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Frequently Asked Questions

Security

  • When will REAL ID be enforced?

    Beginning May 7, 2025, your driver's license or state ID card must be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it to fly domestically in the U.S. or enter certain federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants.

  • What is REAL ID?

    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.

  • What time does TSA Precheck open?

    The TSA Precheck lane opens at 4:30 a.m. in each terminal.

  • What time do the TSA checkpoints open?

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

  • How do I sign up for TSA Precheck?

    Please visit the TSA website to learn more about signing up for TSA Precheck.

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  • I recently got married and my boarding pass is in my married name, but my identification is in my maiden name. What do I do?

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

  • Can I use my Enhanced License to travel internationally?

    No, a passport or visa is required to travel internationally.

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  • I've lost my identification. Can I still get through the checkpoint?

    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.

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  • Do my children traveling with me need identification?

    TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact your airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

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  • What can I bring through security?

    Please visit the TSA's website for a comprehensive list of items acceptable for travel.

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  • Services

  • My family member is traveling and does not speak English. Is a translator available to assist?

    Translators are not present in the terminals; however, translation services are available by phone at any Airport Ambassador information booth.

  • How can I find locations and contact information for Michigan Lottery Machines at DTW?

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

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  • Can I come to the airport to shop or dine, if I don't have a ticket to travel?

    Yes, the DTW Destination Pass allows non-ticketed visitors to enjoy our restaurants and shops.

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  • Are there charging stations in the terminals?

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

  • Is there a charge for wheelchair service?

    No, wheelchairs are free; however, tipping the agent is recommended.

  • Are luggage carts available?

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

  • How do I sign up for Global Entry?

    Please visit the CBP website to learn about signing up for Global Entry.

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  • How do I sign up for CLEAR?

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

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  • Is there a Western Union in the airport?

    No, Western Union is not available at the airport.

  • Do you rent strollers?

    No, stroller rental is not available.

  • My phone will not work in the U.S. Will there be phones in the terminal that I can use?

    Pay phones are not available; however, to contact a local hotel or rental car company, Visitor Information Centers are available to assist you in both terminals. During normal business hours, an Airport Ambassador may be available to assist as well.

  • Is there a mailbox in the terminal?

    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.

  • Is there a business center at the airport?

    No, there is not a business center at the airport. However, the Westin Hotel, in the McNamara Terminal, can be of assistance.

  • Does DTW have a USO?

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

  • I need to exchange money. Is there a place available?

    At this time, money exchange services are not available at the airport.

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  • Lost & Found

  • I've lost something at the airport. What do I do?

    Please visit our Lost & Found page.

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  • I've found an item at the airport. What do I do?

    To report an item you've found, please call the Detroit Metro Airport Police Department at (734) 942-2222, Option 1.

  • Parking

  • Are there Electric Vehicle (EV) parking stations available at the airport?

    Yes. Electric Vehicle (EV) parking stations are located at the McNamara and Big Blue Deck parking structures at no additional cost. For more information, please visit our website.

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  • If I park in the Green Lot, how do I get into the terminal?

    Free shuttle service is available 24/7 from the Green Lot(s) to both the McNamara and Evans Terminal Ground Transportation Centers. Shuttle Services can be reached at (800) 642-1978, option 5.

  • Is valet parking available?

    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.

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  • How can I get a copy of my parking receipt?

    Please call (800) 642-1978, option 2, or visit the Parking section of our website to request a copy of the receipt.

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  • I want to reserve a parking spot. How do I do that?

    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.

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  • I have a motorcycle, where do I park?

    Free motorcycle parking is permitted just inside the McNamara Garage, Level 2 entry on the International Arrivals level.

  • I have a handicap placard. Do I get to park for free?

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

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  • I can't find my car or I don't remember where I parked. What should I do?

    Please contact the parking office at (800) 642-1978 or (734) 247-6734 for assistance.

  • My car won't start. What should I do?

    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.

  • I have a flat tire in the parking garage, what do I do?

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

  • I didn't get a ticket when I parked. What should I do?

    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.

  • What if I lost my ticket?

    The cashier will be able to assist at the exit of the parking facility. Please have your driver’s license and registration available.

  • Which parking garage is closest to the terminal I'll be using?

    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.

  • How much is it to park?

    Review rates on our Parking & Transportation page or dial (800) 642-1978, option 1.

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  • At The Airport

  • What does EM stand for on my boarding pass?

    EM stands for Edward McNamara, which is the McNamara Terminal.

  • I want to do business with the airport. What do I do?

    To learn more about doing business with the airport, please select the Learn More button or the Business tab at the top of this page.

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  • Is there a kids' play area in the terminals?

    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.

  • Are there showers in the terminals?

    The Westin Hotel offers a fitness package, which includes the use of a shower. Please contact the Westin Hotel at (734) 942-6500 for more information. Showers are also available at Minute Suites located in the McNamara Terminal near Gate A-68. Minute Suites is open 24 hours a day and offers private suites where travelers may nap, relax, work, and shower before their flight.

  • Does the airport recycle?

    Yes, recycling bins are located throughout the Evans Terminal.

  • How do I get a job at the airport?

    Please visit our employment page.

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  • What time does the airport open?

