Just in time for the spring break rush, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport's new Quick Ride Ramp opened Tuesday. Its 1,400 spaces were definitely needed; the ramp at the main terminal was full before noon.

Located off Post Road and Hwy. 5 near a Super America station, the two-story ramp formerly used by Delta Air Lines employees was converted to public parking to ease the crunch at the main terminal, said Arlie Johnson, the Metropolitan Airports Commission's assistant director of operations.

Parking at the lot is $14 a day for those who pay by credit card, which is $8 less than parking at the main terminal. Shuttles run 24 hours a day between the ramp and the main terminal. The ride takes about 5 minutes.

Shuttles do not serve Terminal 2/Humphrey, where parking is usually available at the same $14 a day rate. Travelers who park at Terminal 2/Humphrey can reach Terminal 1/Lindbergh via light-rail at no cost.

March is the busiest month for parking at the airport, Johnson said. The ramp connected to Terminal 1 usually at capacity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with all 14,000 spaces taken.

"We can't accommodate them here, so that is the reason this other ramp is now in service," Johnson said. "This is to spread out the demand and give customers another parking option and price option."

Information on parking availability at Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and the new Quick Ride Ramp is available by calling 1-877-359-7275, texting 444555 or on the airport's Sure Park site, www.mspairport.com/parking.aspx.

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768