Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, often referred to simply as "Detroit Metro" by locals, can sometimes cause a moment of confusion when recalling its official airport identifier: DTW. This bustling transportation hub, officially located in Romulus, Michigan, serves as the primary Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Guide for the greater Detroit metropolitan area and consistently ranks among the top 20 busiest airports in the United States. In fact, in 2010, it held the 11th position nationally and the 16th position globally in terms of aircraft operations, highlighting its significant role in both domestic and international air travel. This Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning to travel through the airport.
General Information
Detroit Metro handles an impressive volume of over 30 million passengers annually, facilitated by approximately 450,000 flights. The airport boasts six runways, ensuring operational efficiency, and operates out of two main terminals, collectively housing 145 gates. To enhance the passenger experience, both terminals provide readily available assistance from red-vested ambassadors. Furthermore, travelers can stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi access through Boingo. For added convenience, both terminals offer attached parking structures, simplifying the process of arrival and departure.
The airport facilitates non-stop flights to approximately 160 destinations, encompassing a wide range of both domestic and international locations. Interestingly, the most frequently traveled non-stop route from Detroit Metro is to New York City, showcasing the strong connection between these two major metropolitan areas.
Major Airlines
In the current aviation landscape, Delta Airlines reigns supreme at Detroit Metro. Detroit serves as Delta’s second-largest hub, trailing only Atlanta in terms of operational scale. This significant presence translates to Delta-affiliated flights accounting for over 75% of all air traffic in and out of the airport as of 2011.
Beyond Delta’s dominance, Detroit Metro also functions as a major base of operations for Spirit Airlines, catering to a considerable number of passengers. Southwest Airlines also maintains a significant presence, handling approximately 5% of the airport’s passenger volume, roughly equivalent to Spirit’s share.
International Flights
Detroit Metro has steadily grown into a prominent international gateway since the 1980s. As of 2012, the airport offered non-stop flights to a variety of international destinations, including Amsterdam, Netherlands; Beijing, China; Cancun, Mexico; Frankfurt, Germany; Paris, France; and Tokyo, Japan. This diverse range of international connections underscores Detroit Metro’s importance as a hub for global travel.
General Location and Driving Directions
Detroit Metro is strategically located southwest of the city of Detroit. The south entrance, providing the most direct access to the McNamara Terminal, can be reached via the Eureka Road exit off I-275, situated just south of the I-94 interchange. Alternatively, the north entrance is accessible from the Merriman Road exit of I-94, positioned just east of I-275. This accessible location ensures convenient travel to and from the airport for both local and out-of-state travelers.
McNamara Terminal
The McNamara Terminal is the operational base for Delta Airlines, as well as its partners Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. This award-winning terminal is renowned for its efficiency, amenities, and overall passenger experience. The terminal is easily accessible via the Eureka Road exit off I-275, just south of the I-94 intersection. A covered pedestrian walkway seamlessly connects the McNamara Parking structure to the terminal, simplifying the arrival and departure process.
The McNamara Terminal features a four-level entrance designed to streamline passenger flow. The Departures level handles check-in and ticketing, while the Arrivals level is dedicated to baggage claim and ground transportation. A dedicated level is also designated for international arrivals and customs processing.
The gates within the McNamara Terminal are organized into three concourses. Concourse A primarily serves Delta’s domestic flights. This expansive concourse stretches for one mile and is equipped with moving walkways for enhanced convenience. Passengers can also find over 60 restaurants and shops along the concourse, catering to a variety of tastes and needs. The ExpressTram, a rapid transit system, runs along the length of the concourse, providing quick and efficient transportation between gates.
The McNamara Terminal offers a diverse selection of shops and restaurants. Existing shops (as of 2012) include Swaroski Crystal, L’Occitane, Sugar Rush, Pangborn Design Collection, Midtown Music Review, Motown Harley-Davidson, Gayle’s Chocolates, and She-Chic Fashion. Dining options range from a Martini Lounge and several Irish/Guinness pubs to coffee shops and both quick-service and sit-down restaurants. Notable restaurants include Fuddruckers, Vino Volo Wine Room, and National Coney Island Bar & Grill. A new retail program was underway, projected to add 30 new shops by 2013, including The Body Shop, EA Sports, Brighton Collectibles, Brookstone, The Paradies Shop, and Porsche Design, as well as local retailers Running Fit and Made in Detroit.
For travelers seeking ultimate convenience, the Westin hotel is directly connected to the McNamara Terminal and located within the secured area. The hotel boasts 400 rooms and has earned a four-diamond rating, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay.
North Terminal
The North Terminal, which opened in 2008, can be easily accessed via the Merriman Exit (198) off I-94. This terminal serves all other airlines operating at Detroit Metro, as well as most charter flights. Airlines operating from the North Terminal include Air Canada, AirTran, American Airlines, American Eagle, Frontier, Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, Southwest, Spirit, United, and U.S. Airways.
While smaller in scale compared to the McNamara Terminal, the North Terminal offers over 20 shops and restaurants, providing passengers with a variety of options for dining and shopping. Notable establishments include Hockeytown Cafe, Legends Bar, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Le Petit Bistro, Gayle’s Chocolates, Brookstone, Sports Illustrated, and Heritage Books. The Big Blue Deck parking structure is connected to the North Terminal via a pedestrian bridge.
Parking
Each of the terminals at Detroit Metro offers convenient access to parking structures via covered pedestrian bridges. McNamara Parking offers long-term ($20), short-term, and valet parking options, catering to a variety of parking needs. The Big Blue Deck at the North Terminal provides both long-term and short-term parking options at a rate of $10 per day. Green lots, offering a more economical option at $8 per day, are also available within the airport and can be accessed via shuttle service.
Beyond the airport’s on-site parking facilities, several private companies offer parking services just outside the airport grounds. These off-site parking options can often provide more competitive rates and additional services. Valet Connections ($6) is a newer provider that offers car wash, detailing, and maintenance services in addition to parking. Other parking alternatives, located just outside the airport off of Merriman and Middlebelt Roads, include Airlines Parking ($8), Park ‘N’ Go ($7.75), Qwik Park ($8), and U.S. Park ($8). For parking status information, travelers can call 800-642-1978.
Transportation
Beyond driving and parking, Detroit Metro offers a variety of transportation options to and from the airport, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. The SMART bus system provides connections to various locations throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.
History
Detroit Metro’s origins can be traced back to 1929, when it began as Wayne County Airport. Following World War II, the airport underwent significant expansion. In the 1950s, major airlines such as American, Delta, Northwest Orient, Pan Am, and British Overseas relocated from Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti to the newly renamed Detroit-Wayne Major Airport, marking a turning point in its development.
The airport’s rise to prominence accelerated in 1984 when Republic Airlines established a hub at the airport. When Republic merged into Northwest Airlines in 1986, the airport began to expand its international service offerings, adding non-stop flights to Tokyo in 1987, Paris in 1989, Amsterdam in 1992, and Beijing, China in 1996. By 1995, Detroit Metro had risen to become the 9th busiest airport in the nation and the 13th busiest in the world in terms of passenger traffic, surpassing even Charles DeGaulle Airport in Paris and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
The McNamara Terminal opened its doors in 2002 as the "Northwest WorldGateway," further solidifying the airport’s position as a major international hub. However, following the merger of Northwest Airlines into Delta Airlines in 2008, the McNamara Terminal became Delta’s second-largest hub, surpassed only by Atlanta in scale. This Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Guide provides useful information to better navigate the airport.
