Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Check-In

One of the busiest airports in America, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) acts as a crucial gateway, connecting over 125 domestic and 29 international locations, and facilitating more than 600 daily flights to and from the Twin Cities region. For both new travelers and regular business fliers, the prospect of check-in at MSP can seem daunting. From determining the correct terminal to navigating security, here’s a complete walkthrough to ensure you have a stress-free experience.

Determining Your Terminal At MSP Airport

Your first port of call before departing to the airport must be confirming which MSP terminal you’ll be arriving at. Entering the wrong terminal at MSP would mean precious minutes wasted, along with added stress to your travel itinerary. Here’s a breakdown:

• Terminal 1: Lindbergh Terminal: This is MSP’s largest terminal and houses a vast number of airline operations. It has seven concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). Typically, most airline check-in counters, along with baggage drop and self-service kiosks, are located at the north end of the terminal on Level 2, while Delta Air Lines offers check-in on Level T.
• Terminal 2: Humphrey Terminal: Primarily serving Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and several other smaller carriers, check-in facilities and baggage drops are found on Level 1 of Terminal 2.
• Navigating between Terminals: Please note that there is no pedestrian walkway connecting the two terminals, which are located about three miles apart. Passengers can take advantage of the free METRO Blue Line light rail to travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Exciting Development (2026 onwards): Delta Air Lines is introducing a dedicated, expedited check-in experience for Delta One passengers at Door 8, on the upper-east curbside of Terminal 1.

Always confirm your departure terminal when booking your flight, and double-check the information on the day of your travels. The official MSP website and your airline’s app can instantly provide you with your terminal details.

Check In Online at MSP Airport

The number one way that you can save time when you are at MSP is to check in online. The majority of the passengers can actually get checked in from the comfort of their home by using a laptop or smart phone, thus helping to shave precious minutes from the time that you will spend in the airport.

• When can you check in: All check ins will be available beginning at 24 hours before your flight until 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Make sure to set yourself a reminder to make sure that you don’t miss the designated window for check-ins!
• Checking your boarding pass: Do you travel light? The time that you will need to spend in the airport is substantially reduced when you are able to get checked in online and down load your boarding pass directly to your mobile phone. That means no more stopping at an airport kiosk to print your boarding pass. 
• Travel with baggage: Checked bags means you should come to a ticket counter. If you intend to check bags you must report to your ticket counter to begin the process. Checked bag service can be done up to one hour before the time of departure.
• Upgrades or seats: Could this save you even more time?Most of the time you can choose or change a seat, at no additional charge. However, there are sometimes upgrade specials and additional purchase opportunities when you are checking in online, so it may be worth taking a look.

Check In – Ticketing Counters – Bag Drop – Self-Service kiosks

Whether you need service in person at the ticketing counter, or are checking bags you’ll want to visit your airline’s section of our ticketing lobbies.

• Terminal 1: Ticketing and Bag Drop services are available in the Ticketing Lobby on the 2nd level.
• Terminal 2: Check In, baggage drop, and kiosks are available on the 1st level.
• Curbside Check In: Curbside check in is available at the front entrance to both terminals to expedite the process for customers.
• Self Service kiosks: Terminal 1 ticketing lobbies now have new self-service kiosks and self bag-drop machines as part of the latest major remodel-designed to alleviate long lines and increase passenger autonomy.
• Deadlines at Ticket Counter: All passengers checking in at the ticket counter need to arrive at least one hour prior to their scheduled departure time. If a passenger has not checked in by one hour prior to departure.

How early should I get to MSP Airport for check in? 

Your planning needs a correct approach as MSP suggests two hours for domestic travel and three hours for international travel, a time window enough to check in luggage, pass the security screening and be at the gate on time. At MSP airport, between 5am – 8am and 4pm – 7pm are the security peak hours, with average time lines varying from 25 to 35 minutes because of the Delta flight bank at Terminal 1 and can rise to 50 minutes and above during this period. At non-peak hours, wait times are less than 15 minutes. You can see current live time lines on MSP web site or on the “MyTSA” App.

NEW REAL ID Requirement at MSP Airport

Some rules has changed for all people checking in at MSP and traveling on commercial domestic flights in US. Since May 7, 2025 all Minnesota residents travelling by air must bring a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or Minnesota ID to fly on US-based carriers. Standard driver’s license or ID will be denied access at the TSA checkpoints. From February 1, 2026 on, should you fail to present an acceptable REAL ID type at a TSA checkpoint you can use the TSA ConfirmID service but it costs $45*. Best to make sure you meet all REAL ID standards prior to your travels. US Passports, enhanced drivers’ licenses, US military ID cards are all valid and do not require to be REAL ID compliant.

TSA Security, Pre-check – Your Fast-Track Options

Once you’ve completed your check-in process, it’s time to speed through security. MSP offers a few options to get you to your gate faster:

• TSA PreCheck: TSA PreCheck is open at MSP from 4 a.m. To 8 p.m. PreCheck is available at the North and South checkpoints in Terminal 1 on the Ticketing Level. With PreCheck, you leave on your shoes, keep your laptop in its bag and your liquids in their container – significantly speeding up the security screening process.
• CLEAR biometric lanes: CLEAR uses fingerprint or iris biometric technology to identify travelers and gives them expedited access through the security line. CLEAR kiosks are available at both the North and South checkpoints in Terminal 1.
• MSP RESERVE-Free Slot Booking: MSP RESERVE is a free, optional program that allows passengers to reserve a spot in the security line, giving them control of their airport journey and the same level of TSA security. MSP RESERVE is available at the North Checkpoint in Terminal 1 only.
• TSA PreCheck Airport Enrollment: We have an on-airport TSA PreCheck Enrolment Center located in Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C21. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. And 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

International Check-In At MSP Airport

International passengers need to expect a few steps that go beyond your typical domestic check-in.

• Document verification at counter: You’ll need to have your passports, visas and proof of entry requirements at our international check-in counter where it’ll be verified. This takes longer than with a domestic check-in, so don’t take the three-hour recommendation lightly.
• Facial biometrics upon arrival: Entering MSP? The CBP Simplified Arrival process streamlines entry with facial biometrics that automatically verify your travel documents as you enter the United States. This ensures a touch-free, seamless arrival experience.
• Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control: As of February 1, 2026, only the Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control app may be used for entry into the U.S. 

Frequently Asked Questions