Vacation Travel Tips from MSP Airport

Minneapolis-St. Paul –Minnesota’s mild winter hasn’t deterred residents from taking off for warmer climes. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is already buzzing with eager vacationers ready for some fun in the sun. It’s important to remember, your trip doesn’t start at your destination: it starts before you walk out your front door. To help ensure a great experience, we’re offering travelers these tips.

Prepare for security BEFORE you leave home. Everyone has a part to play in keeping airport security lines moving. Know what you can and cannot take though a security checkpoint by visiting the Transportation Security Administration’s website at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm. Here you can also find information about traveling with children and how to pack and dress for security. You may also be interested in the helpful tips featured in a new presentation playing at MSP’s Terminal 2-Humphrey and available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtgbclJ-GdQ.

Allow plenty of time. One of the easiest ways to help make your trip stress-free is to arrive at MSP at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours prior for international flights to allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and getting to your gate. Security lines have been particularly long during the early morning hours at Terminal 2-Humphrey when flights are taking off to those tropical locales. (Construction of a second security checkpoint is already underway to help reduce those lines! Look for it in October 2012.) Terminal 2 set another record for travelers served last year, so expect the facility to be busier than ever.

Save $ while at MSP. Pick up a FREE Eat, Shop, Relax coupon book and find more than 70 coupons for use at MSP. Books are available at all information booths and directory kiosks, or online at http://www.ShopsatMSP.com. Travelers now can also save $6 a day by parking in MSP Value Parking at Terminal 2-Humphrey instead of in General Parking at Terminal 1-Lindbergh. Free light rail transfers travelers between terminals.

Take a trip to one of our play areas before or between flights. Both terminals at MSP have play areas where your little ones can expend some youthful energy before having to sit still on a plane. At Terminal 1-Lindbergh, the play area is near Gate C12, next to the Red Balloon children’s book store; at Terminal 2-Humphrey, get your play on near Gate H6.

Like MSP on Facebook and follow it on Twitter. Know the latest when you connect with MSP Airport. Timely travel tips make social media the place to be.

Ask us! We’re here to help make your trip a great experience. Rely on the knowledgeable Customer Information Associates who answer the Airport Information and Paging office line from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year. Call 612-726-5555 for assistance. Our seasoned Travelers Assistance volunteers and Passenger Service Assistants are also out and about in the terminals and at the Information Booths ready to help you get on your way.