You’re staring at the search results, and the prices for a flight to the Twin Cities look like a bad joke. It’s frustrating. Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) is a massive Delta hub, which usually means two things: great connectivity and prices that make your wallet want to hide. But here’s the thing. You don’t actually have to pay the "hub tax" if you know which levers to pull.
Most travelers make the mistake of just checking the big-name sites and calling it a day. Honestly, if you want cheap flights to msp airport, you have to play the game differently. You’ve got to look at the regional players and time your booking like a pro.
The Secret Weapon: Sun Country Airlines
If you aren't from the Midwest, you might not even know Sun Country exists. They’re based right here in Eagan, basically in the airport's backyard. While Delta owns Terminal 1 (the big, flashy one), Sun Country is the king of Terminal 2.
Why does this matter? Because Terminal 2 is smaller, easier to navigate, and—most importantly—the landing fees are often lower for airlines, which translates to cheaper tickets for you. I’ve seen round-trip fares from places like Phoenix or Orlando for under $100 on Sun Country when Delta was asking for $350.
Don't ignore the other low-cost carriers either. Frontier and Southwest also run a lot of their operations out of Terminal 2. If you see a flight to MSP that looks suspiciously cheap, it’s probably landing at Terminal 2. That’s a good thing. You’ll save money on the fare and probably 20 minutes of walking through the terminal.
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When to Pull the Trigger on Your Tickets
Timing is everything. You've heard the "book on a Tuesday" myth, right? Forget it. It’s mostly nonsense now. What actually matters is the "Goldilocks Window." For a domestic flight to MSP, that’s usually between 28 and 60 days before you fly.
Data from early 2026 shows that Wednesday is the cheapest day to actually fly. If you can swing a Tuesday-to-Thursday trip, you’re golden. Sundays are the absolute worst for your bank account. Everyone wants to be home for work on Monday, and the airlines know it.
Seasonal Reality Check
- January & February: It is bone-chillingly cold. Like, "your nose hairs freeze instantly" cold. But the flights? Dirt cheap. If you don't mind the snow, this is when you find the $59 deals.
- May & September: These are the "shoulder months." The weather is gorgeous, and the prices haven't spiked for the summer rush or the State Fair.
- August: The Minnesota State Fair is one of the biggest in the country. If you're coming then, book months in advance. Everyone and their cousin is flying in.
Stop Paying for an Uber at the Terminal
Here is a pro tip that most visitors miss. Once you land and you've scored those cheap flights to msp airport, don't immediately open your rideshare app. A Lyft from MSP to downtown Minneapolis can easily run you $45 or more during peak hours.
Instead, hop on the METRO Blue Line. It’s a light rail train that stops right at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It costs about $2.00 (or $2.50 during rush hour). It takes roughly 25 minutes to get to the heart of downtown Minneapolis. If you’re heading to St. Paul, the Route 54 bus is your best friend. It’s fast, cheap, and honestly more reliable than sitting in I-494 traffic.
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The Delta "Hidden City" Factor
Since MSP is a fortress hub for Delta, they often have direct flights from everywhere. But sometimes, a flight through Minneapolis to another city is cheaper than a flight to Minneapolis. This is called "hidden city ticketing."
For example, a flight from New York to Sioux Falls with a layover in Minneapolis might be $150, while a direct flight from New York to Minneapolis is $300. Some people buy the cheaper ticket and just walk out at MSP.
Warning: Don't do this if you checked a bag—it’s going to Sioux Falls without you. Also, airlines hate this. If you do it too often, they might flag your frequent flyer account. Use this tactic sparingly and only with carry-on luggage.
Beyond the Big Search Engines
Google Flights is great, but it doesn't always show the full picture for MSP. Southwest Airlines, for instance, famously keeps their prices off most third-party comparison sites. You have to go to their website directly.
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Also, check for "bundled" deals if you need a hotel. Since the Mall of America is right next to the airport, many hotels in the Bloomington area offer stay-and-fly packages that can actually end up cheaper than booking the flight and hotel separately.
Actionable Steps to Book Your Trip
Ready to actually find those deals? Here is how you should handle your search right now:
- Go to Google Flights and set a "Track Prices" alert for your dates. Do this even if you aren't ready to buy yet so you can see the price floor.
- Check Southwest.com separately. They often have "Wanna Get Away" fares to MSP that beat everyone else, especially since you get two free checked bags.
- Aim for Terminal 2. When looking at results, specifically look for Sun Country or Frontier flights. The convenience of Terminal 2 is a hidden perk of a budget ticket.
- Avoid Holiday Weekends. If you’re trying to fly in for the 4th of July or Thanksgiving, there are no "cheap" tickets. The demand is just too high.
- Use the Light Rail. Save your "savings" for a nice dinner at an actual Twin Cities restaurant rather than spending it on a 15-minute car ride.
The Twin Cities are incredible, whether you're here for the lakes, the food scene, or just visiting family. Don't let the "hub" status of the airport scare you into overpaying. There is almost always a deal if you're willing to fly on a Wednesday and skip the main terminal.