Detroit Metropolitan Airport continues to see growth this holiday season
DETROIT (Nov. 18, 2022) – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is prepared to welcome nearly 4 million travelers this holiday season, an increase of more than 15 percent compared to last year. During the Thanksgiving travel period (Nov. 18 – 27), more than 800,000 passengers are expected. More than 1.3 million travelers are estimated to pass through DTW during the Christmas and New Year’s travel period (Dec. 18 – Jan. 2).
“Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport will be bustling with travelers this holiday season,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton. “This will be our busiest holiday travel period since 2019 and we’re ready. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations each day. The holidays are not any different. Everyone—from our airlines and federal security partners to our janitorial team, concessionaires, and Airport Authority staff—will do our best to make the travel experience as enjoyable as possible.”
This year, DTW completed the final phase of the multi-year, nearly $21 million Evans Terminal Dining Redevelopment Project with the opening of Outback Steakhouse. Customers are encouraged to enjoy the mix of local and national brand restaurants, as well as shop at the terminal’s unique retail locations while they wait for their flights. Visitors to the McNamara Terminal can enjoy the concessions there as well, while taking in the holiday music playing in the tunnel connecting Concourse A to Concourses B and C. Local musicians will also perform holiday favorites live in Concourse A on select days in December. The DTW Dogs Pet Therapy program launched earlier this year. Certified therapy dogs will be walking both terminals lifting spirits and the Airport Ambassadors will be assisting customers who need help navigating the airport.
While the DTW team will be prepared, travelers can also prepare for their trip to the airport by keeping a few tips in mind.
- Apply for the DTW Destination Pass to spend more time with your loved ones.
Non-ticketed visitors can enter the post-security side of the Evans and McNamara terminals by participating in the DTW Destination Pass program. Anyone wishing to greet family and friends at their gate or wait with them until their flight departs can apply for a pass the day before the planned visit to DTW at DTW Destination Pass.
- Arrive early! Everything is easier when you’re not rushing. During the holidays, the airport welcomes a higher percentage of infrequent travelers who may need extra time. It is important to arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing to your flight. The airport recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Allowing extra time will enable you to park, check baggage, proceed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and reach your departure gate.
- Active loading & unloading at the terminal curb fronts will be strictly enforced.
- Never leave your vehicle on the arrivals or departures curb unattended. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed.
- The curb fronts at both terminals are reserved for active loading and unloading only and can become extremely congested during peak times. Airport Police will be doing their best to move motorists along to prevent traffic backups. Take advantage of the airport’s short term parking at both terminals – $4 for 30 minutes or less, and $6 for up to an hour.
- Pre-arrange a meeting location with the traveler you are picking up. In addition to short term parking lots, two complimentary cell phone lots are available at the north and south ends of the airport. Please visit the following link for a map: Campus Map.
- Don’t wrap gifts before traveling. Packages that are wrapped may need to be opened by TSA, causing disappointment and delays at the screening checkpoints.
- 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 is considered a prohibited item, visit tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips, and remember prohibited items are more than just weapons. All liquids and gels over 3.4 ounces are prohibited in carry-on baggage.
- Arrange for assistance in advance. The Airport Authority and its partners are committed to providing a welcoming and convenient travel experience for all passengers. Travelers who may require additional assistance should advise their airline or TSA ahead of time. More information can be found at Accessibility & Additional Assistance or by calling TSA Cares: 855-787-2227.
- Expedited screening programs are available. The Airport Authority encourages travelers concerned about the possibility of longer TSA or Customs screening lines to sign up for a trusted traveler program offered by TSA or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The company, CLEAR, also has a program that saves travelers time. See the links below for more information:
Finally, on behalf of the Airport Authority family, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) serviced more than 23 million passengers in 2021, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, DTW welcomed more than 36 million passengers. As one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs, DTW offers service from 14 scheduled passenger airlines. Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 800 flights per day to and from more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport earned Airports Council International’s 2020 Airport Service Quality Award for Best Airport by Size and Region (25 to 40 million passengers per year in North America). DTW also received the highest score among mega airports in the J.D. Power 2019 North America Airport Satisfaction Study of customers’ satisfaction with the airport they traveled through and scored the highest in the security check and terminal facilities factors. Visit jdpower.com/awards for details. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.