Flying Delta through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has become second nature to me. I’ve passed through this airport more times than I can count, sometimes for domestic hops, other times for long-haul international journeys. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate DTW not just for its efficiency, but for how well it supports Delta travelers specifically. If you’re flying Delta through Detroit, you’re flying through one of the airline’s most reliable hubs.
Delta runs a large operation out of DTW. It’s the airline’s second-largest hub after Atlanta, and it handles a significant volume of connecting traffic across the Midwest and Canada, in addition to serving as a transatlantic and transpacific departure point. Whether you’re connecting or starting your journey here, knowing how Delta’s operation is structured at DTW will save you time, stress, and missed opportunities.
Let me take you through everything you need to know, based on actual experience, detailed research, and real-world insights from hundreds of flights in and out of DTW.
Which Terminal Does Delta Use at DTW?
If you’re flying Delta at DTW, the only terminal you need to know about is the Edward H. McNamara Terminal. This terminal handles all of Delta’s operations, check-in, departures, arrivals, and baggage claim, for both domestic and international flights.
Delta doesn’t split operations across terminals here like it does at JFK or LAX. That makes things simpler for you, especially if you’re connecting. Every Delta flight lands and departs from McNamara, and that centralization is one of the reasons I consider DTW one of the most efficient Delta hubs in the U.S.
The check-in area is on the Departures Level, and it’s well organized. The signage is clear, and Sky Priority lanes are usually moving faster than average. Baggage claim is directly below on the Arrivals Level. It’s rare to see overcrowding, even during peak hours.
What’s the Layout of McNamara Terminal?
This is one of the most traveler-friendly terminals I’ve worked through. McNamara is clean, intuitive, and well-signed. The entire Delta operation is housed here, split across three concourses: A, B, and C.
Concourse A is the centerpiece. It’s one of the longest airport concourses in North America, stretching nearly a mile end-to-end. Most Delta mainline and international flights operate out of Concourse A. There’s also an ExpressTram, essential if you’re connecting between distant gates on a tight schedule. It runs frequently, stopping at three key points: the midpoint and both ends of the concourse.
Concourses B and C, which branch off from A via an underground tunnel, are home to Delta Connection and regional jet operations. These concourses are smaller and easier to navigate, but the tunnel walk can take 5–10 minutes if you’re walking it.
What stands out most is how easy it is to make short connections. I’ve made 35-minute connections across concourses here without breaking a sweat. Everything is connected airside, so there’s no need to exit and re-clear security.
How Early Should You Arrive for a Delta Flight at DTW?
DTW is usually smoother than airports like O’Hare, Newark, or JFK, but that doesn’t mean you should cut it close.
For domestic Delta flights, I recommend arriving at least 2 hours early. During early morning and late afternoon peaks, TSA lines can grow quickly.
For international flights, I arrive a full 3 hours before departure. Even though DTW’s international check-in counters are well-staffed, document checks and baggage drop for destinations like Amsterdam, Seoul, or Paris can take longer. Also, Delta’s long-haul international flights tend to board earlier than domestic ones, often 50 minutes before departure.
If you’re checking bags or traveling with family, give yourself buffer time. Delays are rare, but they do happen, and DTW’s efficiency doesn’t override security queues or crowded holiday schedules.
What Security Options Are Available?
DTW’s McNamara Terminal has a centralized security checkpoint for all three concourses. The process is streamlined, and the TSA staff here are among the more professional and efficient I’ve encountered.
If you have TSA PreCheck, you’ll bypass the standard queue and keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, which speeds things up significantly. I always use PreCheck, and on average, I’m through security in under 10 minutes.
CLEAR is also available at DTW and integrates with PreCheck if you have both. It’s the fastest option if you’re a frequent flyer. For Delta SkyMiles members, CLEAR often offers discounted enrollment or annual membership credits if you hold a co-branded Amex card.
There’s also a Sky Priority lane for Delta One passengers and Medallion elites. It generally moves quickly even during peak periods.
What’s the Experience Like at Delta Sky Clubs in DTW?
DTW has two Delta Sky Clubs, both in Concourse A. I’ve used both extensively, and they offer a solid experience for business travelers and frequent flyers.
The larger lounge near Gate A18 is the main one I use, especially if I have a longer layover or an international flight. It has expansive seating areas, workstations with power outlets, a full bar, and hot meals served during lunch and dinner windows. There are also shower suites, which are invaluable on long-haul connections.
The smaller lounge near Gate A38 is more compact but quieter. It’s perfect if your gate is nearby and you just want a quick snack or drink.
