Travelers are beginning to take to the air again, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is implementing new strategies to keep everyone -- including travelers and employees -- safe and healthy.

To ensure we’re keeping your concerns top-of-mind, we’re asking travelers for their feedback via a three-minute survey.

We want to know your expectations regarding air travel and your comfort level with your next flight. Your input will help guide our next steps.

Thank you for your help in making air travel safe and comfortable.

As passenger numbers rebound at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP), the Airport Foundation MSP is making plans to bring back several highly valued services starting Monday, June 29.

Travelers Assistance program back in the booths

The Airport Foundation MSP coordinates the Travelers Assistance program, which includes the volunteers who staff the information booths around the airport. The program was suspended in March to ensure the volunteers’ safety as the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect the airport.

With safety measures now in place, the volunteers are eager to help travelers once again.

Some changes you might notice are Plexiglas shields at the booths, volunteers wearing facemasks and only one volunteer per booth.

As a reminder, travelers are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings at all times within the airport to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Most airlines require face coverings for their passengers, as well.

Arts@MSP restarts live music and installs new exhibit

Music lovers will be happy to hear that live performances are also returning to Terminal 1 starting on June 29. Musicians will perform from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. – currently one of the busiest time frames at the airport – with social distancing practices in place. The schedule for the week is as follows:

6/29 - Heidi Nasby (North mall area)
6/30 - Jim Stevens (North mall area)
7/1 - Joel Shapira (South mall area)
7/2 - Nate Hance (North mall area)
7/3 - Holly Nelson (South mall area)

Learn more about the individual performers here. Future performances will be announced as they are scheduled.

On Monday, June 22, a new art exhibit, “Project Bike Retrospective,” will open in the Thomson Reuters Concourse C Art Gallery. More than 50 works of art by 12 Minnesota artists will be featured in the show.

Animal Ambassadors to brighten your day

The always-popular animal ambassador teams are also returning to MSP on June 29.

Currently they are scheduled each day, Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 3, from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. and 12 p.m -2 p.m.

For everyone’s safety, travelers will notice the following adjustments at the Animal Ambassador stations:

• Retractable belt stanchions will be added to ensure social distancing; a queue will form if the line of visitors gets long 
• Travelers and staff must wash their hands prior to petting the therapy animal. A portable hand-washing station will be available
• Only one visitor at a time may interact with the animal 
• Some of the volunteer handlers may choose to provide a “touch-less” visit, where travelers can watch the dog do tricks and/or observe the dog without petting them

Stop by and say hi!

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport’s Prebooked Parking just became a bit more convenient, thanks to the ability to download your prebooked parking pass to your phone.

You can now use a QR code that can be stored on your phone through the Apple Wallet (iOS) or Google Pay (Android OS) apps.

Prebooked Parking allows you to pay for and select a parking location online prior to your flight.

“When we surveyed Prebooked Parking customers, the most-requested improvement was making the QR code available for apps,” said Jeff Nawrocki, assistant director of MSP Landside Operations, which manages airport parking. “We moved quickly to make that available and are happy to offer this additional convenience.”

The airport is also using technology that prompts the parking pass to pop up in your notifications as you enter airport property – another way we’re making parking easier.

Our Prebooked Parking is also touch-free – no need to insert a credit card or push any buttons.

Give it a try when booking your next trip out of MSP.

Work continues to progress on the reconstruction of Highway 5, which provides access to Terminal 1's inbound roadway at MSP.

Through late July, eastbound Highway 5 from I-494 to Davern Street in St. Paul is closed. When that portion of the project is complete, crews will move to the westbound lanes, which will be closed to traffic until sometime in October.

Also, beginning June 24, a number of ramps that lead to or off of Highway 5 will be closed. 

If you have plans to visit Terminal 1 in the near future -- or regularly use Highway 5 near the airport -- be sure to visit aroundtheairport.com for the latest details about closures and detours.