Terminal 1 MSP Guide: Airlines, Concourses, Security, and Transfers

Terminal 1 MSP is organized around a central Ticketing Lobby and seven lettered concourses. The practical route is simple: confirm that your airline uses Terminal 1, go to Level 2 for ticketing or bag check, clear either main security checkpoint, then follow the letter and number on your boarding pass. Use the airport's live map because gate assignments can change.

Terminal 1 MSP map: how to read it

The official MSP airport terminal map shows concourses A through G branching from the secure side of Terminal 1. Treat the concourse letter as the first navigation decision and the gate number as the second. A boarding pass marked G, for example, sends you toward Concourse G after security.

1. Confirm the terminal. MSP's terminals use separate roadways, so check the airport's airline list or your airline before you set out.
2. Start on Level 2. All airlines at Terminal 1 place ticketing and bag check in the Ticketing Lobby.
3. Clear North or South security. Both checkpoints are on the Ticketing level and accept Terminal 1 passengers.
4. Follow your concourse letter. Match the letter and gate number on the boarding pass to airport signs and the live map.
5. Recheck the gate. Consult an airport display or airline app before walking to the concourse.

For a closer map-focused walkthrough, see the MSP Terminal 1 gate map. Printed maps are also available at airport information desks.

Which airlines use Terminal 1 at MSP?

MSP's official terminal information page lists Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Denver Air, Discover, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and WestJet at Terminal 1. Confirm again before travel because airline locations can change.

Airline or group	Officially listed concourse
Delta Air Lines	A, B, C, D, F, G
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines	E
Air France, Discover Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	G
Denver Air	B
WestJet	C

The airport's terminal information page also lists Lufthansa at Terminal 1, but the fetched airline directory did not display a concourse assignment for it. Use the departure display or airline app for the actual gate rather than assuming a concourse.

Check-in, bag check, and security

At Terminal 1, the airport places every airline's ticketing and bag-check service in the Level 2 Ticketing Lobby. Travelers coming from the Green or Gold parking ramps use the skyway. From the Blue or Red ramps, the airport directs travelers to take the underground tram to the terminal and then go up two levels. From the Pink or Brown ramps, enter on Tram Level and go up two levels.

MSP identifies the North and South checkpoints on the Ticketing level for Terminal 1 passengers. MSP RESERVE, the airport's free security appointment program, is available at the North Checkpoint only. The airport says checkpoint wait estimates can change rapidly and advises arrival two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before international travel.

TSA's 3-1-1 rule limits carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes to containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less, placed in a quart-sized bag. Larger containers belong in checked baggage unless an exemption applies. TSA also says an otherwise permitted item may receive extra screening or be refused if it alarms or presents another security concern.

Terminal 1 versus Terminal 2

Question	Terminal 1	Terminal 2
Concourses	A through G	H
Ticketing and bag check	Level 2	Level 1
Road access	Separate Terminal 1 roadway	Separate Terminal 2 roadway
Transfer	Free light rail between terminal stations

If you arrive at the wrong terminal, follow signs for light rail transit rather than trying to walk between the buildings. At Terminal 1, the light rail station is below the Red and Blue ramps. From Tram Level, which is one level below baggage claim, take the tram to those ramps and follow signs to the station. No ticket is required for the trip between airport terminals.

For the other building, use the MSP Terminal 2 map or the broader airport navigation guide.

Arriving on an international flight

MSP's security page says checked baggage must be claimed in its Customs and Border Protection facility regardless of the traveler's final destination. Follow CBP and connection signs, then check the onward gate again after completing the required arrival process.

Before you leave for MSP

• Confirm Terminal 1 in the airline app or MSP airline directory.
• Save the boarding pass and official terminal map where you can open them without a connection.
• Note the concourse letter, but verify the gate again at the airport.
• Use the Level 2 Ticketing Lobby if you need a counter or bag check.
• Use the free light rail if your itinerary requires a terminal change.

Airport layouts, airline locations, checkpoint operations, and travel rules can change. Confirm the latest details with MSP Airport, TSA, and your airline before flying.