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Minneapolis-St Paul Airport MSP Airport Traveler Guide

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MSP Airport Insights & Guide

Key MSP Airport Topics:

Getting to Know MSP Airport

Welcome to our Minneapolis-St Paul Airport Online Guide. Serving as the largest and busiest airport in Minnesota, MSP is renowned for its two distinct terminals and impressive array of amenities. This guide aims to help you navigate MSP's unique features, whether you're departing, connecting, or arriving. If your travels take you to other airports, we invite you to explore our global airport directory for additional insights and information.

WATCH VIDEO: Experience the arrivals at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and learn about its convenient metro connection to downtown and beyond:

Airport News

Minneapolis-St Paul Airport (MSP) has recently unveiled several key updates aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. The airport has received approval for a new connection between Terminals 1 and 2, which will streamline transit for travelers. Additionally, MSP has launched Phase 2 of its US$242M Terminal 1 renovations, focusing on modernizing facilities and improving overall passenger comfort. These developments are set to significantly enhance the airport's infrastructure and service offerings. (sources: Bring Me The News, Passenger Terminal Today)

Twin Cities Airport, also known as MSP, has two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. Terminal 1-Lindbergh has 7 concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, and Concourse G. Terminal 2-Humphrey has one concourse: Concourse H.

The airport has a total of 131 gates, with Terminal 1-Lindbergh having 117 gates and Terminal 2-Humphrey having 14 gates. Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate out of Terminal 1-Lindbergh, while Terminal 2-Humphrey is mainly used by low-cost carriers such as Sun Country Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

Getting around MSP's terminals is easy with the airport's shuttle service, which runs 24/7 between Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. The shuttle is free and takes approximately 10 minutes to travel between the terminals. There are also moving walkways and escalators to help passengers navigate the terminals.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

MSP has several terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, Concourse G, Concourse H, and the Main Terminal. To get between terminals, passengers can use the free Light Rail Transit service, which operates 24/7 and stops at both Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2(Humphrey).

Walking between terminals is also an option, but it can take up to 20 minutes, depending on the distance between terminals. The airport also offers a free shuttle service that connects all terminals, which runs 24/7 and departs every 7-8 minutes.

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Minneapolis-St Paul Airport (MSP) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MSP-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"MSP has two main terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. If you’re flying with Delta, you’ll be in Terminal 1, which has a wide array of amenities. Terminal 2 is smaller but still has plenty of dining and shopping options." — John D., Bloomington, MN, August 2023

"Make sure to use the light rail transit between the terminals if you need to transfer. It’s quick and free, and it runs every 10 minutes." — Emily K., Eagan, MN, July 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The light rail is the best way to get to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul from the airport. It’s affordable and avoids the hassle of traffic. Just follow the signs to the station in Terminal 1." — Michael S., St. Paul, MN, September 2023

"If you’re in a hurry, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at both terminals. There are designated pick-up areas that are easy to find." — Lisa M., Minneapolis, MN, October 2023

Parking

"If you’re parking at MSP, consider booking your spot in advance online. It can save you money and guarantee you a spot, especially during busy travel seasons." — Kevin R., Richfield, MN, November 2023

"For long-term parking, the Quick Ride Ramp is a great option. It’s cheaper and there’s a shuttle that takes you directly to the terminals." — Anna T., Burnsville, MN, December 2023

Inside the Airport

"Don’t miss the Minnesota State Fair favorites at the airport. You can find cheese curds, walleye, and even mini donuts in Terminal 1." — Jessica H., Apple Valley, MN, January 2024

"There are plenty of power outlets and charging stations throughout both terminals, so keeping your devices charged is easy." — Brian L., Eden Prairie, MN, February 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Check the TSA wait times online before you head to the airport. It can help you plan when to leave home and which security checkpoint to use." — Rachel P., Maplewood, MN, March 2024

"If you’re traveling during peak times, consider getting TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. It can significantly cut down on your wait time and make the security process much smoother." — David W., Roseville, MN, April 2024

iFly Tip: Learn about shuttle transportation and other services on our Airport Parking page.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

MSP Airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available, but it is restricted to active loading and unloading only. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are not allowed to park or leave their cars unattended. Violators may be ticketed or towed.

For those who prefer to wait for their arriving passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and allow drivers to park and wait for their passengers to call or text when they are ready to be picked up. Once the passenger has retrieved their luggage and is ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the curbside for quick and easy loading.

Parking Facilities & Options

The airport offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. The airport has several parking garages and lots located near the terminals.

Conveniently located cell phone waiting areas are available for those who are picking up arriving passengers. These waiting areas are free of charge and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers are ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking facilities, and shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts to assist those with mobility issues.

For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking lots are available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals and can be a cost-effective alternative to on-site parking.

Get details about Minneapolis-St Paul Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Twin Cities Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help travelers get to their destination. For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies available at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. These companies have rental counters located in the Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey buildings.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with taxi stands located outside of both terminals. The estimated fare from the airport to downtown Minneapolis is around $39-$49, and to downtown St. Paul is around $30-$38. It is important to note that there is a $6.25 airport access fee added to all taxi fares.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. These services have designated pickup areas outside of both terminals. It is important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed in these vehicles.

