Minneapolis Airport Security Wait Times & MSP Queue Guide 2026
Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport (MSP/KMSP) security wait times by checkpoint and time of day. Queue estimates for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and the free MSP RESERVE lane reservation program, CT scanner deployment status, peak hours and the quietest windows at America’s top-ranked mega airport, which handled 37.2 million passengers in 2024.
Minneapolis Airport Security Wait Times Today
The Minneapolis Airport security wait time estimates below show the typical MSP queue at each checkpoint for this hour and day of week. Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport (MSP/KMSP) has been ranked the top mega airport in North America by J.D. Power for two of the last three years and the top airport on the continent by Airports Council International for seven of the last eight years. It serves as the second largest hub for Delta Air Lines outside Atlanta, the home airport for Sun Country Airlines, and processed 37.2 million passengers in 2024 across two physically separate terminals. Security wait times vary by checkpoint, time of day, holiday periods and which terminal your airline operates from.
How Long Is Security at Minneapolis Airport?
Security wait times at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport depend on which terminal and checkpoint you use and what time you arrive. Terminal 1 has two TSA checkpoints on the Ticketing Level: the North Checkpoint and the South Checkpoint. Either can be used by any Terminal 1 passenger. Terminal 2 has two checkpoints on Level 2, with Checkpoint 2 reserved for TSA PreCheck, MSP RESERVE and Priority members. During quiet midweek windows from 10:00 to 15:00, most passengers clear Terminal 1 in 10 to 20 minutes in the standard lane. During the morning peak from 06:00 to 09:00, waits of 20 to 40 minutes are common, and peak holiday periods have produced queues extending well beyond that at the Terminal 1 South checkpoint, which handles the heavy concentration of Delta departure banks.
The afternoon peak from 15:00 to 18:00 is a second daily pressure point that catches many travelers off guard. This window coincides with a second wave of Delta hub departures and the build-up of leisure and connecting traffic heading into the evening. The Terminal 1 South checkpoint, which serves as the primary access point for Delta passengers, is the most consistently congested checkpoint at MSP during both peak windows.
TSA PreCheck members at MSP typically clear the dedicated PreCheck lane in under 10 minutes at most hours. CLEAR members, whose kiosks are at the Terminal 1 North and South checkpoints, skip the document verification queue by using biometric identification and proceed directly to the physical screening area. CLEAR and PreCheck together produce the fastest possible experience at Terminal 1. MSP also offers a program unique in the US: MSP RESERVE, a free lane reservation service that allows passengers without PreCheck or CLEAR to book a specific security slot in advance, reducing unpredictability during busy periods.
Minneapolis Airport Security Checkpoint Overview
Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport operates two separate terminal buildings with their own security checkpoints. Passengers must confirm their terminal before arriving, as there is no airside or pedestrian connection between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The only connection is the free METRO Blue Line light rail, which runs between the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 stations approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours. The journey between terminals by light rail takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Your security checkpoint is determined by which terminal your airline operates from, so confirming this before you leave for the airport is the single most important pre-travel step at MSP.
Terminal 1 North Checkpoint
10 to 18 minutes off-peak on weekdays. During the 06:00 to 09:00 morning peak and the 15:00 to 18:00 afternoon peak, expect 18 to 35 minutes in the standard lane. Major holiday periods push this higher. The North checkpoint typically moves slightly faster than the South due to a lower concentration of Delta morning banks.
The Terminal 1 North checkpoint on the Ticketing Level is open to all Terminal 1 passengers and is the exclusive location of the MSP RESERVE lane reservation program within Terminal 1. It is available from 3:45 am to 7:45 pm daily. CLEAR kiosks and TSA PreCheck lanes are also available at this checkpoint. The North checkpoint is broadly associated with non-Delta carriers at Terminal 1, though any Terminal 1 passenger may use either checkpoint. After clearing security, passengers proceed to their concourse on foot or via the internal walkway system. Concourses A and B at the southeast end of the terminal are closest to the South checkpoint; Concourses D, E and F at the northern arc are more accessible from the North checkpoint. Concourse G, which handles international departures and some domestic Delta routes, is at the far western end. Note: the Skyway Security Checkpoint on the Concourse C and G connector bridge is temporarily closed as of April 2026. Use the Ticketing Level checkpoints instead.
