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Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Minneapolis, United States · North America

MSP delivers excellent on-time performance and fast security with a Delta hub advantage but trades off some international variety and inter-terminal connectivity.

Airportist Score

8.2/ 10

Passengers

~38M (recent estimates)

Security

12 min

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

All airports

MSPKMSPNormal21°C

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Minneapolis, United States · North America

MSP delivers excellent on-time performance and fast security with a Delta hub advantage but trades off some international variety and inter-terminal connectivity.

Airportist Score

8.2/ 10

Passengers

~38M (recent estimates)

Security

12 min

11 photos

Wide view of the bright, modern main hall of Terminal 1 at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport with high ceilings, signage, and passenger walkways. — Photo: Thomson200
CC0 Source

Aerial photograph looking down on Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport showing multiple parallel runways, terminals, and surrounding roads and greenery. — Photo: Michael Adams
CC BY-SA 3.0 Source

A long concourse corridor in Terminal 1 Concourse B with gate seating areas, flight information displays, and large windows overlooking the airfield. — Photo: Thomson200
CC0 Source

The covered METRO Blue Line light rail platform at Terminal 1 with trains, signage, and escalators leading to the airport terminal. — Photo: Runner1928
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The lower level of MSP's Terminal 1 showing the entrance to the inter-terminal tram with signage and a moving walkway. — Photo: Tony Webster
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

Passengers seated in curved gate-area chairs beneath high windows in the Lindbergh Terminal, with shops and walkways visible in the background. — Photo: Famartin
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

An escalator in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul airport terminal beside a colorful suspended art installation of geometric shapes and light. — Photo: Tony Webster from Portland, Oregon, United States
CC BY 2.0 Source

Empty gate seating rows with blue chairs and large windows in Terminal 2 at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. — Photo: Nic McPhee
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

Panoramic view from MSP's airside observation deck showing parked aircraft, concourses, and runways under a dramatic sky. — Photo: m01229 from USA
CC BY 2.0 Source

An enclosed glass skyway connecting the InterContinental Hotel to Terminal 1 at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. — Photo: Thomson200
CC0 Source

The tall air traffic control tower at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport rising above the terminal buildings against a cloudy sky. — Photo: Bspor.88
CC0 Source

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2 hours early domestic, 3 for international

Security is fast but peaks hit 20-50 min; use MSP Reserve to lock a slot.

Current waits often <5-15 min per official board.

Terminal

Confirm your terminal before booking transport

Terminal 1 handles Delta and most carriers; Terminal 2 for Southwest and budget airlines.

No airside connection—use free Blue Line between them.

Food

Hit concourse spots post-security for variety

Terminal 1 offers strong options across concourses; Terminal 2 has solid quick bites.

Lounges like Escape provide included meals if eligible.

Status

Check MSP app or site for real-time waits and parking

Live security and ramp occupancy posted; prebook parking to guarantee space.

J.D. Power top rating reflects smooth operations.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSP.

Updated Jul 10, 2026

Two terminals: Terminal 1 (Delta hub, most international/domestic) and Terminal 2 (Southwest, Frontier, Sun Country)
Delta Air Lines operates the majority of flights as its main hub
METRO Blue Line light rail connects terminals for free 24/7 and reaches downtown Minneapolis in ~25-30 min
Security wait times typically under 15 minutes, often <5 min; free MSP Reserve appointments available
Ranked #1 mega airport for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power
Covered parking ramps at both terminals with prebooking options

7 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation7.5

Food7.8

Transport8.5

Disruption resilience8.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

~38M (recent estimates)

Terminals

2 active terminals

On-time departures

82%

Avg security

12 min

Best For

Fast security and low delaysDelta hub connectionsEfficient public transit to cityClean facilities and high satisfaction ratings

Watch Out For

No airside terminal connectionLimited lounges in Terminal 2Peak parking fills quickly without prebookingFewer international options than larger hubs

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

11 photos

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2 hours early domestic, 3 for international

Security is fast but peaks hit 20-50 min; use MSP Reserve to lock a slot.

Current waits often <5-15 min per official board.

Terminal

Confirm your terminal before booking transport

Terminal 1 handles Delta and most carriers; Terminal 2 for Southwest and budget airlines.

No airside connection—use free Blue Line between them.

Food

Hit concourse spots post-security for variety

Terminal 1 offers strong options across concourses; Terminal 2 has solid quick bites.

Lounges like Escape provide included meals if eligible.

Status

Check MSP app or site for real-time waits and parking

Live security and ramp occupancy posted; prebook parking to guarantee space.

J.D. Power top rating reflects smooth operations.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for MSP.

Updated Jul 10, 2026

Two terminals: Terminal 1 (Delta hub, most international/domestic) and Terminal 2 (Southwest, Frontier, Sun Country)
Delta Air Lines operates the majority of flights as its main hub
METRO Blue Line light rail connects terminals for free 24/7 and reaches downtown Minneapolis in ~25-30 min
Security wait times typically under 15 minutes, often <5 min; free MSP Reserve appointments available
Ranked #1 mega airport for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power
Covered parking ramps at both terminals with prebooking options

7 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort8.0

Navigation7.5

Food7.8

Transport8.5

Disruption resilience8.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

~38M (recent estimates)

Terminals

2 active terminals

On-time departures

82%

Avg security

12 min

Best For

Fast security and low delaysDelta hub connectionsEfficient public transit to cityClean facilities and high satisfaction ratings

Watch Out For

No airside terminal connectionLimited lounges in Terminal 2Peak parking fills quickly without prebookingFewer international options than larger hubs