Both lounges are open from early morning until late evening. You can access them if you’re flying Delta One, have SkyTeam Elite Plus status on international itineraries, hold an Amex Platinum or Reserve card, or purchase a day pass.
How Does Delta Handle International Arrivals at DTW?
In my experience, DTW has one of the most seamless international arrival setups in the country. All international arrivals are processed through McNamara Terminal’s International Arrivals Hall, which is directly connected to baggage claim and customs.
If you’re enrolled in Global Entry, you’ll breeze through immigration in under five minutes. Otherwise, wait times are usually under 30 minutes, even during peak international arrival windows.
Once you exit customs, you can connect directly to a domestic Delta flight. If your bags are checked through, they’ll be re-tagged automatically, and you can re-clear TSA without exiting the terminal.
For international connections, Delta usually builds a minimum connection time of 90 minutes into itineraries, which I find more than adequate at DTW.
How Smooth Are Domestic Delta Connections?
This is where DTW really shines. Domestic connections through Delta at McNamara Terminal are incredibly efficient. Since everything is housed in a single terminal and connected airside, there are no terminal transfers or shuttle buses.
If you’re landing in Concourse C and connecting in A, it’s a 10- to 15-minute walk at most. Between gates in Concourse A, the ExpressTram cuts your travel time in half if you’re in a hurry or just tired after a red-eye.
I’ve made tight 35-minute connections with no problems here, even when arriving late on a regional flight. The gate agents and rebooking kiosks are quick to help if something changes.
What Dining and Shopping Options Are Available?
McNamara Terminal isn’t just efficient, it’s enjoyable. The food and shopping options are surprisingly good, especially for an airport.
If I’m hungry before a flight, I often stop at:
- Cat Cora’s Taproom (Gate A36): Elevated American fare, decent wine list.
- P.F. Chang’s (Gate A46): Surprisingly fast and consistent.
- Anita’s Kitchen (Gate A22): Lebanese dishes with vegetarian options.
- Illy Coffee Bar (Gate A18): Espresso that actually tastes like espresso.
Retail-wise, there’s a mix of convenience shops, tech outlets, and name brands. Brookstone, Lush, and Detroit Streetwear Co. are worth browsing if you have time. The terminal also has one of the better airport bookstores I’ve seen, Briarwood Books.
What’s the Baggage Claim and Lost Item Process Like?
Delta’s baggage claim is located on the lower level of McNamara Terminal. Bags usually start arriving 10–15 minutes after landing, which is above average compared to most airports. On international flights, you’ll collect your bags after clearing customs.
If your bag is delayed or missing, Delta’s Baggage Service Office is located near Carousel 4. You can also start a lost bag claim directly through the Fly Delta App, which saves time and avoids waiting in line.
In most cases, bags are located and delivered within 24 hours. Based on U.S. DOT data, Delta’s mishandled baggage rate at DTW is well below the national average.
What About Parking and Ground Transportation?
If you’re driving, the McNamara Parking Garage is the best option. It’s connected directly to the terminal via skybridge, and although it’s not cheap ($26 per day), the convenience is worth it for short trips or business travel.
Valet parking is also available and well-managed. I’ve used it several times for same-day turnarounds.
If you’re arriving via rideshare, Uber and Lyft drop-off is on the Departures level, near Door 4. Pickup is clearly marked and located near the commercial vehicle lanes. It’s not chaotic like LAX or LaGuardia, you won’t be circling or dodging taxis.
Rental cars are located in a separate facility, reachable by shuttle. Budget around 15–20 minutes to pick up or drop off a rental car during normal hours.
Final Tips for Flying Delta at DTW
If I had to sum up the experience in one sentence: DTW is one of Delta’s most user-friendly hubs. Whether you’re flying cross-country or catching a long-haul to Europe or Asia, the layout, service, and flow of this airport make it a standout.
A few final tips:
- Use the Delta app for real-time gate info and upgrades.
- Take the ExpressTram if you’re landing far from your connection.
- Arrive early for international flights, especially during summer travel season.
- Don’t skip the Sky Club, especially at A18 if you’re on a layover.
- Stick to McNamara Garage if you’re parking for less than 3 days, it’s worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal does Delta use at DTW?
Delta operates exclusively from the McNamara Terminal.
Are Delta domestic and international flights in the same terminal?
Yes, both are in McNamara Terminal, no transfers required.
Does DTW have Global Entry?
Yes, and it’s fast. Kiosks are located inside the International Arrivals Hall.
Can I access all Delta gates without exiting security?
Yes. All Delta gates in Concourses A, B, and C are connected airside.
Where is Delta’s baggage claim at DTW?
Lower level of McNamara Terminal, clearly marked by flight number.