MSP expects increased holiday travel to close out 2024

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The TSA previously reported its busiest day on record earlier this month with nearly 3.1 million people screened at U.S. airports on Sunday, Dec. 1. (FOX 9)

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) - Officials with the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) are expecting a boost in passengers through the final holiday stretch of 2024.

Increased travel

By the numbers: The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) says it expects a 6% year-over-year increase in screened passengers between Dec. 20 and Jan. 6, 2025. The 18-day stretch spans across the major holidays of Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Thursday, Dec. 26, is expected to be the busiest day during the period, with nearly 50,000 people expected to clear Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.

Friday, Dec. 20, is expected to be the busiest day ahead of Christmas, with 45,000 people expected to be screened.

Broken records

What to know: Earlier this year, the TSA announced the Sunday after Thanksgiving was the busiest nationwide travel day on record.

On Dec. 1, nearly 3.1 million people were screened at airports across the U.S., surpassing the previous record set in July by nearly 74,000 passengers.

The busiest travel day at MSP Airport so far this year was on Oct. 17, with 56,550 people getting screened, according to airport officials.

Travel tips

What they’re saying: The TSA is offering helpful tips and reminders for travelers ahead of arriving at the airport.

Weather delays

Local perspective: In addition to increased passengers, expected travelers are encouraged to keep an eye on weather conditions – as winter weather conditions can cause delays and ground stoppages.

Pre-book security screenings

What you can do: To help travelers with security checkpoint lines, officials announced the launch of MSP RESERVE in September, which allows passengers to book appointments for free online as early as one week ahead of a flight.

To make a reservation, travelers must enter flight details and the number of people in their traveling party. Travelers then select from a list of available times to finish the booking. 

Travelers are then instructed to access a designated security checkpoint lane for MSP RESERVE passengers. Staff will then scan the traveler's QR code before allowing them to enter the separate security line.

Travelers can find the Terminal 1 MSP RESERVE line at the North Checkpoint.

Terminal 2 expansion

What's next: In August, the MAC started construction on a 168,000-square-foot expansion of Terminal 2 within MSP.

The $263 million project will add two airline gates and increase spacing and passenger seating for gates H13 and H14. The expansion includes new restrooms, concession spaces, and additional support areas for airlines and tenants.

MSP received a $20 million federal grant for the project from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program, and the project is slated for completion in 2027.