First wave of 2026 spring break travelers arriving at MSP Airport

The first wave of 2026 spring break travelers is already arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) for the year’s first major vacation season. MSP is expected to serve more than 3.3 million passengers over a five-week period ending April 6.  Fridays and Sundays in March are expected to be the busiest days, with more than 46,000 travelers passing through security each day.

Two new highly anticipated concession venues will open in the center area of Terminal 2 over the next week in time for the spring boost. 

On March 6, Hometown Market will make its debut for convenient food, must-have travel items and unique gifts. The store will feature a rotation of more than 30 local vendors, showcasing Minnesota’s vibrant businesses, such as Larissa Loden, Northmade Co., Sota Clothing Co., 218 Clothing + Gift, and Cedar and Cypress Designs. Additionally, Hometown Market will sell officially licensed Prince products, joining the Terminal 1 Prince store as the only brick-and-mortar locations outside of Paisley Park where these items are available.

The ever-popular Caribou Coffee will open the week of March 9 in a new location with a refreshed layout and counter configuration designed for faster service, especially during peak periods. The new venue, located next to its current site, features a bright modern design and will be offering a new self-order kiosk and an expanded order-ahead pick up area for guests. 

“We’re excited for the opening of these new venues at Terminal 2 in time to serve the uptick in travelers this spring,” said Isabella Rhawie, MAC vice president, commercial revenue officer. “This is just the beginning of redeveloping the terminal’s concessions. Over the next year, we plan to introduce a new mix of food, beverage and retail offerings with improved store and restaurant infrastructure — all to support the highest service levels for our passengers.” 

The next phase of Terminal 2 concession openings will occur between late summer and fall, with the debut of illy Caffè, B.A.R. Flights, McDonald’s and Subway. Terminal 2 is the gateway for Sun Country, Southwest, Frontier and Icelandair at MSP.   

Spring break travel tips at MSP

During the spring break season, travelers should prepare for busy roadways and terminal curb areas due to increased passenger drop-offs and pick-ups.

To help reduce congestion, MSP encourages the use of the FLEX Lane at Terminal 1. The newly designated lane is on the left side of the Departures Drive, located across from the primary drop-off curb.  

•    For departures, a one-level escalator or elevator ride connects passengers to pedestrian sky bridges for a simple “up and over” path to reach the Terminal 1 ticketing lobby.
•    For arrivals, passengers can return to the FLEX Lane for pick up via the sky bridges or below-ground walkway on Level T.

Drivers can always use either level of the Terminal 1 drive loop to pick up or drop off passengers. 

Terminal 2 users also have an alternative pick-up and drop-off area accessible in the Purple Ramp. The free Terminal 2 Express Lane provides a covered loading zone on the second level, offering quick access to the terminal via a sky bridge.

Other helpful tips for upcoming travel at MSP:

• Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before an international flight.

• Arriving international travelers may face increased wait times to clear customs at MSP and other U.S. airports due to the temporary suspension of the Global Entry Program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

• Passengers can reserve a spot in the security line for free through MSP RESERVE. Reservation times vary per terminal, and availability is limited.

• Prebook parking online to guarantee a spot and capture the lowest daily rates. Bookings must be made at least 12 hours prior to your scheduled arrival time.

• Travelers in Terminal 1 should check the security wait-time boards when they enter the ticketing lobby. Passengers can access all gates from either checkpoint, but the North Checkpoint often has shorter wait times.

• To further reduce congestion at curbside pick-up areas, drivers are encouraged to wait at MSP’s free cell phone lots on Post Road. Drivers should stay parked until their arriving party contacts them to pick them up at either terminal.

• Review the latest TSA security screening information and tips, including identification requirements and regulated items for carry-on and checked baggage.

MSP is the 17th busiest U.S. airport by passengers, offering travelers nonstop service to 167 destinations in 2026, including 35 international routes to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. MSP has been named the best mega airport for customer and traveler satisfaction in back-to-back years in the annual J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. MSP has earned the highest ranking in customer satisfaction for mega airports in three out of the past four years.