Spring break crowds pack MSP Airport as travel surges
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Spring break season hits the Twin Cities this week.
Why it matters: The office might be a little emptier and the airport lines a little longer for the next few weeks as colleagues, friends and neighbors seek a respite from one of Minnesota's least favorite months.
Driving the exodus: School is out this week in South Washington County and Anoka-Hennepin, the state's largest school district, kicking off a month or so of higher-than-usual travel demand at MSP Airport.
State of the runways: MSP expects more than 192,000 passengers to go through its security checkpoints for this first wave of spring break travel, which started Thursday and runs through Monday, with the busiest days projected to attract 49,000 travelers.
- The next super busy period, which starts Thursday, March 20, could see 47,000 passengers a day.
- Minneapolis and St. Paul go on break a week later, starting March 28.
By the numbers: Those passenger volumes are about 20% higher than typical February levels.
- Last year's spring break estimates were similar, with about 48,000 people going through checkpoints on peak travel days last year.
Between the lines: MSP says airlines increased their daily departures from MSP by 10% between February and March to meet the increased demand to escape the last of the winter weather.
- The schedule includes a dozen direct flights to Florida, one of Minnesota's most popular spring break destinations.
Threat level: The busiest times for ticketing and security tend to be between 4am and 8am. Travelers should check the status of the lines before they leave.
Yes, but: Getting to the airport even earlier won't give you an edge.
- As the owner of one local black car service often points out, security checkpoints don't open until 4am. Many ticket counters don't start serving passengers until around 3:45.
The bottom line: There's no need for FOMO if you're staying home all month.
- There are plenty of things to do for adults and kids enjoying a staycation here.
- But if you are traveling, bookmark our MSP Airport hacks and dining guide to do it like a pro.