Terminal 1 South Checkpoint (Delta)
12 to 22 minutes off-peak on weekdays. The Terminal 1 South checkpoint carries the heaviest load at MSP due to Delta's dominant share of traffic, accounting for roughly 65 percent of the airport's annual passengers. During the 06:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 peaks, expect 25 to 40 minutes in the standard lane, and significantly more during major holiday periods. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are strongly recommended for Delta passengers on morning and afternoon departures.
The Terminal 1 South checkpoint is the primary access point for Delta Air Lines passengers at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport. Delta check-in counters are located on the south side of the Ticketing Lobby on Level 2, with a dedicated Level T check-in area for certain Delta services as well. After clearing the South checkpoint, Delta passengers proceed to their concourse. Delta operates from all seven concourses at Terminal 1, with regional affiliate Endeavor Air using Concourses A, B and C for shorter routes and Delta mainline using Concourses D, E, F and G. Concourse G handles most international Delta departures. CLEAR kiosks and TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the South checkpoint. MSP RESERVE is not available at the South checkpoint; it is exclusive to the North checkpoint at Terminal 1. Delta Sky Priority, available to Diamond Medallion, Platinum Medallion and premium cabin ticket holders, provides priority check-in and boarding benefits but security lane access follows the standard TSA program lanes rather than a separate Delta-managed lane.
Terminal 2 Security (Humphrey Terminal)
7 to 14 minutes off-peak. Terminal 2 is a smaller facility and generally moves faster than Terminal 1 in the standard lane. During morning peaks, particularly for Sun Country and Southwest banks, waits of 15 to 25 minutes are possible. Overall volume at Terminal 2 set a new annual record in 2024 with more than 6.8 million passengers, so peak periods are becoming more noticeable.
Terminal 2, the Humphrey Terminal, is located approximately 1.5 miles from Terminal 1 and is accessed via its own entrance from Highway 5. It is the home terminal of Sun Country Airlines, Minnesota's own carrier, and the base for Southwest Airlines at MSP along with several low-cost and charter carriers. Two security checkpoints are located on Level 2. The general-access checkpoint near the Orange Ramp skyway handles all passengers. Checkpoint 2, near the Purple Ramp skyway, is available exclusively to TSA PreCheck, MSP RESERVE and Priority members, and is open from 4:00 am to 5:15 pm. MSP RESERVE is available at Terminal 2 from 3:45 am to 8:00 am and noon to 4:00 pm. From August 2024, Terminal 2 has been undergoing a significant North Expansion adding roughly 168,000 square feet to the facility. The construction is expected to bring additional gate capacity and passenger amenities. Allow extra time for navigation within Terminal 2 during the construction period and follow signage at the terminal. Terminal 2 is not connected airside to Terminal 1. Passengers needing to transfer between terminals should use the free METRO Blue Line light rail.
Minneapolis Airport Security Peak Hours and Best Times to Fly
The two busiest security windows at Minneapolis Airport are 06:00 to 09:00 (Delta hub morning departure banks, combined with leisure and connecting traffic) and 15:00 to 18:00 (the afternoon departure surge across both terminals). Fridays and Sundays are the most congested single days at MSP. Holiday travel produces the highest wait times: Thanksgiving week is typically the single most congested period of the year, followed by Christmas and New Year travel, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Spring break, particularly in March, has become a notably busy period at MSP as leisure travel has grown alongside the airport’s route network. During these periods, add 30 to 45 minutes to typical wait time estimates across all checkpoints.
