Minneapolis St. Paul Airport (MSP) Security Wait Times and TSA Details
The security screening times at the Minneapolis airport are variable and keep changing throughout the day. Generally, the MSP security wait times are between 10 and 30 minutes, at times extending to 40-50 minutes. This change depends on the peak hours and passenger volume. Various programs like CLEAR, MSP Reserve, and Global Entry are offered by the airport to help travelers expedite through the security procedures and make their journey a comfortable one.
Current MSP Security Wait Times and Checkpoint Location
The current security wait times at Minneapolis Airport range between 10 and 30 minutes. During quiet hours, the wait time is reduced to 2 to 8 minutes, and at peak hours it can exceed to more than 40 minutes.
| Security Checkpoints | Current Waiting Time |
| Terminal 1 North Checkpoint | 5 minutes |
| Terminal 1 South Checkpoint | 10 minutes |
| Terminal 2 Checkpoint 1 | 15 minutes |
| Terminal 2 Checkpoint 2 (PreCheck and MSP Reserve) | 5 minutes |
Overview of Average Security Wait Times at Minneapolis Airport
The MSP security wait times vary throughout the day. While some hours may have a wait of 25-30 minutes, some have only 5-10 minutes. This depends on the influx of passengers, holiday seasons, and peak hours. The shortest security line is from 12 am to 4 am.
| 12 am to 1 am | 9 mins |
| 1 am to 2 am | 9 mins |
| 2 am to 3 am | 8 mins |
| 3 am to 4 am | 12 mins |
| 4 am to 5 am | 31 mins |
| 5 am to 6 am | 30 mins |
| 6 am to 7 am | 26 mins |
| 7 am to 8 am | 31 mins |
| 8 am to 9 am | 29 mins |
| 9 am to 10 am | 29 mins |
| 10 am to 11 am | 34 mins |
| 11 am to 12 pm | 27 mins |
| 12 pm to 1 pm | 25 mins |
| 1 pm to 2 pm | 31 mins |
| 2 pm to 3 pm | 26 mins |
| 3 pm to 4 pm | 26 mins |
| 4 pm to 5 pm | 20 mins |
| 5 pm to 6 pm | 22 mins |
| 6 pm to 7 pm | 14 mins |
| 7 pm to 8 pm | 28 mins |
| 8 pm to 9 pm | 39 mins |
| 9 pm to 10 pm | 34 mins |
| 10 pm to 11 pm | 43 mins |
Note: These wait times are estimates and have a tendency to change based on several factors.
TSA Wait Times at MSP
The TSA MSP wait times are between 15 and 25 minutes. This time can even extend to 40-50 minutes based on the availability of security staff, the number of passengers, and during holidays.
Programs to Expedite through Security Screening at MSP Airport
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport offers programs such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and MSP Reserve to expedite through its security procedures.
- TSA PreCheck– Those enrolled with this program can keep their shoes on, 3-1-1 aerosol, liquids, and gels in carry bags, leave their laptop in the bag, and continue wearing their belt and light outerwear during screening.
- TSA PreCheck is operational from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm at Checkpoint 2 of Terminal 2.
| TSA PreCheck Enrolment Centre | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| North Checkpoint (Left of Door 1) | 6:00 am to 8:00 pm |
- CLEAR– With the CLEAR program, travelers can skip security lines by using biometric technology, their fingerprints, and iris for identity verification. Its kiosks are available at Terminal 1 of MSP.
| CLEAR Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| North Checkpoint | Sunday to Friday- 4:30 am to 8:00 pmSaturday- 4:30 am to 7:00 pm |
| South Checkpoint | Sunday to Friday- 4:30 am to 9:00 pmSaturday- 4:30 am to 8:00 pm |
- MSP Reserve– A free program, MSP Reserve allows for making a prior appointment to go through the TSA screening process. This facility can be availed through the official airport’s website.
| Location | Reservation Availability |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1- North Security Checkpoint | 3:45 am to 7:45 pm |
| Terminal 2- Checkpoint 2 | 3:45 am to 8:00 am, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm |
Customs and Immigration Wait Times at Minneapolis Airport
The average customs and immigration wait times at Minneapolis Airport range from 7 to 25 minutes. During peak hours, this can extend to 30+ minutes. Programs like Global Entry and Simplified Arrival are offered, which reduce the customs time.
- Global Entry- With this program, pre-approved and low-risk international arrivals can go through customs faster. Its members are also eligible to utilise the TSA PreCheck option. Both Terminals have a Global Entry facility.
| Global Entry Enrolment Area | Timings | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1- At baggage claim level, by carousel 11 | Monday to Thursday- 7:00 am to 9:00 pm | (612) 727-3415 |
- Simplified Arrival- It is a biometric program using the facial biometrics of arrivals at CBP to verify their documents.
The various programs offered can be utilised for a better airport experience and to reduce the security wait times at Minneapolis Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You should arrive 2 hours early for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
The MSP security wait times average between 10 and 30 minutes.
The lanes are busiest during early morning (4 am to 8 am) and at night (7 pm to 11 pm).
Yes, the Global Entry enrolment centre is located in Terminal 1 of MSP airport, near baggage carousel 11.
The MSP Reserve program can be used at the North Checkpoint of Terminal 1 and Checkpoint 2 of Terminal 2.