MN Air Travel Could Reach New Pandemic Peak Over Spring Break

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Spring break travel is expected to spike this month at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with an average of 338 flights departing on a daily basis all month.

While airport activity is expected to remain below pre-pandemic levels, peak travel days in March could see as many as 28,000 passengers moving through security checkpoints, exceeding the previous high of nearly 22,000 people per day set around Christmas, the airport said in a news release.

That number is still down significantly from pre-pandemic spring break travel rates. The airport said it often saw between 35,000 and 45,000 people passing through security checkpoints in previous years.

As a result of the increase in travel, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and expect longer lines and more wait time. It is recommended that passengers catching domestic flights arrive 2 ½ hours early, according to the release.

Metropolitan Airports Commission CEO Brian Ryks said the airport has implemented several safety measures to ensure air travel is as safe as possible during the springtime peak.

“We’ve invested heavily in making the air travel journey safer for those who need or choose to travel," Ryks said in a statement. "We strongly encourage travelers to support our health safety efforts by wearing their required face coverings, washing their hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, and abiding by social distancing recommendations, especially in check-in and security lines.”

The airport is also implementing pre-booked parking for customers that lets them scan a QR code from their phones when entering and exiting a ramp. And, between March 5 and 26, a discounted daily parking rate is available for extended trips out of Terminal 1.

The contactless experience continues through the "MSP ASAP" online portal, which lets passengers order and pay for food online from several restaurants and venues in the airport.

Lastly, the airport said, Delta Air Lines this month is increasing its check-in capacity in Terminal 1, hopefully alleviating some delays. Starting on Wednesday, Delta will also open its curbside check-in counters between 6 a.m. and noon daily.