How to Kill Time at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport

The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport receives its fair share of snow and thunderstorms, and travelers can quickly become affected by flight delays. Relax by having a sit-down meal in a terminal restaurant, or drinks in a cocktail lounge, followed by a mini shopping spree for some unusual regional items.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Comfortable Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Paperback Books
• Travel Magazines
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

For the Adults

1. Figure out how much free time you'll actually have. Check to see if your flight is late and whether it will arrive/depart in the Lindbergh (main) Terminal (Red, Blue, Gold and Green concourses) or in the Humphrey Terminal.
2. Eat in a full-service restaurant, such as Chili's or The Garden Restaurant, in the Lindbergh Terminal.
3. Have a drink in your choice of cocktail lounges located in all four concourses and in the Humphrey Terminal.
4. Munch on treats at snack shops throughout the airport.
5. Pick up a special gift at Touch the Earth, a unique specialty shop that carries Native American and regional gifts. The shop is located on the ticketing level of the Lindbergh Terminal. Merchandise includes jewelry, sandpaintings and fetish-spirit carvings. Be aware that you may have to check in or ship larger purchases (see Warnings, below).
6. Stop at the gift shops located throughout the airport for miscellaneous last-minute souvenirs or gifts, including leather goods and apparel.

For the Kids

7. Cater to your kids' interests if they are with you to keep them from getting antsy. You'll also want to tire them out before they get on the plane.
8. Choose from pizza, hot dogs, burgers and tacos to keep the kids fed and happy.
9. Take them to the Game Room in the Lindbergh Terminal near the Blue Concourse. Stay with them.
10. Relax with little ones in a nursery located on the upper level of the Lindbergh Terminal.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are departing on a flight, you must check in at your gate at least one hour before the flight, longer on international flights. Check with your airline.
• Keep in mind that many airlines have new carry-on restrictions and that you may have to check in larger purchases or have them shipped.