Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Guide: Terminals, Flights & Travel Tips

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (or MSP Airport) can be considered one of the most efficient and well-connected airports in the Upper Midwest area of the USA due to its convenient location, high efficiency, and advanced connectivity. As part of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the airport provides excellent conditions for both domestic and international flights.

MSP Airport Overview

As part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (or MSP Airport), officially known as Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, historically referred to as Wold–Chamberlain Field, is an airport of joint civil and military usage in Minnesota. Situated only around 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and 12 miles from downtown Saint Paul, the airport can provide excellent conditions for both passengers and pilots.

Not only does the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport serve as a place of passenger flights, but it is also a key point in cargo operations and military aviation. Being situated on a territory of over 2,900 acres, the airport is one of the economic drivers of the state as it provides millions of dollars per year. Besides MSP, there is another airport serving the area – St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP).

A Brief History of MSP Airport

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport was established in 1919 and was called Speedway Field. Later, it developed into one of the biggest airports, and passenger flights were introduced in the late 1920s.

There were several expansions throughout the years, with the most significant taking place after the 1950s.

An Important Hub for Airline Flights in the Midwest Region

One of the most important strengths of MSP Airport is that it is a hub for Delta Air Lines. Indeed, a significant number of passengers who use this airport use services provided by Delta and its affiliates. Furthermore, this airport also serves as a hub for Sun Country Airlines and Endeavor Air.

Thanks to a good presence of airlines here, the following strengths can be attributed to this airport:

• Domestic connections within the USA

• International connections to Europe and elsewhere

• Reasonable airfare prices thanks to healthy airline competition

Indeed, this makes MSP Airport one of the most popular airports of the Upper Midwest region, sometimes rivaling the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Terminals and Facilities

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport consists of two terminals:

• Terminal 1 (Lindbergh Terminal): This terminal is named after Charles Lindbergh, who is known to have made the first solo transatlantic flight by an airplane. The terminal has more than 100 gates and accommodates all major airlines as well as international flights.

• Terminal 2 (Humphrey Terminal): This terminal is named after Hubert Humphrey, who was a vice president and also the US senator from Minnesota. This terminal accommodates low-cost and chartered airlines.

Transportation and Connectivity

It is extremely easy to get to and leave from MSP Airport because of the outstanding ground transportation facilities. The airport is well-connected by highways, and there are good means of public transport as well.

Metro Transit Blue Line provides a direct connection between both terminals and the Minneapolis city center, along with the renowned Mall of America. Thus, there is no need to use private vehicles to move around.

Also, it is possible to get there by bus or taxi, which guarantees seamless connectivity.

Awards, Ratings, and Performance

MSP Airport is a recipient of multiple awards and rankings, particularly due to its high efficiency and customer satisfaction. It has been repeatedly rated as one of the leading North American airports in terms of passenger experience.

The reliability of MSP Airport can be seen from the global awards it received. Indeed, this airport ranks high among the world's most punctual airports.

Military and Economic Significance

Apart from being an ordinary civil airport, MSP airport also houses the Joint Air Reserve Station. This air station is used for hosting aircraft for both the USAF Reserve and Minnesota ANG forces, including such planes as the C-130 Hercules.

Economically speaking, MSP Airport is of tremendous importance to the area. Being one of the most significant economic centers of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, it creates thousands of jobs and brings millions of dollars in revenue.

Conclusion

Overall, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a unique airport featuring high efficiency and reliability, as well as well-developed connection capabilities. No matter whether you need to fly inside the country or overseas, MSP Airport is the one you can rely upon.

In search of a convenient and connected airport in the Midwestern region, MSP Airport continues to be one of the most favorable options.