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Minneapolis Airport security

After Long Lines, Minneapolis Airport Security Reverts to Normal Today

Avatar for Kyle Potter Kyle Potter -
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Weeks of long lines and frustrations at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport security are coming to a close, as airport officials reopened both security checkpoints to all travelers starting Tuesday morning.

The trouble started at Minnesota's largest airport in mid-August thanks to a construction project, leading the airport to funnel most travelers through just one of two security checkpoints. Travelers without TSA PreCheck were all routed through the airport's north checkpoint, while all travelers with TSA PreCheck (including those with PreCheck and CLEAR) went through the South checkpoint.

It triggered weeks of long lines, missed flights, and criticism – including from the state's two U.S. senators. After exploring ways to ease congestion for weeks, the airport made a fix official on Monday.

“The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has since altered construction phasing and is returning both checkpoints to their pre-Aug. 19 status two months earlier than planned,” the airport said in a news release Monday.

An airport spokesman explained that the completion of flooring installation allowed the airport to return to normal operations. The airport is putting off further construction until after some existing structures in the terminal entryway have been removed.

Starting Tuesday, all travelers will be able to go through both checkpoints. It should help relieve long delays, which were most severe during weekday mornings at Minneapolis-St. Paul.

In addition, a popular skyway security checkpoints for travelers who don't need to check bags is reopening, from 5:30 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

The change comes just in time for the week of Minnesota Educator Academy – known best as MEA – an annual teacher conference beginning Oct. 17, when many families leave Minnesota to travel.

 

This story has been updated to show that a skyway security checkpoint is only open Mondays through Fridays. 

Avatar for Kyle Potter

Kyle Potter

Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for The Associated Press and working at several newspapers across the country.
 
He typically flies more than 100,000 miles a year and has visited 25 countries, but his passion is helping others understand the confusing world of travel, airlines, and points and miles.

He's also been featured as a travel expert in The New York Times, the Washington Post, ABC News, National Public Radio, Axios, PBS NewsHour, several podcasts, and many local TV stations across the country.
 
Got a story idea or a tip? Email him at kyle (at) thriftytraveler (dot) com

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1 Responses

  • I never found out what the $1.3 BILLION was used for on this security construction point. That’s a lot of bucks! Any clue?

    Reply

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