If you’re looking for an on-time flight at a major airport, you can’t do better in the U.S. than Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

The OAG Punctuality League recently announced its on-time performance rankings for global airlines and airports, and MSP ranked second globally in 2019 among major airports with an on-time performance record of 83.27 percent.

The OAG categorizes “major” airports as those with 20-30 million departing scheduled seats per year (the number of seats airlines make available in a year's time at an airport).

MSP was topped only by Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 83.42 percent. MSP’s ranking was the best in the U.S. for an airport in its size category.

Last year’s strong on-time performance is not an anomaly for MSP, which ranked third in 2018 and first in 2017.

The OAG report says that weather is the single largest obstacle to on-time performance. Considering MSP’s regular challenges with winter weather – and in particular February of 2019 – MSP’s move up in the rankings from 2018 is an eye-opener.

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The rules have changed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport when it comes to dropping off travelers at Terminal 1.

Not only can  passengers be dropped off on the arrivals – or baggage claim – level, but now if a passenger is flying on Delta Air Lines, they can use its new check-in and bag-drop counter on the east side of the departures level -- sometimes referred to as the upper east roadway.

Delta’s curbside check-in (skycap) service has also moved to this side of the street.

To get to the upper east roadway, drive toward Terminal 1 and stay in the lanes marked for “Departures.” As they drive up the ramp to Terminal 1, drivers will take the first left and follow the digital signs that point to Delta’s check-in service. (See map.)

The shared ride (Uber and Lyft) pick up area is also on this roadway.

The Delta check-in counter is inside Doors 6 and 7, which are on the left. Drivers who proceed to Door 8 will find Delta’s curbside check-in service, where a skycap can check passengers' luggage.

After checking their bags, passengers will take an escalator or elevator down to Level T (tram level), walk through the tunnel under the roadway and then up to the ticketing lobby for security screening.

The check-in counters, staffed by Delta agents, and the skycap service both open at 5 a.m. The skycap service is open until 8 p.m., and the check-in counter is open until 6 p.m., with some variability depending on passenger volume.

Two new restaurants recently opened at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport’s Terminal 1, expanding the delicious dining options available to travelers.

Passengers will find Zona Cocina in a spacious, hacienda-style setting on Concourse F, across from Gate F7. The restaurant offers mouth-watering, scratch-made Tex-Mex favorites including quesadillas, bacon-wrapped jalapenos, tacos and burritos.

Other menu favorites include freshly made sauces, salsas and guacamole.

The bar stretches expansively across the restaurant’s interior, offering prime seats for dozens of travelers. House specials include margaritas, Bloody Marys and cold beer.

On Concourse C, fan favorite Buffalo Wild Wings opened recently in an expanded restaurant space between Gates C2 and C3.

Like its street-side locations, this popular go-to for American casual dining features a sports bar and the restaurant’s signature offerings, including chicken wings, burgers, wraps, nachos and endless beer taps. 

Be sure to check out this a welcoming respite for busy travelers on your next trip through Terminal 1.