Make the most of the middle: Connecting through Minneapolis–Saint Paul

If your itinerary includes a connection, it’s easy to feel that familiar stress. How much time will I have? How far is my next gate? Will I have time to grab a coffee before boarding? 

That was on my mind as I routed myself through Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), one of Delta’s Midwest hubs connecting travelers across the U.S. and around the world. 

I landed just after noon with three hours before my next departure. Enough time to explore, but not enough to waste. 

Designed for people on the move

Within minutes, it was clear MSP was built for connections. 
 
Bright yellow wayfinding signage made navigation intuitive. Instead of second-guessing every turn, I moved confidently through wide corridors lined with moving sidewalks. There’s also a tram system for longer distances, giving travelers options depending on timing. 
 
Even choosing to walk most of the way to my next gate, it never felt long or stressful. Open sightlines and natural light made the terminal feel calm and easy to read. 
I realized quickly: this wasn’t an airport you fight your way through. It was one you move through. 

Time well spent

With time to spare, I looked for coffee before wandering the central concourse. I’ll admit I’m usually a Starbucks girl, especially knowing Delta makes it easy to earn miles on my caffeine runs, so I figured I’d wait until I reached the Sky Club to grab one. But when I saw Caribou Coffee along the concourse, it felt like the right moment to switch things up and try something local.

The shopping and dining mix felt curated rather than crowded and random. National favorites sat alongside local brands, including a Prince-themed store honoring the Minnesota icon. I passed Shake Shack and quick grab-and-go options but eventually opted for a sit-down lunch at Mill City Tavern near my gate. The baby kale and grain salad was unexpectedly memorable. 
 
Even during the lunch rush, the concourse felt spacious. High ceilings and wide walkways meant I never felt boxed in or rushed.

Space to recharge

I also visited one of MSP’s Delta Sky Clubs near Gate G18. The space offered a range of seating — quiet work pods, lounge chairs and communal tables, plus hot food and beverages. 
 
It felt less like waiting for a flight and more like resetting before the next leg. 
 
Throughout my connection, the Delta app  kept me informed, sending timely notifications about boarding. I never had to constantly check monitors or worry about missing updates. 
 
Small details made a difference: Clean restrooms. Clearly marked help desks. Easy-to-find seating. 
 
The InterContinental Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport also connects directly to Terminal 1 via skybridge, making overnight connections simple and efficient. The hotel also has its own TSA security checkpoint for carry-on travelers, offering even quicker access back into the terminal. 
 
By the time I boarded my departure flight, I realized I hadn’t once worried about making my connection. It felt less like a layover and more like a bonus experience built into the journey.   
 
For travelers heading to another U.S. city or across the Atlantic or Pacific, MSP isn’t just a midpoint. It’s a hub designed to make the time between flights feel seamless, productive and surprisingly enjoyable. 

This is one part of a layover series. Be on the lookout for additional stories soon!