Southwest Airlines MSP Terminal – Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

Southwest Airlines MSP Terminal Quick Facts

Southwest currently lists its MSP operations at Terminal 2–Humphrey, with gates H11, H12 and H14. Gate assignments can change, so always confirm the gate shown on your boarding pass or airport flight information screens on the day of travel.

Complete Overview of Southwest Airlines MSP Terminal

What Terminal Does Southwest Use At Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 2 at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The terminal is also commonly known as Terminal 2–Humphrey. If you are flying with Southwest, head directly to Terminal 2 rather than Terminal 1. Both MSP Airport and Southwest Airlines currently identify Terminal 2 as Southwest’s Minneapolis terminal.

Southwest Airlines MSP: Where Should You Go?

Travelers flying Southwest Airlines MSP should follow signs to Terminal 2 upon arrival at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

This distinction matters because MSP has two separate passenger terminals. Southwest operates from Terminal 2, while many other major airlines use Terminal 1. MSP provides free light rail transportation between the terminals, but going to the correct terminal from the beginning will save you extra walking and travel time. If someone is dropping you off, simply tell them: “Southwest Airlines, Terminal 2 at MSP.” You should be taken to the proper departure location as a result.

Southwest MSP: Check-In and Bag Drop

For a Southwest MSP departure, ticketing, check-in and baggage services are located in the Terminal 2 Ticketing Lobby on Level 1. After checking your bags or completing any necessary airline procedures, proceed upstairs to Level 2 for security screening. Southwest also provides self-service options at many airports. Travelers who already have a boarding pass and do not need to check baggage may be able to proceed directly toward the security checkpoint.

Southwest currently recommends arriving approximately 120 minutes before both domestic and international departures from MSP. The airline states that its MSP ticket counter opens 105 minutes before the day’s first departing flight.

For a smoother airport visit:

• Check in before leaving for the airport when possible.
• Keep your boarding pass and Documentation close at hand.
• Confirm your terminal and gate before entering security.
• Allow extra time during holidays and busy travel periods.
• Check current traffic, security and flight information before leaving home.
• Minneapolis Southwest Airlines Terminal: Security Information
• The Minneapolis Southwest Airlines terminal has security screening on Level 2 of Terminal 2.

MSP Airport currently has two Terminal 2 security checkpoints: one near the Orange Parking Ramp skyway and another near the Purple Ramp skyway. At least one checkpoint is normally available from 4:00 a.m. until the final scheduled flight of the day, while both are closed between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.

Southwest’s MSP airport information also lists amenities including TSA PreCheck, Touchless ID, Priority Lane and Express Lane, although availability and eligibility can depend on the traveler and current airport operations. If your flight departs early in the morning, arriving with enough time to check bags and clear security is especially important.

Amenities: Additional Services Guide Southwest Airlines Minneapolis-Saint Paul Terminal

List of All Southwest Airlines Terminals Worldwide.

Southwest Airlines Minneapolis Gates

Passengers searching for Southwest Airlines Minneapolis gate information should first go to Terminal 2. Southwest currently identifies its MSP location as Terminal 2–Humphrey and lists H11, H12 and H14 as its gates. However, your actual departure gate is operational information that can change. Use the gate printed or displayed on your current boarding pass and confirm it again on the airport monitors after clearing security.

MSP Airport Southwest Airlines Terminal Parking

If you are driving to the MSP Airport Southwest Airlines terminal, Terminal 2 offers convenient parking in the Orange and Purple ramps. MSP’s Terminal 2 Hourly Parking is intended primarily for shorter visits, including passenger pickup and drop-off. Both the Orange and Purple ramps connect to Terminal 2 by skyway. MSP also offers Value Parking at Terminal 2 for travelers leaving their vehicles for longer periods. Parking availability and rates can change, so travelers planning to leave a vehicle at MSP should check the airport’s current parking information before arriving.

Picking Up or Dropping Off a Southwest Passenger

For Southwest passengers, use Terminal 2 for pickup and drop-off. In addition to the regular terminal curb, MSP provides a Terminal 2 Express Drop-off/Pick-up area on Level 2 of the Purple Ramp. It connects to the terminal through a skyway and provides another option when the main terminal roadway is busy.

Drivers waiting for arriving passengers should not remain parked at the terminal curb. MSP also provides complimentary cell phone waiting lots where drivers can wait until the arriving traveler is ready for pickup.

MSP Southwest: Getting Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

If you accidentally arrive at Terminal 1 while flying MSP Southwest, you do not need to panic.

• The METRO Blue Line connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and travel between the two airport terminal stations is free. Inter-terminal rail service is available 24 hours a day.
• At Terminal 2, the light rail station is on the north side of the Orange Ramp. From the Ticketing area on Level 1, follow airport signs toward the Orange Ramp skyway and the METRO Blue Line station.
• MSP also provides an inter-terminal shuttle alternative for passengers with mobility challenges and certain special travel needs.
• Getting from Southwest MSP Terminal to Minneapolis
• The Southwest MSP terminal has convenient access to public transportation.
• The METRO Blue Line stops at Terminal 2 and connects the airport with destinations including downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America. According to MSP Airport, the train ride is approximately 12 minutes to Mall of America and about 25 minutes to the Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis, although travelers should always check the latest Metro Transit schedule before starting their trip.
• This makes the light rail useful for travelers who do not want to rent a car or arrange a private ride.
• Rideshare, taxi and other ground transportation options are also available at MSP. Follow the Terminal 2 signs after collecting your luggage to reach the appropriate pickup area.

Southwest Terminal MSP: Arriving Passengers

If you are meeting someone arriving on Southwest, go to Terminal 2 unless the passenger or airline provides different instructions for that particular flight.

The easiest approach is to check the flight status before driving to MSP and ask the traveler to call or message you after landing and collecting any checked luggage. MSP specifically advises drivers to wait until passengers are ready outside because vehicles cannot remain parked at the terminal curb. For a short wait, Terminal 2 Hourly Parking in the Orange or Purple Ramp provides direct terminal access by skyway.

Southwest Airlines MSP Terminal Travel Tips

Flying from the Southwest Airlines MSP terminal is fairly straightforward once you know that Southwest uses Terminal 2. A little preparation can make the trip even easier.

Before leaving home: Check your flight status, boarding pass, terminal and gate.

• When driving to MSP: Follow signs specifically for Terminal 2, not simply “MSP Airport.”
• If checking baggage: Go to the Terminal 2 Ticketing Lobby on Level 1.
• For security: Proceed to Level 2 after completing check-in.
• If you reach Terminal 1: Take the free METRO Blue Line to Terminal 2.
• For your departure gate: Check your boarding pass and airport monitors even though Southwest currently lists H11, H12 and H14 at MSP.