Frequently Asked Questions

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

There is at least one TSA checkpoint open 24 hours per day, seven days per week in each terminal.

Bring a copy of your marriage license with you to the checkpoint and contact your airline for further information.

Please allow extra time to advance through the TSA checkpoint. The TSA officer may ask for information to complete an identity verification process, which may include, but isn’t limited to, your name and address.

Michigan Lottery Machines are available in both the McNamara & Evans Terminals.

Certain airlines, like Delta and Southwest, provide charging stations in their gate areas. Outlets can also be found throughout the terminal.

Yes, Smarte Carte luggage carts are available for $6 each.

Please visit the CLEAR website to learn about signing up for a CLEAR membership.

No, stroller rental is not available.

At the McNamara Terminal, there is a mail slot located under the tram in the Central Link. The Evans Terminal does not have a mailbox.

Although there is not a USO at the airport, there is a Freedom Center located in both terminals.

Valet parking is offered at the McNamara Garage. Enter the garage on the departures level and stay to the right. Take the ramp down one level and enter the valet area on the left.

Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis. Parking status is available on our website or via phone at (800) 642-1978, option 3.

Free parking is offered to State of Michigan residents with a handicap placard and free parking sticker.

Battery jump starts are a courtesy service provided to all on-site airport parking customers. Please contact the parking office at (800) 642-1978, option 0 for assistance.

If a credit card was used to enter, it is necessary to use the same credit card to exit the parking facility. For assistance, request to speak to a manager.

The Big Blue Deck is closest to the Evans Terminal and the McNamara Garage is closest to the McNamara Terminal. Each parking garage is connected to a terminal via a temperature-controlled skywalk bridge.

Yes, at the Evans Terminal, there is a Playport located near gate D17. At the McNamara Terminal, there are play areas located in the A, B and C concourses.

Yes, recycling bins are located throughout the Evans Terminal.

The airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) located in each terminal, pre- and post-security.

In the Evans Terminal, water bottle refill stations can be found near gates D8, D10, D17, D23, and D26, in the Baggage Claim, inside U.S. Customs, and in the Ground Transportation Center. In the McNamara Terminal, water bottle refill stations can be found near gates A34 and A50, as well as at the entrance of the Central Link after clearing the TSA checkpoints.

No, the Express Tram only travels from end to end of Concourse A, within the McNamara Terminal.

Motorized vehicles are not available in either terminal. If assistance is needed, wheelchair services are available.

SIM Cards can be purchased at both terminals. In the Evans Terminal at InMotion; In the McNamara Terminal, at Sound Balance and DTW Essentials/Zingerman’s (Before Security).

Hours of operation differ between retail locations. Please visit our Maps page for current information. Please note, hours may vary.

Yes, travelers may be picked up at the curb, if being met by someone in a private vehicle. Commercial Vehicle and Rideshare operators must pick-up in designated Ground Transportation Center Areas.

Cabs are located on Level 4 of the Ground Transportation Centers. Follow signs for Metro Cab & Metro Cars.

Rental car companies are located off-airport. Courtesy shuttle services are available at the Ground Transportation Centers. Follow signs for Rental Car Shuttles. It is recommended to contact your rental car company to confirm the reservation.

If traveling on a domestic flight and not changing airlines, then 40 minutes should be enough time for a layover. If traveling internationally or changing airlines, then it is suggested to allow more time to connect. Other factors should also be considered as well, such as the weather and the possibility of your arriving flight being delayed.

The Customs process typically takes one hour or longer, depending on the number of arriving international flights, number of passengers and other factors.

No, if a Canadian citizen is already in the United States, a passport is not required to travel domestically.

Please call your airline, or visit your airline's website or a travel booking site.

When traveling on a domestic flight, please allow 90 minutes to 2 hours before the flight. When traveling internationally, 3 hours is recommended.