The quietest windows at Minneapolis Airport are 10:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and after 20:00 on any day. A Tuesday or Wednesday midday departure during a non-holiday period is the most relaxed combination at MSP. Early morning windows from 04:00 to 06:00 are lighter than the main peak, but ramp up quickly as Delta's first wave of departures builds from around 06:00 onward.
| Time of Day | Typical MSP Terminal 1 Security Wait | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00 to 04:00 | Under 10 min | Quiet |
| 04:00 to 06:00 | 8 to 15 min | Moderate |
| 06:00 to 09:00 | 20 to 40 min (longer on holidays) | Peak |
| 09:00 to 10:00 | 14 to 22 min | Busy |
| 10:00 to 15:00 | 8 to 16 min | Quiet |
| 15:00 to 16:00 | 12 to 20 min | Moderate |
| 16:00 to 18:00 | 20 to 35 min | Busy |
| 18:00 to 20:00 | 12 to 20 min | Moderate |
| 20:00 to 23:00 | 7 to 14 min | Quiet |
| 23:00 to 03:59 | Under 10 min | Quiet |
Minneapolis Airport Priority Security: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and MSP RESERVE
Priority security at Minneapolis Airport operates through three main options: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and the airport's own free program, MSP RESERVE. Unlike European airports that sell per-trip fast track passes, there is no airline-operated priority lane at MSP beyond these TSA-managed and airport-managed programs. Business class and first class passengers who are not enrolled in PreCheck or CLEAR queue in the standard lane. MSP RESERVE is a distinctive program not commonly available at US airports and is worth using if you are not a PreCheck or CLEAR member.
Recommended Arrival Times at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport
The official MSP recommendation is to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international departures. At Terminal 1, the 2-hour domestic guideline assumes a normal security wait and enough time to walk to your concourse. Terminal 1 concourses form a U-shape, and a gate at the far end of Concourse G, the international and Delta wing, can be 15 to 20 minutes from the Ticketing Level security checkpoint. At Terminal 2, the gate walk from security is typically 10 minutes. During peak holiday travel periods, add 30 to 45 minutes to both recommendations regardless of terminal.
When Should I Leave for Minneapolis Airport? Calculator
Enter your flight details below to get a recommended time to be inside the terminal at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport. The calculator factors in the typical MSP security wait at your departure hour, terminal and gate walk time, bag drop time and a safety buffer.
Tips to Beat Minneapolis Airport Security Queues
A few practical steps can meaningfully reduce your time in the MSP security queue regardless of which terminal or checkpoint you are using.
- Book an MSP RESERVE slot before you leave. It is free, takes under two minutes at mspairport.com/msp-reserve, and gives you a dedicated lane at Terminal 1 North or Terminal 2 Checkpoint 2. If you do not have PreCheck or CLEAR, this is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your security wait at MSP. Book as early as possible since morning slots fill up quickly.
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck before your next MSP flight. At $78 for five years it costs $15.60 per year. The PreCheck lane at MSP clears in under 10 minutes at most hours, including during the morning and afternoon peaks when standard lanes are running 25 to 40 minutes. Apply at tsaprecheck.com or at an enrollment center.
- Consider adding CLEAR if you travel frequently through Terminal 1. CLEAR at $189 per year, often reduced via credit card benefits, handles the identity verification step biometrically at the North or South checkpoint, eliminating the document check queue. Used alongside PreCheck it produces the fastest possible experience at MSP.
- Confirm your terminal before you leave. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are 1.5 miles apart with no airside connection. Arriving at the wrong terminal means a 10 to 15 minute light rail trip plus the time to re-enter security. This is the most common avoidable error at MSP. Check your boarding pass and the MSP airline list at mspairport.com/flights-and-airlines.
- Check the live MSP wait time page before you leave. The official wait time page at mspairport.com/airport/security-screening/security-wait-times shows current checkpoint conditions. If Terminal 1 South is showing a long queue, leaving earlier or switching to the North checkpoint are both options for Terminal 1 passengers.
