Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Rochester International Airport (RST) gives travelers in southeastern Minnesota a convenient alternative to driving to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The airport is especially useful for Rochester residents, business travelers, Mayo Clinic visitors, and passengers who prefer a smaller terminal with nearby parking and shorter walking distances.
Airline routes can change, so it is important to separate the carriers operating at RST now from service that has only been announced. The information below is current as of July 26, 2026.
Quick Answer
As of July 26, 2026, Rochester International Airport is served by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. American flies nonstop to Chicago O’Hare, while Delta flies nonstop to Minneapolis-St. Paul. United Airlines is scheduled to begin three daily Chicago O’Hare flights on October 25, 2026, but is not operating at RST yet.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines currently connects RST with Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
- Delta Air Lines currently connects RST with Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
- United Airlines is scheduled to begin RST-to-Chicago service on October 25, 2026, subject to further schedule changes.
- RST currently has no scheduled nonstop international passenger flights.
- The best airline depends on the complete itinerary, including connection time, fare rules, baggage costs, and arrival time.
Note: RST is the airport code for Rochester, Minnesota. ROC is the airport code for Rochester, New York. Check the airport code carefully when searching for flights.
Current Airlines and Nonstop Routes From Rochester, MN
The official Rochester International Airport airline page currently lists two operating passenger airlines. United is included separately below because its announced service has not started yet.
| Airline | Status | Nonstop Hub | What It Provides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Operating now | Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) | Connections across Delta’s domestic and international network |
| American Airlines | Operating now | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | Connections throughout the United States and to international destinations |
| United Airlines | Scheduled for October 25, 2026 | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | Planned access to United’s Chicago connecting network |
Chicago and Minneapolis are RST’s current nonstop destinations. Passengers can reach many other cities by connecting through one of these hubs. A trip to Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Europe, Asia, or another international destination currently requires at least one connection.
Delta Air Lines: RST to Minneapolis-St. Paul
Delta Air Lines operates nonstop service between Rochester and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. MSP is Delta’s primary hub for the Upper Midwest and provides connections to cities throughout the United States as well as selected international destinations.
This route can work well when a traveler’s final destination has a convenient Delta connection from MSP. However, the total trip time depends heavily on the length of the MSP layover. A very short connection may create stress during delays, while a long connection may remove much of the time saved by departing from Rochester.
Flights from smaller airports are often operated as Delta Connection services on regional aircraft. Cabin storage can be more limited than on larger aircraft, and some roller bags may need to be checked at the gate. Review Delta’s current baggage rules and fees before travel.
Members of the SkyMiles program may earn miles or receive benefits based on their fare, status, credit card, and operating carrier. Travelers should compare the cash price and schedule before choosing a flight solely for loyalty benefits.
American Airlines: RST to Chicago O’Hare
American Airlines operates nonstop service between Rochester and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. O’Hare is a major American Airlines hub with connections to destinations across the United States and abroad.
American may be the most practical current option when its ORD connection produces the shortest complete itinerary. Do not compare only the first flight from Rochester. Check the total travel time, connection terminal, layover length, final arrival time, and the risk created by the last connecting flight of the day.
American generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item, but checked-bag fees and fare restrictions depend on the ticket and itinerary. Current charges can be found on American’s bag and optional-fee page.
American’s AAdvantage program may provide mileage, status, seat, and baggage benefits to eligible travelers. These benefits should be considered alongside the ticket’s full price and schedule.
United Airlines: Service Scheduled for October 25, 2026
United Airlines is not currently operating passenger service at RST as of July 26, 2026. Its return was originally planned for April 30, 2026, and was later delayed. The latest announced start date is October 25, 2026.
According to the official RST announcement, United plans to operate three daily, year-round flights between Rochester and Chicago O’Hare using a CRJ-550 regional jet. The aircraft is expected to include First Class, extra-legroom seating, Wi-Fi, and additional onboard storage.
The planned service would give Rochester passengers another airline choice for reaching ORD. It may also open one-stop itineraries that are not available through American or Delta on the same schedule.
Warning: Do not make nonrefundable plans based only on the announced United launch date. The service has already been delayed, and airline schedules can change again. Confirm that flights are bookable on United’s website before relying on the route.
Comparing Airline Options: Price, Schedule, and Comfort
No airline is automatically the best choice for every traveler. At RST, the better option is usually the itinerary that offers the best combination of total cost, reasonable connection time, suitable fare rules, and an acceptable arrival time.
| Factor | What to Compare |
|---|---|
| Total price | Airfare, checked bags, seats, parking, ground transportation, and change restrictions |
| Total travel time | Both flight segments, layover time, terminal changes, and arrival time |
| Connection quality | Enough time to change gates without creating an unnecessarily long wait |
| Fare flexibility | Cancellation rules, travel-credit terms, seat selection, and same-day options |
| Aircraft and seating | Seat pitch, premium-cabin availability, overhead-bin space, and onboard features |
| Backup flights | Later flights that could help if the first segment or connection is canceled |
Onboard snacks, entertainment, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and premium seating can vary by aircraft and operating carrier. Check the specific flight details during booking rather than assuming that every flight from an airline has the same features.
Pro Tip: Compare the same trip in two ways: once from RST and once from MSP. Include fuel, parking, driving time, weather risk, and the return drive from Minneapolis. A higher RST airfare can still produce a better overall trip.
