MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is ready for one of the most popular travel times of the year, as the long MEA weekend arrives in Minnesota.
Many Minnesota schools will be closed October 18 and 19 so teachers can attend the Minnesota Educator Academy’s annual conference. Families often take advantage of the long weekend, flying out on vacation for one last hurrah before cold and snow descend on the region.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission and non-profit Airport Foundation MSP are putting hospitality into high gear, offering help to guide travelers through Minneapolis-St. Paul International’s terminals, and providing activities to entertain travelers, including families with children.
On Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 9 a.m., the Heart and Soul Drum Academy will perform in the North Rotunda at Terminal 1, just inside the North Security Checkpoint. At the same time, David Olson, a balloon artist, will be entertaining travelers on the south end of the Airport Mall.
Another highlight will involve the Minnesota Zoo, which will bring wildlife to MSP on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The temporary “zoo” will be located next to Stone Arch, at the confluence of Concourses F and G in Terminal 1’s main mall.
At the help desks in the airport terminals, travelers will also find souvenir buttons. Family travel guides will be at the help desks and near directories around the terminals. The guides provide information about airport play areas for the kids, dining options and other tips for a smooth passage to their departure gate.
The week of the MEA conference is always a peak travel period. Here are some tips to make travelers’ journey smooth and enjoyable.
To give yourself adequate time to get to your gate before boarding begins, please arrive at a security checkpoint two hours ahead of your domestic flight’s departure and three hours ahead for international flights.
As you pass through security, remember to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag, and place them in a bin for inspection.
Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on.
If you are parking at MSP, consider the Quick Ride Ramp, which offers low rates and a free shuttle to Terminal 1. Additional information about airport parking is available here.
On Terminal 1’s ticketing level lobby, airport staff will be present at peak travel times with flags to mark the end of lines as passengers queue up at airline ticket counters and security checkpoints.
For more information about MSP, visit www.mspairport.com.
About The Metropolitan Airports Commission
The Metropolitan Airports Commission, a public corporation of the state of Minnesota, owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The commission is funded by rents and fees paid by airport users, not by general tax dollars.
About the Airport Foundation MSP
Airport Foundation MSP is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the experience of travelers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Airport Foundation MSP provides extensive programs and services staffed by a talented team of employees and more than 400 dedicated volunteers. Services include an expanded Travelers Assistance department, a fully-staffed Arts & Culture department, grant making, expanded gambling operations and community engagement initiatives.
About Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is one of seven airports owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, a public corporation of the state of Minnesota. MSP has the 13th busiest airfield in the United States and ranks 17th in travelers served. The airport generates almost $16 billion annually for the Twin Cities area economy and supports more than 86,000 area jobs.
