Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is the busiest airport in Minnesota, and it’s a major aviation hub in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. It is situated about 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis and 8 miles southeast of downtown St. Paul. The airport serves millions of both domestic and international passengers annually and provides connections for people traveling between the Twin Cities and many destinations in North America, Europe, and beyond.

MSP serves as a primary hub for one of the world’s largest airlines, Delta Air Lines, as well as the popular leisure carrier, Sun Country Airlines. The airport has two major passenger terminals, Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey). Both terminals feature comprehensive amenities such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, dining options, retail shops, lounges, and ground transportation facilities. 

MSP Airport Overview

Airlines At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

MSP is serviced by many major domestic and international airlines. Delta Air Lines is the airline with the greatest number of flights, and it operates as its hub for this airport. MSP’s two-terminal layout segregates airlines by their needs. In general, full-service airlines are located in Terminal 1, whereas low cost carriers will be located in Terminal 2.

A couple of points you will want to note:

• Delta Air Lines handles the vast majority of the flights out of MSP, and it has both domestic and international flight routes, including some to Europe and Asia.
• Terminal 1 is home to most international flights, some of which go to Europe and Asia.
• Terminal 2 deals mainly with low-cost carriers flying mainly within the US.
• Terminals for specific airlines can occasionally change due to scheduling or operational issues, so it is recommended to double-check which terminal you will be departing from by looking at your airline confirmation or by looking up the flight status on the airport’s flight status tools.
• Be sure to allot extra time when traveling with an airline that departs from Terminal 2, because you will need to take the bus or other transportation between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Baggage Claim

Baggage claim at MSP is divided by terminal. Carousels will be assigned for flights by the airline and by the time and location of arrival. MSP’s baggage claim uses a digital signage system to help you get to the correct carousel easily.

Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) Baggage Claim:

• Baggage claim is located on the Tram Level, which is under the ticketing and check-in levels.
• Multiple baggage carousels accommodate flights arriving via Delta and other Terminal 1 airlines.
• Clear directional signs will direct you from the gates to baggage claim via elevators, escalators, or the airport tram system.
• Baggage service offices for most of the larger airlines are near the claim area, where they can help you report lost, missing, or damaged baggage.

Terminal 2 (Humphrey) Baggage Claim:

• Baggage claim is located on the lower level close to the ground transportation pickup.
• Carousels at this terminal serve arriving flights on Sun Country, Spirit, Southwest, Frontier, and Allegiant.
• This is a more compact terminal, so getting to baggage claim from your gate should be quicker.

General Tips:

• Pay attention to the digital displays, because carousel assignments may change at the last minute.
• Report lost, missing or damaged baggage as soon as possible and at the airline’s baggage service desk before you leave the secure area.
• For out-of-the-ordinary baggage, such as large equipment, check with the airline at a separate area or desk, usually next to the main baggage claim area.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Maps

Maps are readily available to help you navigate through MSP. You will find that these maps show locations of ticket counters, security checkpoints, gates, lounges, shops, restaurants, and ground transportation areas.

Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) Layout:

• The terminal is divided into six concourses: A, B, C, D, F, and G.
• A central walkway and the Whisper Jet tram system that runs underneath will easily take you from concourse to concourse.
• Multiple security checkpoints lead to each section of the terminal, allowing passengers to easily proceed to their gate.

Terminal 2 (Humphrey) Layout:

• This is a smaller, single-level terminal and is easy to get around.
• This terminal has only a few gates and a few dining and shopping options, so getting from your gate to any part of the terminal is straightforward.

Map Resources Available:

• Interactive online maps can be found on the official MSP airport website. You can use these to locate gates, restrooms, shops, and restaurants.
• Your mobile phone can also lead you anywhere in the airport with the app’s navigational tool.
• Maps are printed and posted at every junction in the terminal and many locations in the security area, in front of the trams, etc.
• Information booths are present throughout the terminal with staffed representatives who can answer your questions and give you directions.

MSP Airport Lounges

For travelers who would like to unwind, get some work done, or have a snack and drink before boarding their flight, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has multiple lounge options, mainly concentrated within Terminal 1.

Parking Options At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Whether it is for a short visit, daily commutes, or long-term traveling needs, MSP offers a variety of parking options.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Shop

The shopping facilities at MSP have something for everyone. Along with favorite national retail stores and brands, you’ll find unique local Minnesota businesses, offering a perfect opportunity to get last-minute essentials or souvenirs.

Types of Shops available at MSP:

• Newsstands and Convenience Stores: Selling food, beverages, newspapers, magazines, and travel necessities.
• Electronics and Travel Accessories: Various stores selling phone chargers, headphones, travel pillows, and other small items that will make traveling more comfortable.
• Fashion and Accessories: Boutiques selling clothing, accessories, and sunglasses.
• Duty-Free Shopping: Available for travelers of international flights; sales of duty-free alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, and other luxury goods.
• Specialty and Gift Shops: Local Minnesota souvenirs such as wild rice or gourmet popcorn, or Minnesota-themed merchandise.
• Bookstores: For travelers looking to get some reading material for their flight.

Where to Shop at MSP:

• Terminal 1 (Lindbergh): Offers the largest shopping array of the airport, with stores in each terminal between concourses A-G.
• Terminal 2 (Humphrey): Travelers here have a smaller, yet satisfactory choice of shops to pick up whatever is needed.

All shops are conveniently located close to the gates and travel thoroughfares, making it simple for shoppers to combine browsing, eating, and waiting time at the airport.

MSP Airport Smoking Areas

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has a strictly smoke-free policy enforced within the airport’s terminals, as required by all airports in the United States, in accordance with laws that govern the health of employees and travelers at public places.

Summary of the Smoking Policy at MSP:

• The smoking of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and any other tobacco product is forbidden inside any of the airport buildings. This includes all gate areas, restrooms, and lounges.
• There are no public smoking areas available for travelers after they have passed through security to either terminal.
• Passengers who wish to smoke can use the smoking areas designated outside the terminal entrance.
• Smoking travelers should use these designated outdoor areas to smoke before checking in and going through security. You are not permitted re-entry to any areas outside the secured areas once you have been screened through security.

How to Contact MSP Airport?

Address: 4300 Glumack Dr, Fort Snelling, MN 55111

Contact Number: +16127265555

Website: https://www.mspairport.com/

MSP Airport Security Wait Times

The wait times at MSP security screening points are determined by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and can vary daily according to the day of the week, time of day, holidays, and number of passengers passing through the airport.

Factors Contributing to Wait Times at MSP Security:

• Day and time of day: Early morning flights, along with flights that are later in the day or on Fridays and Monday mornings, generally have more people going through security than others.
• Time of Year: If it is close to the holidays or the summer vacation season, wait times will probably be longer than normal.

Accelerated Security Screening Procedures at MSP:

• TSA PreCheck: Some of the security screening points have TSA PreCheck available, allowing for a faster process by removing your shoes, light jackets, and carrying your laptop and other personal items in your bag through security.
• CLEAR: If you get a CLEAR membership, it will expedite your security process at some of the screening points when you pair it with TSA PreCheck.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)