Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a pretty important hub for international travel in the Midwest. Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are two of the best international carriers you’ll find at MSP, offering frequent and reliable flights to top global destinations like Amsterdam.
These airlines provide solid connectivity and dependable service. They help make your international journey a bit less stressful.
When you fly out of MSP, you’ll notice that Terminal 1 handles most international flights. This terminal is set up to make travel easier, with clear signs and helpful services.
Headed to Europe or somewhere farther? Your options include well-known airlines that really focus on quality and convenience.
With multiple daily flights from Delta and KLM, there’s some nice flexibility and a few perks that can make your time in the air a bit more pleasant.
Key Takeways
- MSP offers strong international connections, especially through Delta and KLM.
- Terminal 1 is the main hub for international flights, providing useful traveler services.
- Frequent flights to popular destinations give you travel options and convenience.
Overview of International Airlines at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) hosts several major international airlines. These carriers connect you to key cities around the world.
You’ll find a variety of destinations, mostly served by big-name airlines with strong partnerships. That opens up more travel options than you might expect.
Major International Carriers Operating at MSP
At MSP, Delta Air Lines is the big player. It runs many long-haul flights from Terminal 1, thanks to its hub status here.
Delta connects travelers to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Other international airlines include Condor, which offers seasonal flights to popular European spots.
There are 17 commercial passenger airlines in total, but only a handful provide direct international service. Most operate from Terminal 1, which handles international travel and customs.
Key International Routes and Destinations
You can fly nonstop from MSP to cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Seoul, and Tokyo. Delta leads the pack with routes across Europe and Asia.
Condor covers German and other European routes, especially in the summer. Seasonal flights give you more choices during busy travel times.
The airport mainly focuses on North America-Europe-Asia connections. There are fewer direct flights to South America or Africa, but MSP’s main routes get you to global hubs for further connections.
Airline Partnerships and Alliances
Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance, which means you can use miles and earn points across a bunch of airlines. That’s a big plus for frequent flyers.
Codeshare flights are also common. You might book with one airline but fly with another, making your international trip a bit less complicated.
Condor partners with other carriers like Lufthansa, so you can reach even more destinations using MSP as your starting point.
Navigating Terminals and International Facilities
At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, most international flights leave from Terminal 1. This terminal is packed with services to make things easier.
Terminal 2 supports some international carriers but is mostly for domestic flights. Knowing the layout, customs, and how to move between areas can save you time.
Terminal 1: International Services and Amenities
Terminal 1 is where you’ll find airlines like Air Canada, Air France, KLM, and Delta. Customs facilities and international baggage claim areas are here too.
Inside, there are restaurants, shops, and lounges for you to relax in before your flight. Moving sidewalks help you get around, especially when your gate feels miles away.
The terminal is set up for easy connections between international and domestic flights. Keep an eye on the signs—they actually help.
Terminal 2: Carrier Information and Features
Terminal 2 mostly serves low-cost airlines like Southwest, Allegiant, and Frontier. Some international flights, like those with Icelandair and Condor, use this terminal, but it’s not as common.
This terminal’s smaller and has fewer amenities, but you’ll still find food and basic services. Security lines here are usually shorter.
If your flight leaves from Terminal 2, plan for a bit more time—especially for transportation or connections, since customs is farther away.
Customs and Border Control Process
Arriving on an international flight? You’ll go through customs at Terminal 1.
Show your passport and answer a few questions about your trip. There are kiosks for customs forms, which can speed things up a bit.
If you have a connecting flight, you might need to grab your bag and clear customs before moving on. Follow the signs closely so you don’t miss your next flight.
Security Procedures and Traveler Tips
Security at MSP is pretty standard—screening for carry-ons, liquids, electronics, you know the drill. Both terminals have signs to guide you through.
Having your boarding pass and ID ready saves time. If you have TSA PreCheck, definitely use it.
Terminal 1 has several security checkpoints to handle heavy international traffic. Arriving two to three hours early isn’t overkill—it’s just smart.
Top Destinations and Flight Experiences from MSP
MSP connects you to key spots worldwide. Whether you want a nonstop to Europe or a connection through Asia, there’s probably a route that fits.
Nonstop Flights to Europe from Minneapolis
You can fly nonstop to cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. Airlines on these routes usually offer convenient schedules and reliable service.
Nonstop flights save you time and hassle. MSP’s European flights hit popular hubs and some seasonal destinations, making it a solid choice for transatlantic trips.
Asia Connections and Layover Options
Traveling to Asia from MSP? There are a few nonstop options, like flights to Seoul, but most Asian destinations require a connection.
Layovers at big airports such as Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) or even MSP itself open up more Asian routes. Partner airlines and codeshare agreements help you get to cities in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
Connecting Hubs: DTW and Beyond
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is a major connecting hub near MSP. It’s a common stop if your trip has multiple legs.
DTW offers a ton of schedules on airlines with links to Asia, Europe, and elsewhere. Using DTW might add a layover, but it gives you more choices, especially for hard-to-reach places from MSP.
Travel Amenities, Services, and Nearby Attractions
MSP offers a range of services to make your trip smoother. There are lounges for rest and work, plus easy transport to spots like the Mall of America.
Airport Lounges and Passenger Services
There are several lounge options if you want to relax before your flight. The Escape Lounge has comfy seating, snacks, and Wi-Fi—honestly, it’s a good place to unwind or catch up on emails.
You’ll also find quiet seating areas, water refill stations, and package counters. These amenities make your wait a bit more comfortable.
If you need help, the airport offers group services and package handling. It’s little things like this that can make travel prep less of a headache.
Transfers to Mall of America and Minneapolis
The Mall of America’s pretty close by—just a quick ride, honestly. You’ll find shuttles and taxis waiting at the airport’s pick-up spots.
Usually, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute trip. Not bad at all if you’re itching to get shopping.
If you’d rather not deal with cars, public transit’s there for you. The Metro Transit light rail runs straight from MSP Airport to both the Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis.
It’s cheap, easy, and saves you the hassle of parking. Why not squeeze in a little exploring if you’ve got the time?