MSP opens Terminal 1 FLEX Lane for MEA
MSP Airport and the Metropolitan Airports Commission say MEA-week travel will surge about 19% over a typical fall day, with more than 52,000 passengers expected at TSA on Thursday, Oct. 16, and over 50,000 on Wednesday, Oct. 15. To ease congestion, a new free FLEX Lane at Terminal 1 on the left side of Departures Drive (access via doors 5â8; connected to ramps and sky bridges) is now available, while officials expect only minimal local impacts from the ongoing federal government shutdown. Travelers are urged to arrive two hours early for domestic flights, three hours for international, consider MSP RESERVE for security, prebook parking, and use cell phone lots for pickups.
Transit & Infrastructure
Local Government
đ Key Facts
- MSP forecasts a 19% passenger increase during MEA week; 52,000+ at TSA on Oct. 16 and 50,000+ on Oct. 15
- New Terminal 1 FLEX Lane located on left side of Departures Drive, serving doors 5â8 with connections to parking and skyways
- MAC reports minimal shutdown effects at MSP so far, but cautions possible short-term delays during peak travel
đ Contextual Background
- Essential federal functions generally continue during a shutdown, including border protection, law enforcement, air traffic control and power grid maintenance.