In preparation for travelers and motorists coming to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) this upcoming holiday travel season, the airport is offering some helpful hints, and what’s new since last holiday season.
“Detroit Metro Airport is exciting and colorful during the holidays” said Airport Authority CEO Thomas Naughton.  “It is great to see the formal business handshakes replaced by joyful family hugs.  Being prepared, especially for infrequent travelers, is the first step to a pleasant and stress free holiday travel season.”
Travel Tips:

• Know your airline, and/or terminal before arriving at the airport.  Detroit Metro Airport has two terminals; the McNamara Terminal and the North Terminal.  Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM operate from the McNamara Terminal.  All other airlines, including charters, operate from the North Terminal.  For airline contact information visit:   https://www.metroairport.com/Airlines.aspx

• Arrive early!  Everything is easier when you aren’t rushing.  During the holidays, the airport welcomes a higher percentage of inexperienced travelers who may need extra time.  It is important to arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing to your flight.  We recommend arriving 90 minutes before a domestic flight, and 2 hours before an international flight.  Allowing extra time will enable you to park, check your luggage, proceed through TSA screening, and travel to your departure gate.

• Check your bags for prohibited items BEFORE arriving at the airport.  Attempting to proceed through TSA screening with prohibited items in your bag will delay the screening process for you and other passengers.  To find out what exactly is considered a prohibited item visit:  www.tsa.gov, and remember it doesn’t have to be a weapon to be considered a prohibited item.  All liquids and gels over 3.4 ounces are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

• Arriving into DTW, or picking someone up? 

o   NEVER leave your vehicle on the arrivals or departure curb unattended.  Unattended vehicles may be ticketed and towed.
o   The arrivals curb can become extremely crowded, so it may be worth the money to park and greet your party inside.  Short Term Parking at both terminals is $4 for thirty minutes or less, and $6 for up to an hour.
o   Whether you are flying or picking up a passenger, be sure to check the flight status before departing for the airport.  Flight schedules can change, and checking before you leave will save some time.  Flight status can be checked directly on each airline’s website.   Please see: https://www.metroairport.com/Airlines.aspx for airline contact information.
o   Pre-plan a pick up location with the person you are picking up, and use the cell phone lots.  There are Cell Phone Lots on the north and south sides of the airport.  Please visit the following link for a map:  https://www.metroairport.com/TravelerInfo/Arriving/MapsDirections/AreaMap.aspx
o   If the person you are picking up doesn’t have luggage, it might be easier prearranging to pick them up on the departure level, or international arrivals level.  The domestic arrivals level can get very crowded, so pre-plan to avoid the crowd.

• When checking bags, attach a colorful ribbon on your bags.  Doing this will help distinguish your luggage from similar looking bags.  Having your bag stand out will expedite its retrieval and get you on your way more quickly.

• Arrange for special needs in advance.  The Airport Authority and its partners are committed to providing a welcoming and convenient travel experience for all travelers.  Travelers who may require special assistance should advise their airline ahead of time directly on the airline’s website.  More information for travelers who may have special needs can be found at:  https://www.metroairport.com/Accessibility.aspx

• Keep medications with you in your carry-on luggage.  ALWAYS carry needed medication with you in your carry-on luggage.  It is important to keep medication with you in the event you get separated from your checked luggage for an unexpected period of time.

• Don’t wrap gifts. Packages that are wrapped may have to be opened by TSA.

New at the Airport since Last Holiday Season

• Two new airlines.  JetBlue Airlines started non-stop service to Boston in March, and Alaska Airlines started non-stop service to Seattle in September. Both airlines are located in the North Terminal and are brand new to the Detroit market.
  

• Retail transformation in the McNamara Terminal.  Thirty-six new retail shops are now open in the McNamara Terminal – a complete transformation of the retail offerings in the terminal.  Exciting new shops like Dylan’s Candy, Sound Balance, Desigual, and EA Sports now are open.  New at the North Terminal are a CNBC Smartshop and Detroit Marketplace.  For a complete list of the shops and restaurants visit:  https://www.metroairport.com/TravelerInfo/EatShopServices.aspx

• Estee Lauder Beauty Boutique now open.  The first-of-its-kind beauty boutique showcases exclusive, prestige brands from Estee Lauder Companies.  Detroit Metro Airport is the first airport anywhere in the world to offer this unique retail outlet to travelers.
  

• Bigger and better holiday decorations, including holiday music in the McNamara Terminal Tunnel.  Detroit Metro Airport is becoming well known for the cheerful holiday decorations in both terminals.  Travelers connecting from Concourse A to Concourse B/C in the McNamara Terminal can hear Manheim Steamroller hits, the Charlie Brown Christmas song, and many others starting the week of Thanksgiving.

• TSA Pre-Check sign-up.  TSA Pre-Check sign up office located near Gate A-38 by the water feature allows passengers to sign up for TSA Pre-Check quickly and easily in the secure gate area of the terminal.  For more information on TSA Pre-Check visit: https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

• For International Passengers, Automated Passport Control Kiosks located at the McNamara Terminal.  Estimated to reduce wait times by 25 to 40 percent for travelers using the kiosks.   Automated Passport Control is an easy-to-use self-service kiosk that allows passengers to submit their declaration and biographic information electronically, and reduce the time they spend with a Customs and Border Protection Officer.
  

• Fresh new food and beverage concessions are beginning to arrive.  The new food and beverage program at the McNamara Terminal is beginning to arrive with Illy Expressamente coffee and The Fountain Bar being the first to open earlier this month.  Additional concepts expected to open soon are a new Longhorn Steakhouse, Gordon Biersch, and after the new year, P.F. Changs, as well as others.

 

• New Service Animal Relief Area in the McNamara Terminal.  A new facility uniquely designed for service animals, and pets to use the bathroom without having to exit the secure area.  The Service Animal Relief Area is located near Gate A-34.

 
Finally, on behalf of the Airport Authority family, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.