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L.C. Smith Terminal • Mezzanine
Detroit, MI 48242
ph 734 942 3550
fax 734 942 3793
www.metroairport.com
Media contacts:
Michael Conway 734-942-3558
Brian Lassaline 734-247-7274
‘Tis the Season: Detroit Metropolitan Airport Offers
Tips for Holiday Travelers
Detroit (November 20, 2014)—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: http://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:
http://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:
http://www.metroairport.com/TravelerInfo/Arriving/MapsDirections/Area
Map.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 preplan 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:
http://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
DETROIT METROPOLITAN WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT
L.C. Smith Terminal • Mezzanine • Detroit, Michigan 48242
ph 734 942 3550
fax 734 942 3793
www.metroairport.com
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:
http://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:
http://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 selfservice 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
DETROIT METROPOLITAN WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT
L.C. Smith Terminal • Mezzanine • Detroit, Michigan 48242
ph 734 942 3550
fax 734 942 3793
www.metroairport.com
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.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed more than 32 million passengers
in 2013 and is one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs. With service from 13
scheduled passenger airlines, Michigan’s largest airport offers more than 1,100 flights per day to
and from nearly 150 non-stop destinations on four continents. In 2010, DTW ranked highest in
overall customer satisfaction among large airports in the J.D. Power and Associates North
America Airport Satisfaction Study. 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. DTW is
operated by 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.
DETROIT METROPOLITAN WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT
L.C. Smith Terminal • Mezzanine • Detroit, Michigan 48242
ph 734 942 3550
fax 734 942 3793
www.metroairport.com