Tips for Choosing the Best Airline From Rochester, MN
Start With Your Destination and Available Routes
Search the complete itinerary instead of choosing an airline first. American connects through ORD, while Delta connects through MSP. United is expected to add another ORD option beginning October 25, 2026.
One hub may provide a nonstop onward flight while another requires an extra stop. The route with the lowest first fare is not always the route with the best total schedule.
Compare Flexible Dates and Total Fare
Check nearby departure dates and different times of day. Airfares can change based on demand, connection availability, fare class, and how early the ticket is purchased.
Compare the final checkout total after adding seats and checked luggage. A restrictive basic fare may cost less but provide fewer options when plans change.
Choose a Sensible Connection
A very short connection can be risky during winter weather or an inbound delay. A very long layover can make driving to MSP more attractive. Consider the airport layout, time of day, and whether another flight is available if the connection is missed.
When possible, avoid an itinerary that depends on the final flight of the evening if arriving on the same day is important.
Review Bags, Seats, and Operating Carrier
Check which airline actually operates each flight. Regional affiliates may use smaller aircraft with less overhead-bin space. Confirm carry-on dimensions, checked-bag charges, seat-selection costs, and medical-equipment rules before paying.
Consider Loyalty Programs and Travel Benefits
SkyMiles, AAdvantage, and MileagePlus can provide value to frequent travelers, but loyalty should not outweigh an unreasonable fare or poor schedule. Credit-card benefits, elite status, and employer travel policies may also affect the real cost.
Compare RST With MSP Carefully
RST’s official parking page currently lists a $12 daily maximum, a $72 weekly rate, and free parking for the first hour. Rates can change, so confirm them on the RST parking and transportation page.
When comparing MSP, include the drive from Rochester, fuel or mileage, airport parking, extra travel time, possible hotel costs, and the drive home after the return flight.
Making the Most of Your Travel Experience at RST
RST’s airlines advise passengers to arrive about 90 minutes before scheduled departure. Airline check-in cutoffs vary and may be as much as 60 minutes before departure, so arriving late can result in a missed flight even when the security line is short.
Check in through the airline’s app before leaving home and review the flight status again on the way to the airport. Keep the airline app’s notifications enabled in case the gate, departure time, or connection changes.
RST offers free Wi-Fi, food and beverage service, a mini-library, and quiet rooms. The airport also has a TSA PreCheck lane. Travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances can review RST’s security-assistance information and contact TSA Cares before travel.
Skycap curbside assistance is available for passengers who need help with wheelchairs or luggage. Airline assistance should be requested in advance when possible, particularly for mobility support, portable oxygen concentrators, service animals, or other medical needs.
Warning: Keep medication, identification, appointment documents, essential medical devices, valuables, and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag. Do not place essential medicine in checked luggage.
Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, shuttles, private transportation, Uber, and Lyft. Rochester International Airport is about 10 miles from downtown Rochester, and many trips to Mayo Clinic or nearby hotels take roughly 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic and the destination.
Families and groups should select seats early when sitting together is important. Passengers needing assistance should contact the airline before departure rather than waiting until boarding begins.
Making Informed Decisions for Your Travel Needs
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the two carriers currently operating scheduled passenger service from Rochester International Airport. American serves Chicago O’Hare, and Delta serves Minneapolis-St. Paul. United Airlines is scheduled to add Chicago O’Hare service on October 25, 2026, but that route should be treated as planned until flights begin operating.
The right airline depends on more than the logo or advertised fare. Compare the complete route, connection time, final arrival, baggage charges, fare restrictions, backup flights, parking, and travel time to another airport. Checking those details produces a more reliable decision than choosing an airline based on general claims about comfort or service.
More Travel Planning Resources
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Sources
- Rochester International Airport: Airlines, Arrivals, and Departures — current operating airlines, nonstop hubs, and arrival guidance.
- Rochester International Airport: United Airlines Service Announcement — planned launch date, frequency, route, and aircraft.
- Rochester International Airport: Parking and Transportation — parking rates, rental cars, pickup, rideshare, taxis, and shuttles.
- Rochester International Airport: TSA and Security — checkpoint, TSA PreCheck, TSA Cares, and passenger support.
- American Airlines: Bag and Optional Fees — current carry-on, checked-bag, and optional-service policies.
- Delta Air Lines: Baggage Policy and Fees — current baggage allowances, restrictions, and fee guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines currently fly out of Rochester, Minnesota?
As of July 26, 2026, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate scheduled passenger flights from Rochester International Airport. United Airlines is scheduled to begin service on October 25, 2026.
Where can you fly nonstop from RST?
Current nonstop destinations are Chicago O’Hare on American Airlines and Minneapolis-St. Paul on Delta Air Lines. United plans to add another nonstop option to Chicago O’Hare.
When will United Airlines begin flying from RST?
United Airlines is scheduled to begin three daily flights between RST and Chicago O’Hare on October 25, 2026. Because the service has previously been delayed, travelers should verify availability directly with United before making plans.
Does RST have nonstop international flights?
RST does not currently have regularly scheduled nonstop international passenger flights. International travelers normally connect through Chicago O’Hare, Minneapolis-St. Paul, or another domestic hub.
How early should I arrive at Rochester International Airport?
RST’s airlines advise arriving about 90 minutes before departure. Check-in cutoffs vary by airline and may be as much as 60 minutes before departure, especially when checking luggage.
Is RST the same airport as Rochester, New York?
No. RST is Rochester International Airport in Rochester, Minnesota. ROC is Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport in Rochester, New York.