Travel Tips & Security Information  ::  Overview

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 at www.metroairport.com/airlines

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 hours before scheduled departure times, to allow ample time for parking, check-in and passenger screening.

ELECTRONICS IN CHECKED BAGGAGE: When possible, remove all batteries from any electronic devices packed in checked luggage. Electronic devices packed in checked luggage may activate unexpectedly and may arouse unnecessary suspicion.

PARKING TIPS: Travelers can call the airport's 24-hour parking hotline (800-642-1978) to determine parking status. The hotline provides up-to-the minute parking information at the airport.

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.

• Locking Checked Luggage – In some cases, TSA screeners will have to open luggage as part of the screening process. If the luggage is locked with a device other than those that are TSA "accepted and recognized", the lock may have to be broken.
  
  TSA "accepted and recognized" locks can be opened by TSA personnel using tools provided to the TSA by the luggage industry members, Travel Sentry and Safe Skies. For more information on purchasing these special locks click .
  
  
• 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: Curb fronts are 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.

CELL PHONE LOTS: Another option is to use one of DTW’s two handy cell phone lots on the north and south ends of the airport. The lots are free, but you must stay with your vehicle. When you get the call from your party that they are standing at the curb with their luggage, you can drive to pick them up with no dwell time at the curb. Locations are at:
http://www.metroairport.com/maps/CellPhoneWaitLotMaps.asp

TRAVELING WITH PETS: Click here for seven steps to success when traveling with your pet.

PASSENGER SCREENING CHECKPOINTS: Passengers may on occasion experience 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.

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: Passengers are limited to one carry-on item along with one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop. By minimizing carry-on luggage, travelers can reduce their time spent at passenger screening checkpoints. Check with your airline for specific security and baggage requirements.

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 passenger screening 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. Liquids are limited to 3 oz. containers or less. For more visit www.tsa.gov

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

Traveling With Batteries: For more details regarding Traveling With Batteries click here