You’re sitting in Minneapolis. It’s January. The air literally hurts your face, and you’ve reached that point in winter where "bracing" has turned into "soul-crushing." Naturally, you start looking at flights from MSP to FLL.
Florida is the obvious escape. Specifically, Fort Lauderdale. It’s got that specific kind of humidity that makes you feel alive again. But honestly, most people book this route all wrong. They overpay for tickets because they think "peak season" means one thing when, for a Twin Cities traveler, it means something entirely different.
I’ve spent years watching the weirdly specific dance between MSP and FLL. This isn’t just about finding a seat on a plane. It’s about timing the snowbird migration, dodging the Terminal 1 versus Terminal 2 confusion, and knowing which airline is actually going to get you there without a three-hour delay in Atlanta.
Why the Nonstop Game is Changing
You basically have two main choices if you want to get there without seeing the inside of another airport: Delta and Sun Country.
Delta is the heavy hitter here. They run about three or four nonstops a day. You’re leaving from Terminal 1 (Lindbergh), which is great for the food options but can be a nightmare at the security line if you don't have PreCheck or that new MSP Reserve thing where you book a time slot.
Then there’s Sun Country. Our hometown "leisure" airline. They usually run one or two daily nonstops to FLL. They fly out of Terminal 2 (Humphrey). I actually prefer Terminal 2 for Florida runs. It’s smaller. It’s quieter. It feels less like a corporate hub and more like the start of a vacation. Plus, Sun Country is often the price leader, with one-way fares sometimes dipping as low as $79 or $89 if you catch them on a random Tuesday in April.
Wait, American Airlines occasionally pops in with a "direct" flight, but usually, they’re funneling you through Charlotte or Miami. And honestly? Driving from Miami (MIA) to Fort Lauderdale is a special kind of traffic hell I wouldn't wish on anyone. Stick to FLL if you can.
Timing Your Escape: The April Secret
Most people think January and February are the most expensive times for flights from MSP to FLL. They aren’t wrong—demand is massive. But here’s the kicker: April is often the "sweet spot" for prices.
Data from early 2026 shows that while January has the lowest average prices (around $156 round-trip), April is when the deep discounts for nonstop flights really hit. Why? Because the "winter-only" snowbirds have already flown south, but the spring breakers are starting to taper off.
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September is also dirt cheap. But it's hurricane season. You're gambling with your tan.
If you have to go in the dead of winter, try to fly on a Monday or Tuesday. Everyone wants to leave MSP on a Thursday night or Friday morning to maximize their "long weekend." If you can swing a mid-week departure, you’ll save enough on the flight to pay for a few rounds of drinks at the Elbo Room.
Real Talk on Flight Times
The flight is about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Going south is usually faster.
Coming back north? You’re fighting the jet stream.
That return trip can easily stretch to 4 hours and 15 minutes.
| Airline | MSP Terminal | Typical Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Terminal 1 | 3-4 Daily | Boeing 757 / Airbus A321 |
| Sun Country | Terminal 2 | 1-2 Daily | Boeing 737-800 |
| Southwest | Terminal 2 | Connecting only | Boeing 737 |
Southwest doesn't do nonstops on this route anymore. They stopped that back in 2024. If you see a "direct" Southwest flight, check the fine print. You're probably stopping in St. Louis or Nashville. It’s a great airline, but for this specific 1,500-mile hop, the connection adds hours you could be spending on the beach.
The FLL Ground Game
You landed. You’re at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International. It’s 85 degrees and you’re still wearing your heavy Sorel boots.
FLL is a weirdly laid-out airport. It’s basically four separate terminals that aren't well-connected behind security. If you fly Delta, you’re likely in Terminal 2. Sun Country usually lands at Terminal 3.
Don't just walk out and grab the first taxi you see. If you’re heading to Miami or West Palm, look for the Brightline shuttle. It’s this yellow intercity rail thing that’s actually fast and clean. The shuttle picks you up at the Ground Transportation Areas (GTA) between the terminals.
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If you're just going to Las Olas or the beach, Uber and Lyft are your best bets. The pickup spots are clearly marked on the lower level between Terminals 1 and 2, and again between Terminals 3 and 4. It’s efficient, but it gets crowded when three flights from the Midwest land at the same time.
What Most People Miss
People obsess over the ticket price but forget the "Minnesota Tax."
Parking at MSP is expensive. If you’re flying Sun Country out of Terminal 2, use the "Value" ramp. It’s cheaper than the hourly stuff and just a short walk or tram ride away.
Also, Sun Country is a low-cost carrier. That $89 fare doesn't include a carry-on bag anymore. If you have a big suitcase, pay for it when you book the ticket. If you wait until you get to the counter at Terminal 2, they’ll charge you double. Delta’s "Basic Economy" is similar—no seat selection and you’re the last to board.
Is it worth it?
Kinda.
If you’re a solo traveler with a backpack, go cheap.
If you’re a family of four, the Delta "Main Cabin" fare is usually worth the extra $40 just for the peace of mind.
Final Tactics for Your Flight
Start tracking prices about 40 to 60 days out. Use Google Flights and set an alert. Don't buy on a Friday; that's when everyone is daydreaming at work and clicking "buy," which keeps prices high.
Check both terminals at MSP. Sometimes a slightly more expensive flight out of Terminal 2 is actually "cheaper" because the parking is easier and the lines are shorter.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check Terminal 2 schedules: See if the Sun Country morning flight fits your timeline—it’s usually the earliest nonstop.
- Set a price alert: Use "MSP to FLL" as your primary search and toggle "Nonstop Only" to avoid the 8-hour nightmare connections.
- Download the MSP Reserve app: If you're flying Delta, secure your security line spot 72 hours before you leave.