This New Tech At MSP Could Slash Wait Times

It’s something you’ve seen in countless sci-fi and action movies, and now, thanks to improved technology, you’ll get to experience it for yourself on your next international flight out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

The Metropolitan Airports Commission and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have partnered to upgrade MSP with Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) technology, which uses biometrics to speed up the screening process.

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Sci-Fi Tech Comes to MSP Airport

MSP is just the 12th airport in the country to roll out EPP. The system uses facial recognition, mobile check-ins, and digital ID verification to make travel faster and more efficient.

According to officials, this technology will let "CBP officers focus on the traveler interview rather than on administrative tasks."

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Faster, Smoother International Arrivals

Big promises are being made. One official noted, “Travelers arriving at MSP will feel the benefits of this enhanced process... shorter wait times, more efficient processing through Customs, and the improved ability to make connecting flights.”

The process is fast and touchless, but international travelers who prefer not to use Enhanced Passenger Processing can notify an officer and go through the now old-school manual process instead.

International Travel Hits New Highs at MSP

MSP is growing as a popular international travel hub. The airport now offers a record-breaking 35 nonstop international flights. In 2024, it saw a record 3,569,721 international passengers, nearly 1.8 million of whom were arriving travelers.