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

  • Do you have lockers?

    No, all personal items must travel with you.

  • Is there a place my dog can relieve himself inside the secured area?

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

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  • Do you have a chapel or prayer room?

    The airport does not have a chapel; however, there are Reflection Rooms located inside each terminal.

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  • Are there bottle refill stations in the secured area?

    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.

  • Can I walk my dog in the terminal if he's on a leash?

    Per Airport Ordinance 6.12 - "A person shall not bring an animal into any Airport terminal, except those which are in the process of being shipped and are in a portable cage, provided however, a Person shall not bring an animal into any Secure Area. Service Animals (e.g., leader dogs for the disabled) and law enforcement animals are exempt from this rule. Violation of Subsection 6.12 is a misdemeanor."

  • Will the Express Tram take me to the Evans Terminal? B or C Concourse?

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

  • Can I smoke in the airport?

    No, smoking is only allowed outside of the terminal, in designated smoking areas.

  • Special Assistance

  • Can I go to the gate and help my family member?

    Yes, the DTW Destination Pass is available every day from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. This program allows non-ticketed visitors to greet arriving travelers at their gates, spend extra time with loved ones who are departing, as well as enjoy the restaurants and shops.

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  • I don't want to see the flashing lights in the tunnel at the McNamara Terminal. What should I do?

    There is a Suspend button on each end of the tunnel that will suspend the light and music show for 15 minutes.

  • How do I request a golf cart when I arrive?

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

  • What services are available for anyone needing assistance in the airport?

    Prior to arriving at the airport, necessary arrangements can be made through your airline. Once at the airport, please discuss specific needs, including wheelchair assistance, with a ticket agent.

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  • Are nursing rooms available?

    Yes, there are eight nursing rooms located in the terminals. There are five in the McNamara Terminal and three in the Evans Terminal. Please visit our Nursing Rooms page for the specific locations.

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  • Shop & Dine

  • Is there a pharmacy in the terminals?

    No, there is not a pharmacy inside either terminal. The Z Market & Mills Apothecary in the McNamara Terminal carries over-the-counter medications and homeopathic remedies.

  • Can I purchase a SIM card in the airport?

    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).

  • What time do the restaurants open and close?

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

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  • What time do the shops open and close?

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

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  • How do I get a tax refund?

    The Value Added Tax is not charged in the U.S. The only tax that is charged is a sales tax, which is non-refundable.

  • Is there somewhere I can eat before going through security?

    Yes, in the Evans Terminal, Cantoro Italian Market is located pre-security. In the McNamara Terminal, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is located pre-security and the Reflections restaurant is located inside the Westin Hotel.

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  • Wi-Fi

  • How do I access Wi-Fi?

    Access Wi-Fi at the airport by connecting to SSID Detroit Airport and launching a browser.

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  • Is Wi-Fi free?

    Yes, Wi-Fi is free at the airport.

  • Ground Transportation

  • What does Rideshare mean?

    Rideshare is a generic term used to reference TNC (Transportation Network Company) operators.

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  • Can I pull up to the curb to pick someone up?

    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.

  • Is there transportation from the airport to Downtown Detroit?

    Yes. There are several options, which include Metro Cars, Metro Cab and the SMART/FAST bus service.

  • Where can I find a cab?

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

  • Where do I meet my Uber or Lyft driver?

    Uber and Lyft drivers are located in the Ground Transportation Centers. Follow signs for Rideshare.

  • Where do I find my rental car company?

    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.

  • How do I transfer between terminals?

    The Terminal to Terminal/Westin Shuttle connects passengers to McNamara and Evans Terminal, with a convenient stop at the Westin Hotel located at McNamara Terminal. Shuttles depart approximately every 10 minutes from the Ground Transportation Centers and Westin Hotel entrance.

  • Flights & Airlines

  • How much does it cost to check a bag?

    Airlines have different policies regarding fees. Please contact your airline for specific information.

  • I need to pick up my dog that is being shipped. Where do I go?

    Please contact the company that is responsible for shipping your dog. The company should be able to provide you with the information.

  • I only have a 40 minute layover. Is that enough time?

    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.

  • Do all airlines offer curbside check-in?

    No, not all airlines offer curbside check-in. Please contact your airline to see if that service is offered.

  • My family is arriving on an international flight, so how long will it take them to clear Customs?

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

  • I'm traveling from within the United States, with a layover at DTW, and then departing to another country. Do I need to claim my luggage when I arrive at DTW and recheck it?

    When checking in luggage at the originating airport, please speak with the ticket agent to confirm whether the bags will be checked through to the final destination.

  • I'm a Canadian citizen. Do I need my passport if I'm traveling from your airport to Florida?

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

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  • Where do I go to pick up my unaccompanied minor?

    Please speak with the airline's ticket agent for instructions on how to meet your child.

  • How can I book a flight?

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

  • How can I find the status of a flight?

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

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  • What time should I be at the airport for my flight?

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

  • In which terminal is my airline located?

    To locate your airline, please visit our Airline Directory page.

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  • Which Airlines have Clubs at DTW?

    Delta has SkyClubs inside the McNamara Terminal and Lufthansa has the Senator Lounge inside the Evans Terminal.