TSA wait times
ENMinneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
MSP Security: Checkpoints, Wait Times, PreCheck, CLEAR
MSP has two staffed checkpoints in Terminal 1 (North and South) and two in Terminal 2. The airport says the average wait is 20 to 25 minutes and can reach 50 minutes at peak times. It recommends arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three for international.
TSA wait times
How busy will MSP security be?
Pick your flight time: hour-by-hour forecast for every checkpoint, from official TSA data.
Check security
Your options at a glance
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On the Ticketing level. The only Terminal 1 checkpoint with MSP RESERVE. CLEAR kiosk here.
- Hours
- Check airport page; one T1 checkpoint is open 24 hours
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On the Ticketing level. CLEAR kiosk here.
- Hours
- Check airport page; one T1 checkpoint is open 24 hours
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Only for international connecting travelers.
- Hours
- Check airport page
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Level 2, near the parking ramp skyways. Open to all passengers.
- Hours
- 4 a.m. until the last scheduled departure
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Across from the Purple Ramp. PreCheck, MSP RESERVE and Priority members only.
- Hours
- 4 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (confirm on the airport page)
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Free, optional time slot for the security line. T1 North and T2 Checkpoint 2.
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PreCheck lanes at open checkpoints. T2 Checkpoint 2 is PreCheck and MSP RESERVE only.
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Kiosks at the T1 North and South checkpoints.
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Current wait at each of the four checkpoints.
Security checkpoints at MSP
Terminal 1 (Concourses A to G) has a North and a South checkpoint, both on the Ticketing level. You can use either one. The airport says one of them is open 24 hours a day.
Terminal 2 (Concourse H) has two checkpoints on Level 2, near the Orange and Purple Ramp skyways. Checkpoint 1 is open to everyone. Checkpoint 2 is across from the Purple Ramp and is only for TSA PreCheck travelers, MSP RESERVE appointments and Priority members.
Two more things to know. The Skyway checkpoint in Terminal 1 is closed for the foreseeable future, and only its exit is open. Checkpoint 7 in Concourse G is only for international connecting travelers. MSP says all checked baggage must be claimed in that facility regardless of your final destination.
Checkpoint hours
The airport says hours are subject to change, so check its page before you go.
- Terminal 1: one checkpoint is open 24 hours. The airport lists TSA PreCheck as open 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Terminal 2, Checkpoint 1: 4 a.m. until the last scheduled departure.
- Terminal 2, Checkpoint 2: 4 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on the airport's security screening page. Its wait times page says only that the Terminal 2 checkpoints open based on the first and last departure of the day, so confirm before you plan around it.
The airport does not say which Terminal 1 checkpoint is the 24-hour one. If you fly very early or very late, check the airport security page or ask your airline.
How long is the security line?
The airport says the average wait is between 20 and 25 minutes and can reach 50 minutes during especially busy times. Busy periods are February through April, June through August and major holidays. Mornings can be especially busy.
For the current wait at each checkpoint, use the airport's Security Wait Times page. It lists T1 North, T1 South, Terminal 2 Checkpoint 1 and Terminal 2 Checkpoint 2. The airport warns that these times can change rapidly.
When to arrive
The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Follow your airline's advice too. Many airlines set their own cutoff times for checking bags.
MSP RESERVE: book a time in line
MSP RESERVE lets you book a time slot for the security line. The airport says it is optional and free for all passengers. In Terminal 1, MSP RESERVE is only available at the North checkpoint. In Terminal 2, Checkpoint 2 takes MSP RESERVE appointments.
Book at mspairport.com/msp-reserve. You pick the date, airline, destination, flight number and party size, and no account is needed. Slots are offered 240 to 60 minutes before your flight, up to seven days ahead, and one appointment covers up to 10 people. The MSP RESERVE page lists slot hours of 3:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Terminal 1 North checkpoint, and 3:45 to 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Terminal 2 Checkpoint 2.
The MSP RESERVE page says it is meant for general passengers. If you already have PreCheck or CLEAR, you may not need it. Check the page for the latest rules.
TSA PreCheck at MSP
Look for PreCheck lanes at open checkpoints. The airport notes that PreCheck passengers may usually leave their shoes on. In Terminal 2, Checkpoint 2 is limited to PreCheck travelers, MSP RESERVE appointments and Priority members.
To enroll, use the TSA website.
CLEAR at MSP
CLEAR kiosks are at both the North and South checkpoints in Terminal 1. The airport does not list CLEAR for Terminal 2, so if you fly from there and rely on CLEAR, check clearme.com before you go.
ID, liquids and carry-ons
The airport's security FAQ covers the basics. Children ages 2 to 17 flying within the U.S. do not need ID. The 3-1-1 liquids rule applies: containers of 3 ounces or less, in one quart-size bag per traveler. The standard carry-on size is 45 total inches, but your airline may be stricter.
If you leave the secure area on a layover, bring your boarding pass and ID. You will be screened again.
Help for travelers with disabilities
The airport says every checkpoint at both terminals can screen passengers who use wheelchairs. Tell the screener about a pacemaker or metal implant before screening. A doctor's note is not needed, but allow extra time.
TSA Cares can answer questions before you travel. Call 1-855-787-2227, toll free, before you travel.
Questions travelers ask
How long does security take at MSP?
The airport says the average wait is 20 to 25 minutes and can be as long as 50 minutes at busy times. Check the airport's Security Wait Times page for the current wait at each checkpoint.
How early should I get to MSP?
The airport recommends at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Your airline may set an earlier cutoff for checking bags.
Does MSP have TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Look for PreCheck lanes at open checkpoints. In Terminal 2, Checkpoint 2 is limited to PreCheck travelers, MSP RESERVE appointments and Priority members, and the airport lists it as open 4 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Does MSP have CLEAR?
Yes, in Terminal 1. Kiosks are at both the North and South checkpoints. The airport does not list CLEAR for Terminal 2.
What is MSP RESERVE?
It is a free, optional program that lets you book a time in the security line at mspairport.com/msp-reserve. It is available at the North checkpoint in Terminal 1 and at Checkpoint 2 in Terminal 2. You can book 240 to 60 minutes before your flight.
Which Terminal 1 checkpoint should I use?
Either one, North or South, both on the Ticketing level. Check the Security Wait Times page and pick the shorter line. Use North if you have an MSP RESERVE time.
Is the Skyway security checkpoint open?
No. The airport says the Skyway checkpoint in Terminal 1 is closed for the foreseeable future. Only its exit is open.
What do I need to fly domestic without a passport?
Adults need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. The airport says travelers whose state license is not yet REAL ID compliant must show another acceptable ID, and children ages 2 to 17 do not need ID for domestic flights. See the TSA website for the list of accepted IDs.
More at MSP
Sources and last check
Checked by our team on Oct. 9, 2026 against these official sources: