Travel + Leisure magazine names Minneapolis-St. Paul International 'Best Airport in America'

In April 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, Minneapolis-St. Paul International was named the best airport in America.

"We take travelers' opinions of our airport very seriously, and it's gratifying to know that people around the country think so highly of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport," said Jeff Hamiel, executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. "Our goal at the Metropolitan Airports Commission is to provide our customers the best airport experience in North America. For MSP to be voted America's best airport by readers of a major travel magazine is an indication we're on the right track."

According to a release, readers of the magazine rated the nation's 22 major airports in seven categories: flight delays; design; amenities; restaurants; check-in and security; service; and transportation and location. MSP came out on top, and is described as perhaps "the cheeriest and most welcoming airport in the nation."

The airport particularly won kudos for its shopping and dining options as well as for the ease of check in and security. Praise for those aspects of MSP was followed closely by acclaim for the airport's "design and cleanliness, baggage handling, staff communication, and airport location."

Officials said the article indicated the only low rating MSP received was for Wi-Fi, for which there is presently a fee. The Metropolitan Airports Commission is in the process of selecting a new public Internet provider and is requiring that the vendor provide a free option for public Wi-Fi use at MSP. A free Wi-Fi option is expected to be available by year's end.

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