- Pack liquids in your checked bag where possible. The 3-1-1 rule still applies at all MSP checkpoints even at CT-equipped lanes. Removing the liquid step speeds up tray processing and reduces the risk of a bag pull for secondary inspection. This is especially relevant at the Terminal 1 South checkpoint during Delta morning banks when the lane volume is highest.
- Have your REAL ID or passport ready. REAL ID has been required since May 7, 2025. Since February 2026, passengers without acceptable ID can use TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee, but this takes extra time at the checkpoint. Resolve your ID situation before your travel date to avoid delays at security.
- Book parking in advance at Terminal 1 if driving. Terminal 1 parking has been reaching capacity during peak periods, and the airport recommends booking in advance via mspairport.com. Terminal 2 has its own separate parking ramps and is not as consistently full, but pre-booking is still advisable during holiday periods.
Minneapolis Airport Layout and Terminal Overview
Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport (MSP/KMSP) is located in Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory, roughly 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis and southwest of downtown Saint Paul. It served 37.2 million passengers in 2024, a 6.9 percent increase over 2023 and the fourth consecutive year of growth following the pandemic. The airport is the second largest hub for Delta Air Lines outside of Atlanta and the home base of Sun Country Airlines. MSP has been named the top mega airport in North America by J.D. Power twice in three years and received the top airport in North America designation from Airports Council International seven of the last eight years through the Airport Service Quality program.
The airport operates two terminal buildings. Terminal 1, the Lindbergh Terminal at 4300 Glumack Drive, is the main facility. It contains seven concourses, A through G, arranged in a U-shape, with a total of 117 gates. Delta Air Lines uses the majority of Terminal 1, operating from concourses A through G with regional affiliate Endeavor Air serving shorter routes from Concourses A, B and C. International departures operate primarily from Concourse G, the westernmost concourse of the U-shape. Terminal 1 connects directly to the METRO Blue Line light rail via the Terminal 1 station, providing direct service to downtown Minneapolis in approximately 25 minutes and to downtown Saint Paul with a transfer. Terminal 2, the Humphrey Terminal at 7150 Humphrey Drive, is a 14-gate facility currently being expanded with a 168,000 square foot addition that began construction in August 2024. It serves low-cost and charter carriers and has its own METRO Blue Line station, 12 minutes from the Mall of America and 5 minutes from Terminal 1. For the full concourse layout, gate maps and airline assignments, see our Minneapolis Airport map and terminal guide.
Minneapolis Airport Security: FAQ
How long is security at Minneapolis Airport in 2026?
Security wait times at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport vary by checkpoint, time of day and season. During off-peak weekday windows from 10:00 to 15:00, most passengers clear Terminal 1 in 10 to 20 minutes in the standard lane. During the morning peak from 06:00 to 09:00 and the afternoon peak from 15:00 to 18:00, waits of 20 to 40 minutes are common at Terminal 1 South. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR members typically clear in under 10 minutes. Major holiday periods push all checkpoints above average. The MSP live wait time page at mspairport.com/airport/security-screening/security-wait-times and the MyTSA app provide current checkpoint conditions. The free MSP RESERVE lane reservation program at mspairport.com/msp-reserve is also worth using if you are not enrolled in PreCheck or CLEAR.
What is MSP RESERVE and how does it work at Minneapolis Airport?
MSP RESERVE is a free security lane reservation program available to all MSP passengers who are not enrolled in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. It requires no account or membership. Passengers book a specific security slot online at mspairport.com/msp-reserve up to seven days before their flight, entering their flight details and party size. At the airport, the MSP RESERVE lane has its own dedicated queue at the checkpoint. At Terminal 1, it is available at the North Checkpoint from 3:45 am to 7:45 pm daily. At Terminal 2, it is available at Checkpoint 2 from 3:45 am to 8:00 am and noon to 4:00 pm. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR members should use their own dedicated lanes rather than MSP RESERVE. The program was first launched at Terminal 2 in May 2023 and expanded to Terminal 1 in September 2024, and usage has grown significantly with morning slots regularly filling up in busy periods.
