Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Business and Economic News
Peter Cox

New cell phone waiting lot open for MSP airport travelers

Airline passengers passing through
Airline passengers passing through to find their gates at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport on Nov. 9.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

If you need to pick up someone at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this busy travel week — there’ll be a new cell phone waiting lot available.

MSP has added a second cell phone waiting lot, just in time to accommodate the higher number of travelers expected at the airport for Thanksgiving.

Airport officials say the second lot will have 100 spaces and is located on the south side of Post Road between Terminals 1 and 2. It’s just east of the 40 spaces in the first lot at the Twin Cities airport, which will remain open.

“This is another way to enhance the customer experience, meeting the growing demand for free, safe and convenient spaces for drivers to wait before picking up passengers,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. “The lots help reduce traffic congestion near the terminals because they eliminate the need for drivers to circle the airport before their party arrives at the pick-up zones.”

A map shows the location of two cell phone waiting lots.
The new cell phone waiting lot will be located on the south side of Post Road between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Courtesy of Metropolitan Airports Commission

Airport officials say they are expecting it to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel week since before the pandemic.

The busiest departure day will be Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with nearly 37,000 passengers projected to be screened at security checkpoints. The airport says 34,000 passengers are expected through the airport on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Some helpful tips for the holiday travel time from the airports commission officials:

  • Travelers in Terminal 1 should review the two checkpoint wait time boards when they enter the ticketing lobby. Passengers can access all gates from either checkpoint, but the north checkpoint often has shorter wait times.

  • Terminal 2 passengers can reserve a spot in the security line for free through MSP Reserve. Appointments are available 3:45 a.m. to 8 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. daily. Availability is limited.

  • Holiday travelers are encouraged to prebook their parking online to guarantee a spot and capture the lowest daily rates. Bookings must be made at least 12 hours prior to your scheduled arrival time. The earlier you book, the more you can save.

  • During busy times, drivers can go up or down to Terminal 1’s departures or arrivals levels to pick up or drop off passengers.

  • Travelers should review the latest TSA security screening information and tips including identification requirements and regulated items for carry-on and checked baggage.