Booking a flight from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City should be a "set it and forget it" kind of task. After all, both airports are massive Delta hubs. You’d think the process would be a total breeze. Honestly, though, it’s remarkably easy to overpay or get stuck in a terminal that’s still very much a construction zone if you don't time things right.
I’ve seen people drop $600 on a last-minute ticket when they could’ve paid $140. It’s painful.
If you’re sitting at MSP Terminal 1 right now—or just planning a ski trip to the Wasatch Range—there are a few things about this specific route that nobody really tells you. Most travelers just look for the cheapest fare on a Tuesday and call it good. But in 2026, the logistics of Salt Lake City International (SLC) have changed enough that your "cheap" flight might end up costing you two hours of walking through a tunnel.
Let's break down the reality of flying between these two mid-continent powerhouses.
The Delta Monopoly and the Sun Country Wildcard
If you are flying flights to salt lake city from msp, you are likely looking at a Delta tail wing. Since both cities are major fortress hubs for Delta Air Lines, they dominate the schedule. On any given day in 2026, you're looking at around 4 to 6 direct flights operated by Delta.
They use everything from the Airbus A321 to the Boeing 737-900 on this route.
The flight time is roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes. It’s a short hop. Basically, you have enough time to watch one movie and maybe eat a Biscoff cookie before you're descending over the Great Salt Lake.
But here’s the kicker: Sun Country.
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Sun Country Airlines is the hometown favorite for Minnesotans, and they’ve recently extended their schedule through September 2026. They don't fly this route every single day like Delta does, but when they do, the price gap is huge. While Delta might be sitting at $350 for a round trip, Sun Country frequently dips into the $130 range.
Just remember that Sun Country flies out of Terminal 2 (Humphrey) at MSP. If you show up at Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) out of habit, you’re going to have a very stressful morning taking the light rail between terminals.
Why the "Cheapest Day" Logic is Kinda Dead
You’ve probably heard the old "book on a Tuesday at midnight" myth. Forget it.
Data for 2026 shows that for the MSP to SLC route, the most consistent savings come from booking about 43 days in advance. If you're planning a trip for March or April (peak spring break and ski season), you need to be pulling the trigger in late January.
Surprisingly, Monday is often cheaper for this specific route than Wednesday. Why? Because Salt Lake is a massive business hub. Consultants and tech workers fly in on Sunday night and out on Thursday. If you can fly against that grain, you’ll save a fortune.
The "New SLC" Tunnel Problem
You landed. Great. Now comes the part that catches everyone off guard.
Salt Lake City International has been under a $5 billion reconstruction project since 2014. As of early 2026, we are in the "final approach" phase. While the airport is stunning—seriously, the "The Canyon" art installation is world-class—the walk from the gates in Concourse B to the exit is legendary.
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If your flight lands in Concourse B (which is common for non-Delta flights or regional overflows), you are in for a 15-to-20-minute hike.
There is a central tunnel now, which helps, but it’s still a trek. If you have mobility issues or you're dragging three sets of skis, you need to account for this. Don't schedule a shuttle pickup for 10 minutes after you land. You won't make it.
Current Status of Construction
- Concourse A: Mostly finished, home to the massive new Delta Sky Club.
- Concourse B: The final 11 gates are slated to open by October 2026.
- The Central Tunnel: Fully operational, connects the plaza to the concourses.
If you’re a Delta loyalist, you’re in luck. Delta’s second Sky Club at SLC and the new American Express Centurion Lounge have finally opened up, making those long layovers or early arrivals much more bearable.
Getting from the Tarmac to the Slopes
Most people booking flights to salt lake city from msp aren't there to see the Temple Square (though it's cool). They're there for the "Greatest Snow on Earth."
You have three main ways to get out of the airport:
- TRAX Light Rail: The Green Line runs directly from the airport to downtown SLC. It costs $2.50. It’s clean, efficient, and takes about 20 minutes. If you’re staying downtown, don't even bother with an Uber.
- Ski Shuttles: Companies like Utah Mountain Shuttle or Quicksilver are the gold standard here. They use 4WD Sprinters. If a snowstorm hits—and it will—you do not want to be in a front-wheel-drive Uber with bald tires trying to get up Little Cottonwood Canyon.
- The Ski Bus: The UTA operates seasonal buses to Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. If you’re on a budget, take the TRAX to a connection point and hop on the bus for about $5.
Timing the Wasatch Weather
Minneapolis winters are brutal, but they’re flat. Salt Lake winters are vertical.
When you’re looking at flights, keep an eye on the "Lake Effect." Because the Great Salt Lake doesn't freeze, it acts as a giant moisture engine. This can dump three feet of snow on the airport while the rest of the state is clear.
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De-icing at MSP is a science. They’re fast. At SLC, they’re also pros, but the mountain geography can cause "inversions"—thick layers of smog and fog that sit in the valley. This occasionally leads to ground holds.
If you have a tight connection in Salt Lake heading to the West Coast, give yourself at least 90 minutes. Between the long walks between concourses and the potential for weather delays, a 45-minute layover is a gamble you’ll probably lose.
Is it Worth Looking at Alternative Airports?
Sometimes people try to get clever and fly into Ogden or Provo to save money.
Don't.
Unless you have a very specific reason to be in those cities, the cost of the rental car or the long-distance Uber back to the ski resorts will eat any "savings" you found on the airfare. Stick to SLC. It’s one of the most efficient airports in the country despite the ongoing construction.
The Secret to Booking 2026 Fares
If you want the absolute best deal on flights to salt lake city from msp, you have to use Google Flights’ "Track Prices" feature, but with a twist.
Don't just track MSP to SLC. Track "MSP to Everywhere" for your dates. Sometimes, a flight to Salt Lake is actually cheaper if it’s a leg of a trip to somewhere like Las Vegas or Boise (though "skiplagging" is risky and airlines hate it).
More importantly, check the baggage fees.
Sun Country will get you with the "carry-on fee" which can be $50 or more. Delta allows a carry-on for free unless you’re in Basic Economy. If you’re bringing skis, Delta’s checked bag policy is often more generous for Medallion members or those with the right credit card.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Terminal: Confirm if you are flying out of MSP Terminal 1 or 2 before you leave the house.
- Book 6 Weeks Out: Use the late-January window for spring trips.
- Download the UTA App: If you plan on using public transit in Salt Lake, the Transit app or the UTA "GoRide" app is essential.
- Pack for the Hike: Wear comfortable shoes for the SLC airport walk; save the ski boots for the mountain.
- Monitor the Inversion: If you see "Inversion" in the Salt Lake weather forecast, expect potential visibility delays.