Airport shuttles are also available for those who need transportation to nearby hotels or other destinations. These shuttles have designated pickup areas outside of both terminals and fares vary depending on the destination.

Lastly, public transportation options are available for those who prefer to use buses or trains. The Metro Transit system has routes that serve the airport, with stops located outside of both terminals. Fares for the bus and light rail start at $2.50 and vary depending on the destination.

iFly Tip: Get step-by-step guidance on requesting a gate pass with our gate pass guide.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be a tiring experience, especially when it involves long flights. Having a comfortable place to rest before or after your journey can greatly enhance your travel experience. There are numerous excellent hotels nearby, providing a range of amenities and services to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations or more unique stays, there are options to suit every taste and budget. Some of these include the InterContinental, the charming Minneapolis Cottage, the Bright Mpls Getaway, and the Hilton. For more information on these and other excellent hotel options, please visit our Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotels page.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Traveling through Twin Cities Airport and looking for a bite to eat or some shopping? Look no further! MSP offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options to suit any taste or need. From classic coffee chains like Starbucks to gourmet food and wine shops like Surdyk's Flights, you're sure to find something to satisfy your hunger. And when it comes to shopping, MSP has everything from local boutiques to internationally recognized brands. Some notable stores include Minnesota State of Nice, iStore, and Swarovski. But that's just the beginning! For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Twin Cities Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.

Passenger Services

MSP is a world-class airport that offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here are some of the services available:

Wifi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Simply connect to the "MSP Free Wi-Fi" network and follow the instructions to get online.

Lost and Found: If you lose an item at the airport, you can contact the Lost and Found department for assistance. The office is located on the Mezzanine Level of the Blue Ramp in the Main Terminal.

Children's Areas: MSP Airport has several play areas for children, including a large play area in Terminal 1-Lindbergh and a smaller play area in Terminal 2-Humphrey. These areas are designed to help kids burn off some energy before their flight.

Special-Needs Services: The airport offers a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones for the hearing-impaired. If you require any special assistance, contact the airline or airport in advance to make arrangements.

Banking: There are several banks and ATMs located throughout the airport, including Wells Fargo, US Bank, and Travelex. You can also exchange currency at Travelex if you need to.

Medical Help: If you require medical assistance while at the airport, there are several medical clinics and pharmacies available. The Medical Center is located in the Main Terminal, and there are also several pharmacies located throughout the airport.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at MSP Airport.

One of the most convenient ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications about their flight status. Additionally, passengers can sign up to receive text or email alerts from their airline.

Another way to stay updated on flight status is by checking the airport website. The Minneapolis-St Paul Airport website provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can also check the website of their airline for updates.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

iFly Tip: See how advanced avionics assist pilots in flight navigation in our cockpit operation overview.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Minneapolis-St Paul Airport (MSP) is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.
  • Terminals: The airport features a Main Terminal, which includes Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, Concourse G, and Concourse H.
  • Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the MSP Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Minneapolis-St Paul Airport handles approximately 35,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 400 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from MSP are Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
  • Hub Status: Minneapolis-St Paul Airport is a hub for Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, and Endeavor Air.

Airport History

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, also known as MSP, is a joint civil-military public use airport located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It is the largest and busiest airport in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1920s - The airport site was first used as a military training base during World War I.
  • 1929 - The first commercial flight took off from the airport, operated by Northwest Airways.
  • 1944 - The airport was renamed to Wold-Chamberlain Field in honor of two local aviation pioneers.
  • 1950s - The airport underwent significant expansion and modernization to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
  • 1960s - The airport's name was changed to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to reflect its status as a major international gateway.
  • 1992 - A new terminal, Terminal 1, was opened to replace the outdated and overcrowded original terminal building.
  • 2001 - The airport was briefly closed following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, causing significant disruption to air travel across the country.
  • 2010 - A new light rail transit system, the METRO Blue Line, was opened to provide direct access to the airport from downtown Minneapolis.
  • 2019 - The airport celebrated its 90th anniversary and continued to set new records for passenger traffic and flight operations.

Today, Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport is a vital hub for air travel in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year with flights to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MSP
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 612-726-5555
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, 4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN 55111, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Minneapolis-St Paul Airport Q&A

MSP has two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey.
Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate out of Terminal 1.
You can use the free Light Rail Transit service or the free shuttle service, both of which operate 24/7.
Taking the Light Rail Transit is the most cost-effective and reliable way to get to downtown Minneapolis.
Yes, the Quick Ride Ramp offers more affordable long-term parking with a fast and efficient shuttle service to the terminals.
The cell phone waiting areas are located near each terminal and are free to use while waiting for arriving passengers.
Terminal 1 has a variety of dining options, including the popular Surdyk’s Flights for a quick and delicious meal.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Connect to the "MSP Free Wi-Fi" network.
You can check flight status using in-airport flight displays, airline mobile apps, or the airport’s website.
Yes, MSP offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, TTY phones, and other services for passengers with special needs.