TSA Offers Tips for Busy Travel Season at MSP Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that we should expect a busy travel season this summer at MSP, if not the busiest ever.
As we distance ourselves from the pandemic, we’re not only returning to pre-pandemic travel levels — where soaring past them. The TSA is expecting to screen more than 18 million people nationally during Memorial Day weekend alone, up nearly seven percent over last year’s busy holiday.
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TSA Tips for an Easier MSP Airport Experience
Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance. Be ready for facial recognition technology the TSA utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID.
and follow TSA guidance. Be ready for facial recognition technology the TSA utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction.
Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule. When airline passengers begin packing for travel with a bag or suitcase that has been COMPLETELY emptied, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited.
Make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license to fly within the U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if yours is a REAL ID, check with your state DMV. For questions on acceptable IDs, go to TSA.gov.
Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license to fly within the U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if yours is a REAL ID, check with your state DMV. For questions on acceptable IDs, go to TSA.gov. Give yourself plenty of time. Give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle, check in with your airline, drop your bags and prepare to get through the security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.
Travel, have fun, and be merry! (Oh, and take lots of pictures.)
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