November 13, 2024

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Flying Family Style at MSP Airport

Flying Family Style at MSP Airport

Something is in the air this time of year (it’s you!): parents shepherding kids with larger-than-life backpacks as they scurry toward security lines. If you grew up here, you know it as MEA break, a school-free spell each October when the airport is packed with families. Read on for the best ways to wear out your wild things and coax your teens to maybe put their phones away—momentarily. Here’s your guide to starting your long-weekend journey off on the right foot.


Bust Boredom Here

Scope out off-screen entertainment at the Lego vending machine and the kids’ sections at Open Book and Words bookstores. Plus, plushies and toys abound at Minnesota State of Nice in T1.

For maestros in the making, the Prince pop-up shop in the Airport Mall is the purplest place to get CDs, vinyl, apparel, and even tickets to tour Paisley Park.

MSP Shopping by Dufry is a trial-size treasure trove with plenty of mini skin care and makeup must-haves for tweens and teens to try. Plus, stock up on trendy faves at the Kylie Cosmetics vending machines in both terminals.


Fur Real

Get your pre-boarding pets here! Certified therapy animals are periodically stationed throughout the airport to help travelers feel more at home (or in this writer’s case, help us miss our fur babies a little less).


On the Horizon 

Recently approved, MSP’s long-term plan includes expansions, new gates at Terminal 2, and streamlined service to enhance every flier’s experience. The largest gate-side renovation in MSP Airport’s history is well underway, revamping each concourse to mirror the glimmering façade of Concourse G.


See Change

Show the kids the magic of Minnesota at The Aurora on the lower level of T1, near Baggage Claim. The two-level suspended sculpture responds to movement, and the lake outlines on the floor below change color when stepped on.


Let Them Fly

A flight-themed play area in each terminal features a mock plane and air traffic control towers for the mini Mavericks in your crew. The play center at Terminal 1’s Concourse C features a larger-than-life Snoopy statue, and the play place inside security at Terminal 2 features a giant suitcase (definitely not a carry-on).


Fuel Up

It isn’t an airport visit if it doesn’t include a shake from Hi-Lo Diner. (Dessert first, anyone?) While most of the terminals’ dining spots have menus for the minis, Settebello and Custom Burgers are sure-fire solutions to stave off any tantrums (parents, you too!).

Don’t let allergies and sensitivities stop you from savoring your trip—Peoples Organic in the T1 Airport Mall has ample allergen-free options.

Anyone worth their frosting has tried a square goodie from The Donut Trap vending machines, while Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has the denser delicacies and Wild and Sweet stocks classic candies and unique treats.

Score cool-parent points by sidestepping the lines with in-app ordering from Caribou, Starbucks, Joe and The Juice, and Dunkin’.


For the Record

DYK? Our hometown hub boasts the tallest escalator in Minnesota. Saddle up and ride the 55-footer inside the Silver Ramp. Within Terminal 1, stroll the state’s longest skyway, at 977 feet long, connecting Concourses C and G.


I Spy

Turn teen screen time to face time with a savory scavenger hunt where phones eat first. Snap the trending Tunacado sandwich from Joe and The Juice and Picasso-esque pastries at Angel Food Bakery, and see actual art in Concourse B’s Projection Gallery. Watch the wings wheeling past from a window-side table at the Mall Food Court in T1 or the Minnesota Wild Restaurant in T2. Bonus points if anyone can tell the difference between a Boeing and an Airbus! (Hint: Airbuses tend to have flatter wings.)


Pickup Tricks 

Don’t let the stroller scaries set you back. The shuttle at the Quick Ride Ramp picks you and all your baggage up at your car (!!).

Getting a ride to the airport? Use either the upper or lower roadway for drop-offs. Often in the morning, the lower has the shorter line, while the upper roadway tends to be lighter in the evening. If you’re driving yourself (and Miss Daisy), prebook parking online in advance to guarantee the best price and make the fam feel like the VIPs they are.


Walk the Line 

In Terminal 1, peek both ways (left and right) at the estimated wait time signage before choosing your TSA checkpoint. Line times are also posted online on the MSP Airport home page and on several screens near the terminal entrances. Save your spot in the security lines at both terminals with the new MSP Reserve program, which allows you to reserve a TSA time online up to seven days in advance.

Psst, kids under 12 can leave their shoes and jackets on through security. Can you say whew?


Going somewhere soon? Stock up on more MSP Airport tips and fly like a local. Read more»


This article originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.


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