Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan’s busiest airport and one of the most important aviation hubs in the Midwest. DTW, located in Romulus, 18 miles southwest of downtown Detroit, serves millions of passengers annually with flights to 39 states and 30 international destinations. Regardless of whether you are a first time flyer or an experienced flyer, understanding the check-in process at DTW can save you time, stress and headaches on the day of your flight.
This is a complete guide to all you need to know about checking in at Detroit Metropolitan Airport – everything you need to know about leaving home to the moment you reach your gate.
Check-In at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metro Airport according to the Wayne County Airport Authority has several methods of checking in to allow passengers flexibility depending on their travel requirements.
1. Online / Mobile Check-In
The majority of airlines enable their passengers to check in online or through a mobile application up to 24 hours before departure. This is the most convenient option. After checking in, you will be sent a digital boarding pass to your phone. When you do not have any bags to check in, you can go straight to the TSA security checkpoint without stopping at the ticket counter.
The dominant carrier of DTW, Delta Air Lines, has an experience called the App Bag Drop, which takes place at the McNamara Terminal. Customers who have checked in on the Delta app can bypass the standard queue, print bag tags, and drop their bags at a special faster line – one of the biggest time-savers of busy travel times.
2. Self-Service Kiosk Check-In
In case you would like to check in at the airport, self-service kiosks are located at both terminals. All you need to do is to locate kiosks in the ticketing lobby of your terminal, follow the on-screen instructions and print your boarding pass. If you have bags to check, you’ll then proceed to the bag drop counter.
3. Check-In (Ticket Counter) Assisted by an agent
Both terminals have full-service check-in counters manned by airline agents, to serve passengers with more complex travel requirements, such as special assistance requests, oversized baggage, international travel documentation, or unaccompanied minors. Remember that all check-in counters will not admit new passengers until an aircraft is nearly boarding, so do not leave this option to the last minute.
4. Curbside Check-In
Both the McNamara and Evans terminals offer curbside check-in and baggage drop-off services to select airlines. This comes in handy, particularly when you want to drop your bags without going to the terminal. It is always important to check with your particular airline whether or not curbside service is available on your flight.
New Self-Bag Drop Technology.
DTW has led the way in the innovation of check-in. The Evans Terminal saw the introduction of the first self-bag drop units with biometric photo-matching technology in the Evans Terminal by Spirit Airlines. These six units enable the passengers to check bags in as little as 70 seconds per passenger – a 30% reduction in the processing time compared to the traditional agent check-in.
The system operates by scanning your boarding pass at the kiosk, verifying your identity through biometric facial recognition matched against your government-issued ID, placing bags on an attached conveyor belt, and having your bag automatically weighed and sorted into the checked baggage system – all without handing your ID to an agent.
Delta has also implemented a Touchless ID (previously Delta Digital ID) system at DTW that enables enrolled SkyMiles members to check bags and pass through security without carrying a physical ID. This innovative aspect is one of the larger initiatives of Delta to modernize the passenger experience in its major hubs.
What is the Earliest Time You should arrive at DTW?
Timing is critical. It is formally recommended by the Wayne County Airport Authority:
- 90 minutes to 2 hours before a domestic flight.
- 3 hours before an international flight.
Allow time to park or drop off (1015 minutes), check in and bag drop (1015 minutes), and security check. TSA security lines at the McNamara Terminal can average 25-35 minutes during peak times – usually 5-8 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. The Evans Terminal is usually characterized by shorter queues. During winter seasons, it is always advisable to add more buffer time to the weather-related delays on the roads.
Security Screening: Fast Track Your Process
After checking in, you will have to clear the TSA checkpoint. DTW is involved in several expedited security programs:
- TSA PreCheck – It is offered at all checkpoints of both terminals. Members are allowed to wear shoes, belts, and light jackets, and laptops can be kept in bags, greatly reducing the time spent in the screening area. The TSA PreCheck enrollment office is located in the McNamara Terminal’s domestic baggage claim area.
- CLEAR – CLEAR lanes are offered at both the McNamara and Evans terminals, which means that members can bypass the ID verification line altogether.
- Global Entry – Global Entry kiosks are offered at the McNamara Terminal to international travelers returning to the U.S. The Global Entry Enrollment Center at DTW is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Important: Starting May 7, 2025, all passengers aged 18 years and above will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant license or any other TSA-accepted identification (such as a passport) to clear security at DTW.
Final Thoughts
The process of checking in at Detroit Metropolitan Airport is not so difficult when you know what to expect. Having a variety of check-in options, including mobile apps and self-service kiosks, as well as full-service counters and innovative self-bag drop technology, DTW provides passengers with the means of moving through the airport efficiently. Preplan, arrive early enough, and use programs such as TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to make your departure as hassle-free as possible. Safe travels from DTW!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The majority of airlines (Delta, American, Southwest, and Spirit) open online check-in 24 hours before scheduled departure. It is highly advised that you check in as early as possible to get your desired seat, early boarding, and avoid wasting time at the airport. After checking in, you can use your mobile boarding pass at the gate and security.
Yes. Select airlines have curbside check-in and baggage drop-off services at both the McNamara and Evans terminals. This service enables you to leave your bags in the hands of an airline representative at the curb without going into the terminal. But availability is dependent on the airline, and therefore, it is advisable to check with your airline in advance. It is customary to offer a gratuity to curbside agents.
By May 7, 2025, all travelers aged 18 years and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or any other identification accepted by TSA to pass through security. In case your state-issued ID is not REAL ID-compliant, use your passport. In case of international traveling, you will need a valid passport that will not expire within six months of your return date.
Wait times in security at DTW depend on the time of day and the terminal. At the peak hours (5-8 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.), the average wait time at the McNamara Terminal is usually between 25 and 35 minutes. The Evans Terminal tends to have shorter queues. You can shorten your wait by enrolling in either TSA PreCheck (apply at tsa.gov/precheck or visit the enrollment center in the baggage claim area of the McNamara Terminal of DTW) or CLEAR, which has lanes in both terminals. The MyTSA app is also useful to make sure you can leave home beforehand.
Yes. DTW is well-prepared to provide services to passengers with disabilities or special travel requirements. The airport has easy access points and facilities in both terminals and wheelchair services can be accessed on request through your airline. Also, there is a special helpline, called as TSA Cares, which is dedicated to offering additional assistance during the security screening of passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs. To get information ahead of your flight, you can visit the TSA Cares webpage or call the TSA contact center.