MSP Airport Preparing for Busy Summer Season

Jun 7, 2018

Minneapolis-St. Paul – Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is preparing for a busy summer travel season and encourages Minnesota travelers to do the same.

When schools let out, the airport gets busy, not only with families taking vacations, but also with summer campers leaving and arriving.

“It’s going to be a very busy summer season – with more people than ever planning trips into and out of Minnesota this year,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

MSP Airport’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) team says the busiest days of the week will be Thursdays and Fridays as well as Sundays and Mondays. The busiest times for security screening are expected to be between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. and again between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

“We expect to screen an average of 37,400 passengers per day, an average daily increase of 1,125 people when compared to summer 2017 levels,” says Cliff Van Leuven, TSA Federal Security Director for Minnesota.

On peak travel days, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) plans to provide additional workers in the departures lobby to help speed the security screening process.

“Every week, we meet with airline and federal security officials to learn from the previous week and identify opportunities to improve the passenger experience and make resource adjustments,” said Roy Fuhrmann, MAC’s chief operating officer. “We’ll continue to do that throughout the summer, working to move people quickly and efficiently through the check-in and security screening processes.”

Travelers should arrive at least two hours prior to departure to provide enough time for parking, check-in, security screening and getting to their gate.

The TSA also reminds travelers that:

New carry-on baggage screening procedures are now in place at all airports across the country including MSP. The procedures require travelers to place all electronic devices larger than a cell phone – including tablets, e-readers and cameras - in bins for x-ray screening when going through the security checkpoint. The electronics should be placed in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for several years.

Travelers should also remove their one-quart bag containing liquids, gels and aerosols in quantities of less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces) from their carry-on bag. Place the bag in a bin by itself for x-ray screening. Removing the electronics and liquids from the carry-on allows TSA officers to obtain a clearer view of them on the x-ray screen.

OTHER HELPFUL SECURITY SCREENING INFORMATION

Passengers play an important role in the security process. By being prepared, they can simplify their travel experience and have a significant impact on efficiency in the security checkpoint. Here are some helpful TSA tools and travel tips to ensure a smooth checkpoint experience:

Tweet or Message “AskTSA.” Reach out to TSA via social media to find out if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag or if you are having trouble with your TSA PreCheck eligibility. Get real-time assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger. Service available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT daily.
Unpack your bag before you pack it: Remove everything from your carry-on to make sure you don’t inadvertently bring an item that is prohibited in the cabin of an aircraft. Also, don’t overstuff your bag and consider checking when feasible. Wrap charging cords and cables neatly before packing.
Refresh your knowledge of the liquids rule. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. All containers must fit inside a single quart-size plastic bag. Familiarize yourself with procedures for traveling with medically-necessary liquids, which may require additional screening.
Call TSA Cares. Travelers or families of travelers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as to arrange for assistance at the checkpoint. It is recommended to call at least 72 hours prior to traveling.

PARKING

The Quick Ride Ramp at Terminal 1 is a convenient and lower cost option for parking at the airport and is only a five-minute FREE shuttle ride away from the terminal. Even better for families, travelers are picked up right at their vehicle where the driver can help with loading and unloading luggage. Learn more at www.mspairport.com.