Who, me? The MSP Airport traffic blame game
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Most Axios Twin Cities readers agree with our assessment that the traffic at MSP Airport's arrivals section has become a total drag.
- But they also swear they're not part of the problem.
The big picture: Over 60% of the 602 readers who responded to our unscientific survey on airport pickup etiquette say they either circle in the outer lane or wait in the cellphone lot until their passenger is ready to go.
- A candid 13% of you admitted you inch forward in the most congested lane in hopes of grabbing your guest without taking another lap around the airport, while just 2.5% fessed up to idling in front of the doors as long as possible.
What you're saying: Many of you emailed with stories supporting your view that a lack of etiquette in the pickup lanes is a growing problem.
- "Amen!" Julie S. wrote. "In mid-December, I exited our vehicle and walked up to two vehicles parked outside Terminal 1 and told the drivers to move because we were blocked in. … I had watched both drivers sit for about 7 minutes."
Between the lines: Readers' complaints about the state of MSP traffic come as air travel continues to climb closer to pre-pandemic levels.
- The airport announced this week that it served 37.2 million passengers in 2024 — a 6.9% increase over 2023.
Zoom in: Readers filled our inbox with pickup tips that go beyond waiting in the cellphone lot or taking public transit.
🤗 Dana T. ponies up for short-term parking and goes in to greet family and friends at baggage claim.
- "I get to show my people some love, and that is totally worth the $5."
🔚 Jan U. was among those who recommend waiting at the very end of the arrivals zone. That way, the driver can cruise past traffic at the earlier doors in an outer lane before swooping in.
✈️ Allison M. sometimes directs her passengers to the departures doors (upstairs in Terminal 1). That area is "often much less crowded than the lower-level baggage claim," she noted.
👋 Yes, but: Toni N. pointed out that our "five-minute" Minnesota goodbyes can make the departure drop zone "equally problematic."
Friction point: Bradley B. was among the readers who expressed frustration that MSP traffic enforcement isn't doing more to move drivers along.
- Airport spokesperson Jeff Lea told Axios that MSP Airport Police Department does "actively patrol these zones to ensure a safe and efficient experience for all passengers," and noted that violations can result in citations or tows.
The bottom line: MSP has made changes to ease congestion, including debuting an "express" pickup and drop-off area inside Terminal 2's Purple Ramp.
- Lea said drivers can do their part by waiting in a cellphone lot or parking ramp until their passenger is ready — MSP discourages circling — or using public transit.