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The airport lobby of the future is taking shape at
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), where three separate airlines
are evaluating self-service bag drop devices and construction continues on an
expanded and user-friendly area at the front of Terminal 1.
Currently, travelers on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
and United Airlines who are checking bags at MSP can use self-bag drop
technology. The process for each airline involves printing a bag tag at a kiosk
and then taking a few steps to the self-service bag drop machines. Travelers
then scan their boarding pass and place their baggage on a belt that weighs and
checks the dimensions of the bag before sending it through security screening
and to baggage handlers who load it onto the plane.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and
operates MSP, is working with the three airlines to monitor the performance of
each of the three separate software systems used by the airlines during the
pilot project stage.
The MAC also provided the airlines with IT services, as
requested, including the computer network and hosting capability required for
the self-service bag drop devices.
“The MAC is proud to assist these pilot programs, working with
both the airlines and the technology providers, to enable the self-service
travel experience,” said Eduardo Valencia, the MAC’s chief information officer
and vice president of information technology.
 Eventually, after evaluating the systems’ operations, the MAC plans to purchase one of the self-bag drop systems for use by all the airlines at the airport. The airlines would brand the equipment and the software interface with their own individual content and logos, but the supporting technology and user experience would be common for all carriers.
Self-service bag drop technology is already the norm in Europe and is moving in the same direction at U.S. airports. The technology increases efficiency and helps reduce wait times for passengers.
The bag drops are only one part of the extensive remodeling project underway in MSP’s ticketing and baggage claim areas at Terminal 1.
An ongoing “vertical circulation” project at the front of the terminal is creating additional interior space closer to the roadway and redesigning the escalator and elevator options for smoother traffic flow and more intuitive wayfinding for travelers. This 360-degree fly-through video gives you an idea of what the finished product will look like.
The additional space will also provide more room for security lines. The remodeled north security checkpoint features an exterior wall of electrochromic glass that adjusts to the amount of sunlight and cuts the glare for passengers and security checkpoint employees.
The new sound system in the lobby will use directional sound and workers are installing tele-coils under the new terrazzo floors, allowing users of hearing aids to get a better signal.
A new piece of iconic art will grace both the baggage claim and ticketing lobbies following the installation of a cut-out in the floor between the two. The MAC commissioned Jen Lewin, an artist known internationally for her interactive art, to design the piece.
On the baggage claim level, work will begin in coming months on new restrooms, baggage carousels and improved ventilation. The new restrooms will have rooms for lactation and nursing mothers.
For more information on MSP’s lobby of the future visit the MSP Reimagined website.
 Your next job could be waiting for you at MSP Airport, and a
job fair happening next week can help you find out more about the vast array of
opportunities.
Employers at the airport are looking for people at all skill
levels to work in hospitality, restaurant, retail and aviation-related
positions.
The openings include both part-time and full-time positions,
and great starting wages. Some jobs offer full benefits. Make sure to bring
your resume and you can apply at the job fair -- some employers will be hiring
on the spot.
What: MSP Airport Job Fair
When: Tuesday, July 17, 2018, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Terminal 2, MSP Airport, 7150 Humphrey Drive,
Minneapolis, MN 55450
You
have several transportation options:
Take
the Metro Transit Blue Line and exit at Terminal 2-Humphrey MSP Airport
Station. Head up the escalator and follow signs to the event in the terminal.
If you
are driving, park in the Orange ramp at Terminal 2. Take the elevator to level 2 and follow
the signs to the event.
If
someone is dropping you off, enter at the first door on the right – Door 1 – as
you arrive at Terminal 2.
A partial list of current airport job openings can be found
at this website.
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 Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport's (MSP) concessions program was once again recognized for
excellence in the airport food and beverage industry.
Three of the airport's concepts
and one airport employee recently received nods from the Airport Food and
Beverage (FAB) Conference and Awards, and Airports Council International –
North America (ACI-NA).
Pictured: Liz Grzechowiak, assistant director of concessions and business development for the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
MSP's concessions program
received three FAB Awards at this year's international conference. Food Truck
Alley won Airport Food Hall of the Year for the Americas region; LoLo American
Kitchen & Craft Bar was highly commended in the Airport Bar of the Year category;
and Lily Olson – an HMSHost/Starbucks employee was highly commended in the
F&B Team Member of the Year category. Additionally, Angel Food Bakery &
Donut Bar won Best New Local Concept at ACI-NA's 2018 Airport Concessions
Awards earlier this month.
"During our planning phase,
we thoughtfully pursued ideas that would ensure consumers visiting MSP would
not only have access to on-trend products, services and food and beverage, but
would be truly impressed at the quality of experience and would get a glimpse
at the depth of our region," said Liz Grzechowiak, assistant director of
concessions and business development. "We are looking to disrupt
expectations and make lasting impressions. To receive recognition at an
international level is humbling, and we could not be more proud of the work
that we are doing."
Organized by The Moodie Davitt Report and sister title The
Foodie Report,
the FAB Conference and Awards is dedicated to travel-related food &
beverage concepts.
ACI-NA represents local,
regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in
the United States and Canada. The ACI-NA Excellence in Airport Concessions
Awards recognize success and innovation in commercial programs at airports of
all sizes. The organization received more than 140 nominations for their annual
concessions awards this year from airports of all sizes throughout the U.S. and
Canada.
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The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) was created 75 years
ago this month with the aim of developing the Twin Cities as an air transportation
center. Since then, the MAC has developed one of the nation’s largest airport
systems and busiest hub airports, generating nearly $16.7 billion annually for
the area economy.
 A record 38 million travelers used Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) last year. MSP offers direct air service to 163 markets, a record 58 of which are served by multiple airlines. Sixteen airlines serve Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Pictured: The first meeting of the Metropolitan Airports Commission's board in 1943.
Airlines offer direct service throughout the United States and to dozens of international locations, including markets in Asia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe and Mexico. The MAC’s reliever airports system ensures communities in every part of the metro have convenient access to aviation services.
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 Terminal 1 shortly after its opening in 1962.
For the past two years, Airports Council International has named MSP the Best Airport in North America in its size category based on customer surveys. Earlier this month, MSP was also named the Most Efficient Airport in North America in its size category from the Air Transport Research Society.
MSP Reimagined
Fly Magazine
Book a Meeting Room
Airline Listing
Escape Lounge
Eat, Shop, Relax
Parking Availability
Parking Options
Passenger and Operations Reports
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