โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is a massive international gateway and one of the most significant aviation hubs in the United States. Located in Romulus, Michigan, the airport serves as a primary hub for Delta Air Lines and a major connecting point for travel between the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Consistently ranked as one of the best large airports in North America for customer satisfaction, DTW is celebrated for its efficiency, modern design, and highly reliable connecting operations.
The airport infrastructure is divided into two primary facilities: the Edward H. McNamara Terminal and the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal. The McNamara Terminal is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated exclusively to Delta and its SkyTeam partners, featuring three concourses (A, B, and C). Concourse A, one of the longest terminal concourses in the world, is serviced by the internal ExpressTram, a high-speed hovering tram that transports passengers across its nearly mile-long length. A signature feature of this terminal is the 700-foot multi-colored LED light tunnel that connects Concourse A with Concourses B and C, accompanied by a soothing soundscape. The Evans Terminal serves all other domestic and international carriers, offering a modern and spacious environment for travelers. The two terminals are connected by frequent terminal-to-terminal shuttle buses.
Inside the facility, passengers have access to world-class amenities, including multiple award-winning Delta Sky Clubs and a wide array of high-end retail and dining options that reflect both local Michigan flavors and international tastes. The McNamara Terminal also uniquely features an integrated Westin hotel, allowing travelers to transition from their flight to luxury accommodations without leaving the secure zone. Practical services such as free high-speed Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, and dedicated children's play areas are available throughout both terminals. For those connecting through DTW, the airport's layout and advanced baggage systems ensure some of the shortest and most efficient transfer times among major global hubs.
๐ Connection Tips
Detroit Metropolitan is a major global hub, so terminal planning matters. The most important tip is to distinguish between the Edward H. McNamara serves Delta and SkyTeam, while the Evans Terminal handles others. A critical connection factor is that these two terminals are NOT connected airside; if you need to transfer between them, you must take the free landside 'Terminal Shuttle' bus which runs every 10 to 15 minutes.
Within the nearly mile-long McNamara Concourse A, utilize the 'ExpressTram' (overhead) for rapid transit between the north and south ends. For those connecting to ground transportation, the SMART bus (Routes 125 and 261 FAST) provides a reliable and cost-effective link to downtown Detroit and Dearborn. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have well-marked pickup zones: Level 4 of the McNamara garage and Level 1 of the Evans (Big Blue Deck) garage. A unique feature of DTW is the integrated Westin hotel in the McNamara Terminal, which even has its own dedicated TSA security checkpoint for guests.
Within the terminals, amenities are world-class, including the psychedelic LED light tunnel between McNamara Concourses A and B/C. Security queues are generally efficient, but arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international departures is wise during peak morning and afternoon waves. Lastly, for those with extra time, the airport features various museum-quality automotive displays reflecting Detroit's heritage.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Detroit Metropolitan Airport