MSP expecting 10% more passengers for Thanksgiving 2024 travel

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is preparing for a significant boost in passengers for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period, which mirrors local year-to-date travel activity.

The liftoff for Thanksgiving travel begins this week. Over the course of 12 days between Thursday, Nov. 21, and Tuesday, Dec. 2, MSP is expecting a minimum of 468,000 people to check in and be screened through security checkpoints. That’s more than 10% over the nearly 423,000 screened in 2023 during the same period.

MSP’s busiest days ahead are similar to past years; passenger activity will peak on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) and the following Sunday (Dec. 1). More than 49,000 people are expected to be screened on each of those days. The passenger traffic projections spotlight how busy MSP’s ticketing and security checkpoints will be over the next two weeks. This is in addition to connecting passengers and arriving passengers at MSP.

“We’re prepared for a strong and busy couple of weeks around Thanksgiving, which is in line with MSP’s total passenger growth of 8% so far in 2024,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which own and operates MSP. “This is a time of the year where we make sure our teams and airport partners are fully staffed to accommodate check-in and security processes and have the crews ready to respond to any adverse weather events now that the winter season is upon us.”

New this year for Thanksgiving travel, the MAC has opened an alternative pick-up and drop-off area at Terminal 2. The free Terminal 2 Express Lane is accessed through the Purple Ramp, with a covered loading zone on the second level offering quick access to the terminal via a sky bridge. 

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.

Here are some other helpful tips for Thanksgiving holiday travel at MSP:

• MSP passengers can reserve a spot in the security line for free through MSP RESERVE, which recently expanded to Terminal 1. Reservation times vary per terminal and availability is limited.

• Parking will be in high demand over the holidays. Travelers can prebook parking online to guarantee a spot and capture the lowest daily rates. Bookings must be made at least 12 hours prior to scheduled arrival time.

• Travelers in Terminal 1 should check the checkpoint 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.

• During busy times, drivers can go up or down to Terminal 1’s departures or arrivals levels to pick up or drop off passengers.

• Drivers heading to the airport to pick up passengers are encouraged to use MSP’s cell phone lots on Post Road. These are free waiting areas. Drivers should remain parked until their arriving party contacts them to pick them up at either terminal.    

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