Memorial Day weekend signals summer travel boost at MSP

Passenger traffic is building up at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend — the unofficial kickoff to the summer travel season. 

Approximately 300,000 people are projected to clear MSP security checkpoints between Monday, May 18, and Monday, May 25. The busiest travel day of the week is expected to be Thursday, May 21, with more than 46,000 people passing through security.

The summer travel season also coincides with two ground transportation projects that will improve vehicle access at Terminal 2, which serves Allegiant-Sun Country, Southwest, Frontier and other airlines.

This week, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) relocated its Terminal 2 rideshare app pick-up and drop-off zone to the second level of the Purple Ramp.

“By moving the rideshare zone into the Purple Ramp, customers have access to better weather protection and a shorter walking route to the terminal via the sky bridge, which is on the same level of the parking ramp,” said Roy Fuhrmann, chief operating officer of the MAC. “The relocation also removes rideshare vehicles from the roadway directly in front of Terminal 2, immediately helping to reduce congestion for other users and improving the overall experience.”

In mid-June, the MAC will begin work to add a fifth lane in front of Terminal 2 to further improve the flow of vehicles along the terminal curb. That road project is scheduled for completion by late November. 

MSP summer travel tips and reminders:

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires passengers to present REAL ID-compliant identification at U.S. airport checkpoints. Those without an acceptable ID will have to pay a $45 fee to go through security. Find more details at tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id.

• MSP RESERVE offers passengers a spot and set time in the security line for free. Availability is limited and offered at select times.  

• Book parking reservations online now to guarantee a spot and receive the lowest daily rates. Bookings must be made at least 12 hours before the scheduled arrival time.

• Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of a domestic departure or three hours prior to an international departure.

• Drivers can use either level at Terminal 1 to drop off or pick up passengers.

• The Terminal 2 Express Lane is located on the second level of the Purple Ramp. The Express Lane offers non-commercial drivers an alternative pick-up and drop-off location to the roadway curb. 

• Travelers in Terminal 1 should look for the shortest wait time on security checkpoint boards at both ends of the ticketing lobby. Passengers can access all gates from either checkpoint, but the North Checkpoint, located to the right as you enter the ticketing lobby, often has shorter wait times.

• MSP’s cell phone lots on Post Road offer drivers a free place to wait until their passenger is ready to be picked up. Drivers should remain parked until their arriving party contacts them by phone before heading to the terminal pick-up zones.     

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