Sun Country Terminal MSP: Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling Through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with Sun Country Airlines
Traveling can be exhilarating, especially when it starts smoothly. For travelers flying with Sun Country Airlines, understanding everything about the Sun Country Terminal MSP (Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport) is essential to ensuring a stress-free journey. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or a frequent Sun Country traveler, this comprehensive guide offers everything you need to know about the airline’s operations at MSP—from check-in procedures to amenities and travel tips. Let’s dive into the world of Sun Country Airlines and what makes its terminal at MSP a gateway to easy, efficient, and affordable travel.
What Terminal is Sun Country at MSP?
Sun Country Airlines operates out of Terminal 2 – Humphrey Terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). This terminal is distinctly separate from the larger Terminal 1 (Lindbergh Terminal), offering a more streamlined and less crowded experience. Terminal 2 is specifically designed to accommodate low-cost carriers and charter services, making it the ideal home base for Sun Country Airlines, known for its budget-friendly fares and focus on customer value.
Terminal 2 offers all the essentials modern travelers expect—convenient parking, efficient security checkpoints, clean facilities, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Its smaller size compared to Terminal 1 is often viewed as a plus, especially for passengers who prefer minimal walking, shorter lines, and quicker boarding experiences.
About Sun Country Airlines
Before diving deeper into the terminal experience, it helps to understand the airline itself. Sun Country Airlines, headquartered in the Twin Cities, is a Minnesota-born ultra-low-cost carrier that has been flying since 1982. The airline operates scheduled passenger flights, charter services, and cargo transport, with a strong focus on domestic U.S. destinations and popular vacation hotspots like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Its mission is to offer “low fares done right,” providing value-conscious travelers with essential services while offering optional upgrades like seat selection, checked baggage, and in-flight snacks. The airline’s deep roots in the Minneapolis area make Terminal 2 at MSP a natural home.
Getting to Terminal 2 at MSP
Reaching the Sun Country Terminal MSP is easy, thanks to a variety of ground transportation options:
- Driving and Parking: Terminal 2 has its own dedicated parking structure—Orange Ramp—which is connected directly to the terminal via a skyway. This makes drop-off, pick-up, or long-term parking exceptionally convenient.
- Light Rail Transit (LRT): Metro Transit’s Blue Line connects downtown Minneapolis, the Mall of America, and the airport. There is a dedicated LRT stop at Terminal 2, accessible via skyway.
- Rideshare and Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and taxis have designated pick-up/drop-off zones at Terminal 2.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many local hotels offer free shuttle services that run to both terminals.
Clear signage and regular airport shuttles ensure smooth navigation for travelers who may be unfamiliar with the layout.
Check-In and Bag Drop at Sun Country MSP Terminal
When flying Sun Country from Terminal 2, passengers have several convenient check-in options:
- Online Check-In: Available 24 hours before departure via Sun Country’s website or mobile app. Great for travelers with carry-on only.
- Mobile App: Lets you check in, select seats, and download your boarding pass directly to your smartphone.
- Airport Kiosks: Self-service kiosks in the terminal allow you to check in and print boarding passes.
- Check-In Counters: Staffed with Sun Country team members who can assist with checked bags, upgrades, or special assistance.
Sun Country recommends arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international travel. Bag drop and check-in usually close 45 minutes before departure, so planning ahead is key.
Security Screening at Terminal 2
Terminal 2 at MSP features a TSA checkpoint designed for efficient passenger flow. Although smaller than Terminal 1, Terminal 2’s streamlined design allows for quicker screening during most times of the day. It also supports:
- TSA PreCheck: For expedited screening without removing shoes or laptops.
- CLEAR lanes: For eligible members, speeding up ID verification.
- ADA-compliant lanes: Ensuring accessibility for all passengers.
Once through security, travelers are greeted with a clean, modern gate area and a surprisingly robust offering of shops and restaurants.
Amenities at Sun Country Terminal MSP
Despite being the smaller of MSP’s two terminals, Terminal 2 offers excellent amenities tailored to modern travelers. Inside the secure area, you’ll find:
- Restaurants and Cafés: Choose from grab-and-go meals, sit-down dining, and coffee spots like Caribou Coffee, Subway, and Barrio Tequila Bar.
- Shops: Travel necessities, souvenirs, books, and snacks are available at various retail outlets.
- Charging Stations: Power up your devices with outlets and USB ports located near most gates.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal—fast, stable, and no password required.
- Kids’ Play Area: A dedicated space for little ones to expend energy before a long flight.
There’s also a Pet Relief Area, family restrooms, and accessible seating throughout the terminal.
Sun Country Gates and Boarding Process
After clearing security, passengers will find Sun Country’s gates located just a short walk down the main concourse. Boarding gates are clearly marked, and large display screens keep passengers updated on gate changes and boarding times.
Sun Country uses a zone-based boarding process, often starting 30–40 minutes before departure. Groups are called based on seating class, boarding upgrades, and special needs. Make sure to listen for announcements or check the gate screens for boarding details.
