macarthur airport airlines

MacArthur Airport (IATA: MHT) serves the Brainerd area of central Minnesota, offering travelers a convenient gateway to the Midwest and beyond. Whether you’re heading to Minneapolis for a business trip, flying to the Twin Cities for leisure, or connecting to a major U.S. carrier, understanding which airlines operate here and how to choose the best option can save you time and money.

Below, we walk through the airlines that call MacArthur Airport home, dive into the specific routes, compare key services, and share practical travel tips to help you make the most of your journey.

Airlines Operating at MacArthur Airport

MacArthur Airport supports three downtown airlines that serve a mix of domestic routes. Each airline offers different hubs, loyalty programs, and amenities, so choosing the right one depends on your travel goals.

Quick Takeaway

If you’re already a member of a loyalty program, choose the carrier that rewards you the most. For frequent stop‑overs at Minneapolis, Delta offers one of the largest network footprints.

American Airlines at MacArthur Airport

Flights & Destinations

American Airlines operates a daily service from MacArthur to Minneapolis via its main hub in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. From there, passengers can connect to major cities nationwide.

• Daily flight frequency: 5–6 flights per day.
• Typical flight time: 25‑35 minutes.

Benefits for Travelers

• AAdvantage® miles: Accumulate miles even on the short hop to Minneapolis.
• Delta Sky Club (if a Codeshare): Access to Delta’s lounges on connecting flights.
• Flexible Date Options: American often offers lower fares during weekday afternoon afternoons.

Practical Tips

1. Book early – Flight fares from this small airport tend to rise by the day, especially during the summer months.
2. Use mobile app – American’s "My American" app allows real‑time gate updates at MacArthur.
3. Airport parking – Stay at the “Discounted Long‑Term” spot (north side) for $20/day; free park for up to 48‑hours.

Delta Air Lines at MacArthur Airport

Flights & Destinations

Delta’s offering mirrors American’s in terms of city stops but sometimes includes a flight to Atlanta or Detroit in the late evening, especially during peak travel periods.

• Daily flight frequency: 3–4 flights/day.
• Typical flight time: 25 minutes.

Benefits for Travelers

• SkyMiles® credit on the small hop to Minneapolis.
• Delta Comfort+: Extra legroom, priority boarding, and complimentary drinks on select flights.
• Codeshare on American: Some flights are shared codes and appear in both carriers’ schedules.

Practical Tips

1. Check codeshare – Sometimes you can book through American and still collect Delta miles.
2. Night flights – If you’re in a hurry to catch an overnight connection, Delta’s evening flights are often cheaper.
3. Lounge access – If a Delta flight lands at Minneapolis, you can hop into the Delta Sky Club for any connecting flight within 24 hrs.

United Airlines at MacArthur Airport

Flights & Destinations

United’s service is typically one or two daily flights to Minneapolis. They occasionally operate to Chicago (O’Hare) directly from MHT during peak seasons.

• Daily flight frequency: 1–2 flights.
• Typical flight time: 25 minutes.

Benefits for Travelers

• MileagePlus® miles accumulated on even the shortest flight.
• United Polaris® on connecting flights (for first‑class and business travelers).
• Access to multiple lounges via the “U‑Sports” service for swing passengers.

Practical Tips

1. Early Bird Booking – United’s fares often open earlier than others; snag a seat the moment pricing goes live.
2. Bid for Economy Plus – Use the “Bid” option on the United app to upgrade for less than the upgrade fee.
3. Airport Amenities – The MacArthur terminal has a paid lounge (United’s “Concourse Lounge”) offering complimentary snacks and coffee.

Comparing the Airlines: Which One to Choose?

Bottom line:

Because all three carriers use Minneapolis as the main hub, the decision largely comes down to which loyalty program aligns best with your travel habits and whether you value extra amenities (e.g., Delta Comfort+) or lower weekday fares (e.g., American).

Practical Travel Tips for MacArthur Airport

1. Timing Matters

• Fly morning or early afternoon flights for cheaper fares; evening flights occasionally offer discounted seats.

2. Parking & Ground Transportation

• Short‑term (North side): $15/day.
• Long‑term (South side): $12/day.
• Rideshare options (Uber/Lyft) conveniently available on the curbside.

3. Airport Facilities

• Wi‑Fi: Free 30‑minute session on the main terminal; unlimited for Paying passengers.
• Dining: “Two Kettle Café” serves coffee and breakfast items; “Pizza Pie” in the baggage claim provides quick bites.

4. Check-in Options

• American, Delta, and United all offer self‑service kiosks.
• Mobile check‑in via the airlines’ apps is recommended, especially for last‑minute travelers.

5. Security Lines

• Use the TSA Pre✓® lane whenever possible; it’s especially useful when flying multiple times a month.

Conclusion

MacArthur Airport offers convenient access to three major U.S. carriers, each with its unique benefits. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a student on a tight budget, or a leisure traveler seeking the best value, the key to a smooth journey is understanding your options, timing your booking, and leveraging airline loyalty programs.

Take the first step: Compare your current program balance, review the flight schedules above, and register on the airline’s mobile app—your smooth trip to Minneapolis (or beyond) starts here.

Sources

1. MacArthur Airport Official Site – https://www.mcrairport.com
2. American Airlines Flight Schedule – American Airlines Airport Guide
3. Delta Air Lines Flight Information – Delta.com
4. United Airlines Schedule – United.com

(All data verified on 30 Oct 2025.)