Skip to main content
Chase logo, links to Chase home
Sign in
Credit Card Marketplace

Guide to TSA wait times at Detroit Metro Airport

Time to read min

    Quick insights

    • The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the largest and busiest airport in Michigan.
    • Peak travel times at the airport include early mornings and holidays.
    • TSA wait times are displayed on the official DTW website.

    DTW is the largest and busiest airport in Michigan. While named for the city of Detroit, the airport is located in Romulus, a city about 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit.

    The airport is a transportation hub with more than 31 million passengers annually and hundreds of flights per day to and from three continents. With that amount of traffic, you may be wondering what kind of wait times you may experience when going through airport screening.  

    Read on to learn about factors that lead to longer wait times and some ways you may be able to expedite your time spent in security screening lanes at DTW.

    TSA wait times at DTW

    DTW has two main terminals—the McNamara Terminal and the Evans Terminal. Each terminal is equipped with multiple security checkpoints:

    • McNamara Terminal: There are two security checkpoints in the ticketing lobby on Level 3 and one in the bridge from the parking garage on Level 2.
    • Evans Terminal: There are two security checkpoints in the lobby ticketing area on Level 2 of the terminal.

    Although not in one of the DTW terminals, there is one additional security checkpoint in the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel, which is adjacent at the airport.

    Security wait times at DTW can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week and time of year. Travelers may experience longer TSA wait times if traveling during peak times. Typically, early mornings are busier due to business travel. Holidays are also peak travel times.

    How early to arrive at DTW

    For passengers traveling domestically from DTW, the airport’s website recommends passengers arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes to 2 hours prior to their departure time. The recommended is 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.

    Checking wait times at DTW

    There are several ways to check real-time and historical wait times at DTW. Some include:

    • DTW Website: The DTW website provides real-time updates on security wait times for the McNamara and Evans Terminals on its homepage.
    • MyTSA app: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a mobile app, called MyTSA, which provides estimated wait times based on historical data at airports across the U.S., including DTW.
    • Third-party sites: Some third-party websites may use historical data and real-time traveler updates to provide information about wait times at various airports.  

    Keep in mind, these tools provide estimates and actual wait times can change while you’re at the airport. Arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight can help you avoid potential issues that can arise from fluctuating security wait times.

    Ways to help expedite wait times at DTW

    DTW participates in a few programs that can help to expedite security and screening processes. They include:

    TSA PreCheck®

    TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run by the TSA. TSA PreCheck status can help streamline your airport experience by allowing you to access designated security screening lanes. You must enroll in the program, pay a fee and be approved before you can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.

    CLEAR Plus

    CLEAR is a private security company that offers a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to help expedite the identity verification part of the security screening process. Once verified, travelers can proceed to luggage screening lanes.

    CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, but they are separate programs.

    What to do at DTW airport

    The Detroit Metro Airport offers a variety of amenities and activities that can make waiting for a flight more enjoyable or productive. Here are some options for travelers at DTW:

    • Dining: DTW boasts a wide range of dining choices across both terminals. Travelers can partake in everything from grab-and-go snacks to full-service dining.
    • Shopping: The airport features a variety of shops where travelers can purchase items like books, electronics, luxury goods and local souvenirs.
    • Workstations: For business travelers, the airport has many workstations and charging areas where passengers can catch up on work. There also is free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
    • Quiet rooms: For meditation or prayer, travelers can visit a Reflection Room, providing a serene space away from the hustle and bustle of airport activity. There is one located in each terminal.
    • Pet a dog: The DTW Dogs Pet Therapy program—which is run by volunteers—brings certified therapy dogs to the airport to help calm nervous flyers. Dog pets are subject to availability.

    In summary

    Traveling through DTW during peak travel times may mean that you experience longer wait times when getting though TSA security screening. Several factors play into how long TSA wait times can be—including the time of day and year—but having CLEAR Plus and/or TSA PreCheck may help provide an expedited experience.

    If you want to check wait times prior to your arrival at the airport, you can download the MyTSA app to review wait time estimates based on historical data or check the airport’s website for real-time information.

    Find a credit card

    Topics:

    What to read next