Security Information & Travel Tips

Since September 11, 2001 many changes have been made to operational and security procedures at all U.S. airports. While these changes have made air travel safer than ever before, passengers should be prepared for longer lines and potential delays at airline ticket counters and security screening checkpoints. The following travel tips should help travelers.

Prepare for Takeoff: Current security related travel tips and information, lists of permitted and prohibited items, and answers to frequently asked security questions - direct from the Transportation Security Administration.

Average TSA Security Wait Times

Travel Tips

• CONFIRM FLIGHT SCHEDULES FIRST: Passengers should check with their airline reservation centers on the web or through their airline toll free phone lines to confirm flight schedules. Airline “800” numbers and website links are available on the airport’s website at www.metroairport.com.
  
  
• ARRIVE EARLY: New security procedures may cause delays at the airline ticket counters and passenger screening checkpoints. Check with your airline for specific recommendations on how early to arrive at the airport. You may want to plan on arriving at DTW at least two to three hours before scheduled departure times, to allow ample time for parking, check-in and passenger screening.
  
  
• PARKING TIPS: Travelers can call the airport's 24-hour parking hotline (800-642-1978) to determine parking status. The hotline is staffed around-the-clock and provides up-to-the minute parking information at the airport. Upon entering the airport, motorists can check DTW's variable message sign. The electronic sign displays current parking conditions.
  
  
• CURBSIDE CHECK-IN: Curbside check-in is operating for most airline carriers. Terminal curb fronts are open, but reserved for active loading and unloading of passengers only. Unattended vehicles at the curb fronts are prohibited, and may be ticketed and towed.
  
  
• LUGGAGE: Luggage ID tags should be filled out, both on the inside and outside of bags, before arrival to the airport. Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag. Remember to pack valuables such as jewelry, cameras, medication, passports, and money in carry-on luggage. All carry-on luggage is subject to search at the passenger screening checkpoints.
  
  
  • Wrapped gifts may be opened by security, causing further delays and disappointments for yourself and other passengers. Plan on wrapping gifts after you arrive at your destination.
    
    
  • Do not leave luggage unattended. For easy identification, tie a bright ribbon around the handle of the luggage. Remove hooks, straps and removable wheels before checking luggage to avoid damage to your bags.
    
    
• MEETERS & GREETERS: Since only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond passenger screening checkpoints, meeters and greeters are encouraged to identify a meeting place beforehand with their party. Suggested meeting places are the airline baggage claim areas, ticket lobbies or parking areas.
  
  
• PICKING UP PASSENGERS: Federal rules now require that curb fronts be used for active loading and unloading only. Unattended vehicles parked at the curb front are automatically considered suspicious. Airport police may have no choice but to tow vehicles that are left unattended at the curb front. If you are picking up someone at the curb front, the best thing to do is to use short-term parking until your party is ready to exit the building with their luggage; then bring your vehicle around to pick them up at the curb.
  
  

Security Information

• PASSENGER SCREENING CHECKPOINTS: Passengers may on occasion experience long lines at the security checkpoints due to enhanced screening procedures. These lines vary according to the time of day. Check with your airline for specific recommendations on how early to arrive for your flight. To view DTW's average security wait times, visit www.tsa.gov and reference the table above.
  
  
• ONLY TICKETED PASSENGERS: will be allowed through the passenger screening checkpoints. Passengers 18 years of age and older should be prepared to present a valid photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) along with their ticket at the checkpoints and ticket counters. Special arrangements for passenger assistance can be made through the airlines.
  
  
• CARRY-ON ITEMS: The Transportation Security Adminitration has limited passengers to one carry-on item. By minimizing carry-on luggage, travelers can reduce their time spent at passenger screening checkpoints.
  
  
• OPEN BEVERAGES: Passengers are allowed to carry paper or foam polystyrene cups through walk-through metal detectors. However, plastic, metal, glass or ceramic containers must be sealed because they must pass through the X-ray machine to be screened for security. To prevent spillage of liquids and foods, these containers must be unopened or re-sealable.
  
  
• PROHIBITED ITEMS: Any items that can be construed as weapons (such as scissors, knives, small pocketknives, razor blades, needles, etc.) are prohibited beyond passenger screening checkpoints. Individuals who attempt to carry such items through security may be prosecuted for a misdemeanor offense, punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
  
  
• MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Travelers with supplies for medical conditions should be prepared to justify the need for such items with a prescription and/or letter from their physician.
  
  
• MORE INFORMATION: For more details regarding prohibited items and safety tips, visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov or www.tsatraveltips.us