MSP Airport gears up for busy MEA travel week

Fall travel will peak this week at MSP Airport, with high levels of passengers expected to pass through the airport thanks to families opting to travel during the annual MEA break for many schools this Thursday and Friday. 

Thursday, Oct. 17, is expected to be the busiest day this week, with more than 52,000 people forecast to pass through TSA security checkpoints. The second busiest day is expected to be Wednesday, Oct. 16, with more than 49,000 people forecast to clear checkpoints. MEA week travel closes out in general on Sunday, Oct. 20. These high volumes will drive up activity in terminal baggage claims, terminal loading zones, and parking ramps. 

MSP will be celebrating MEA week with a series of passenger activities on the two busiest departure days, including music performances from Arts@MSP, Paul Bunyan appearances, kids activities and a “Fossil Friends” interactive display from the Science Museum of Minnesota. The Airport Foundation MSP will also be selling its popular MSP Airport merchandise. 

See the full schedule of activities below.  

Wednesday, Oct. 16 

• Surprise and Delight: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Open Book at Terminal 1 
• Paul Bunyan: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Terminal 1 North Mall Rotunda 
• Pet Duets (David Billingsley featuring Greta): 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Terminal 1 Airport Mall Gallery  

Thursday, Oct. 17 

• Coffee with a Cop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. across from Lake Wine at Terminal 1 
• Surprise and Delight: noon to 2 p.m. near Barrio at Terminal 2 
• Paul Bunyan: noon to 2 p.m. near main restaurants at Terminal 2 
• Pet Duets (DGS feat. Getty: noon to 2 p.m. across from Gate H11 at Terminal 2 
• Science Museum “Fossil Friends”: noon to 2 p.m. at the Terminal 1 Airport Mall Gallery