What are TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at Minneapolis Airport and how do they work?
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership and gives access to dedicated express lanes where you keep on shoes, belts and light jackets and leave laptops and liquids in your bag. PreCheck lanes are available at Terminal 1 North and South checkpoints and at Terminal 2 Checkpoint 2. Most PreCheck members clear in under 10 minutes at MSP. CLEAR costs $189 per year and uses biometric identification including fingerprints and iris scans to verify your identity at a kiosk, letting you skip the document check line and go straight to physical screening. CLEAR kiosks are at the Terminal 1 North and South checkpoints. The two programs can be combined: CLEAR handles identity verification and PreCheck handles physical screening, producing the fastest possible experience. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost and is strongly recommended for international travelers. MSP RESERVE is a separate free program for passengers without PreCheck or CLEAR.
When is Minneapolis Airport security busiest?
The two busiest windows at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport are the morning peak from 06:00 to 09:00 and the afternoon and early evening peak from 15:00 to 18:00. Fridays and Sundays are consistently the most congested single days. Thanksgiving week, the Christmas and New Year period, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend all generate wait times well above the daily average. Spring break in March has become an additional pressure point at MSP as leisure travel has grown. The quietest windows are 10:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and after 20:00 on any day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays during midday in non-holiday periods are the most relaxed combination at MSP.
What time should I arrive at Minneapolis Airport?
For domestic flights at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Allow extra time for the concourse walk at Terminal 1 if your gate is at the far end of Concourse G, which can be 15 to 20 minutes from security. For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure to allow for check-in, security and passport control before reaching the departure gates in Concourse G. During peak holiday periods, add 30 to 45 minutes to both recommendations. TSA PreCheck, CLEAR or MSP RESERVE members can reduce the domestic recommendation to 90 minutes during off-peak weekday periods, though the concourse walk time is unaffected.
Are CT scanners in use at Minneapolis Airport?
Yes. Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport installed CT checkpoint scanners across its security checkpoints in late 2024, with nine units active by December 2024. CT scanners allow passengers to leave laptops and electronics in their carry-on bags at equipped lanes. The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule still applies at all MSP checkpoints regardless of scanner type: containers must be 3.4 ounces or 100ml or less and fit in a single clear quart-sized resealable bag. TSA PreCheck members are the main exception, as PreCheck permits liquids and laptops to remain in the bag during screening. Since July 2025, shoes may remain on at lanes equipped with footwear imaging technology. Follow TSA officer instructions at the checkpoint as practices can vary by lane.
What is the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Minneapolis Airport?
Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport has two separate terminal buildings located approximately 1.5 miles apart with no airside or pedestrian connection. Terminal 1, the Lindbergh Terminal, is the larger facility with seven concourses and 117 gates. It is home to Delta Air Lines and most other carriers including American, United, Alaska, Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and WestJet. Terminal 2, the Humphrey Terminal, is a smaller 14-gate facility currently undergoing a major expansion. It serves Southwest, Sun Country, Frontier, Allegiant, JetBlue, IcelandAir and Condor. The two terminals are connected by the free METRO Blue Line light rail, running approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours with a journey time of roughly 10 to 15 minutes between stations. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before travelling to MSP.
Does Minneapolis Airport have priority security for business class passengers?
There is no separately managed airline priority security lane at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport beyond the TSA-managed program lanes. Business class and first class ticket holders who hold TSA PreCheck membership use the PreCheck lanes at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. CLEAR, available at Terminal 1 North and South checkpoints, gives the fastest identity verification experience regardless of ticket class. Delta Sky Priority provides priority check-in and boarding benefits for Diamond Medallion, Platinum Medallion and premium cabin passengers, but security lane access is through the standard TSA PreCheck lanes, not a separate Delta-managed lane. Passengers in premium cabins without PreCheck or CLEAR queue in the standard lane. MSP RESERVE is available only to general passengers and cannot be combined with PreCheck or CLEAR.