Travel
Here's How Many People Will Pass Through MSP For Thanksgiving
MSP officials say they expect crowds of at least 70% of 2019 levels. Find out when the busiest times will be.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — If you’re headed to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Wednesday, plan ahead, and take some deep breaths.
Airport officials said Friday that they expect air travel to be at about 70 percent of where it was in 2019, and that’s still a hefty total: officials say they expect about 33,000 travelers to pass through MSP the day before Thanksgiving. That’s more than double the number of people who traveled the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 2020, according to KSTP.
Nationally, 4.2 million Americans are expected to fly this Thanksgiving, so wherever you land, it will likely be just as packed. 53 million Americans are expected to travel on Thanksgiving, making trips to and from the airport no picnic either.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The return flight situation will be just as busy: MSP officials estimate 32,000 people will pass through the airport on Sunday, Nov. 24 . Officials recommend that passengers arrive at the airport two hours early for domestic flights, and three hours early for international flights. The busiest times of day are 5 to 7 a.m., and noon to 2 p.m., according to the Transportation Security Administration.
MSP’s website shows current wait times and parking availability, while the TSA app allows travelers to check and update airport wait times.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The airport is easing the pain a little bit with a few perks: if you pre-book your parking at Terminal 1 for Nov. 22-28, you can save $7.
MSP is also offering a few tips for an easier airport experience:
- Pack snacks, though nothing watery. Here’s a list of what you can bring on planes. The @atyourgate app allows pre-ordered snacks to be delivered to your gate.
- Bring masks. MSP requires masks in the airport, and federal regulations require them for the duration of the flight. Here is the CDC’s full list of domestic travel regulations and recommendations.
- Check with MnDOT for information on public transportation and road construction.
- Avoid waiting in line by downloading and printing your boarding pass at home.
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