your airline.

Your journey begins the moment you arrive at MSP. Wander around and explore artwork, installations, and music — all inspired by Minnesota’s natural beauty, rich cultures, and vibrant communities.

• Experience The Aurora — a dazzling, interactive light sculpture in Terminal 1.
• Discover beautiful art installations featured throughout the airport.
• Take in the beauty of breathtaking floor mosaics wherever you wander.
• Gaze upon majestic wall mosaics, beautifully tiled and created by hand.
• Explore Minnesota’s vibrant music scene with live performances all over MSP.
• Catch award-winning documentaries and short films 24/7 at the SEE 18 Screening Room — free admission!
• Find out what’s new, what’s coming, or how you can showcase your creativity at Arts@MSP.

Minnesota’s nationally recognized food scene and one-of-a-kind culture are all around you at MSP — no need to even leave the airport, don’tcha know!

Hankerin’ for a hotdish or a cold brew?

• Check out the popular Hi-Lo Diner at the end of Concourse F.
• Grab an iconic Blucy Burger at the Blue Door Pub on Concourse A.
• Enjoy mouthwatering brewpub classics at Stone Arch at the south end of Terminal 1.
• Get a taste of the North at LoLo American Kitchen on Concourse E, beloved for its craft cocktails and local cuisine.
• Find more local and not-so-local favorites near your gate. 

Oh for cute, look at that plane!

• Want a great view of the airfield with your meal? Check out the Minnesota Wild Bar and Restaurant in Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is also loaded with several great dining spots for plane watching. 

Need some retail therapy or a souvenir? 

• Stop by the Prince Store, which celebrates this legendary Minnesota musician with one-of-a-kind merchandise.
• Shop handcrafted gifts from local artisans at Minnesota State of Nice.
• Explore all the shops inside MSP. 

Need a little paws in your travel itinerary? Take a break and play with some super-friendly therapy dogs at our MSP petting station. Keep an eye out for our furry ambassadors in Terminal 1 — and don’t forget to stop and say, “good boy!”