MSP Restricts Checkpoint Use At Terminal 1 While Installing New Security Lanes
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) -- The next few weeks are going to be a bit of a hassle at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
One of two general security checkpoints at Terminal 1 will be closed for approximately three weeks. The south checkpoint near the Delta counters shut down Tuesday morning to people with general security clearance.
People who use the Clear Program, TSA Pre-Check or Sky Priority are the only ones who can still use the south checkpoint.
Myrna Tupy had an important flight to catch on Tuesday. She was escorting her son to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
"I just pray that we're able to make our flight," she said.
No problems at the north checkpoint for a half dozen young men. But their journey will soon be arduous: They're heading to boot camp in Missouri.
By afternoon lines were pretty clear but earlier Tuesday morning, people waiting for about 30 minutes.
Patrick Hogan is in charge of public affairs for the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
"What we're going to do is create new automated lanes that are going to speed up the process for people," Hogan said.
Hogan said the four new lanes they are building and testing will have areas where people can easily take their shoes and belts off without clogging up the line, and automated belts will let you put your bag on first if the person in front of you is slower.
"I think people are going to be very pleased. Once they get used to it they are going to wish all the lanes are this way," Hogan said.
A short term holdup he says will bring long term relief.
The staff that was working the south checkpoint is now working the north checkpoint, so they've got extra lanes going and the same amount of staff. Hogan doesn't expect wait times to be too much longer. He says they're giving the same advice: Get there two hours early for domestic flights, three for international.