--New runway infrastructure, interactive digital directories, concessions and air service will enhance travelers’ Metro Airport holiday experience
DETROIT (Nov. 14, 2016) – As the busy holiday travel season approaches, Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) has made some changes to extend the holiday spirit all season long. Together with Delta Air Lines, the airport team recently worked to develop a Motown Music Tunnel soundtrack—playing now—just in time for Thanksgiving travelers to enjoy. Hits by The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and many other artists are included in the program intended to bring a sense of place to passengers at the airport. The music is choreographed to a creative presentation and light sequencing in the tunnel separating A Concourse and B/C Concourse at the McNamara Terminal. Production was coordinated by Luminative Design, LLC.
The airport has also recently installed four new interactive directories in the McNamara Terminal that support eight different languages. The directories allow travelers to communicate with the 49-inch displays via touch screen technology to find specific information, such as shops or restaurants near their departure gate. The concourse-level displays also feature boarding pass scanners which will plot travelers’ paths to their gates.
“This holiday season will be busy as we are on pace to serve the most passengers at Detroit Metro Airport this year since 2008,” said Airport Authority Interim CEO Joseph Nardone. “That’s good news for our economy. We recently reopened new runway infrastructure, which increases our arrival and departure capacity, and added new shops and restaurants. Plus, the terminal music and interactive directories will help ease our travelers’ journeys and can be enjoyed by both the seasoned business traveler, as well as those who may be visiting our airport for the first time.”
Additional routes have also arrived since the last holiday season. In the McNamara Terminal, Delta started non-stop service to Munich, Germany and Aeromexico plans to begin non-stop service to Monterrey, Mexico in January. In the North Terminal, Frontier, Spirit and Alaska Airlines all added new routes in 2016. Also in the North Terminal, a new Freedom Center military lounge opened to provide a relaxing area for military members and veterans, along with a new Service Animal Relief Area located near Gate D-17.
New concessions added since last Thanksgiving include a second Be Relax Spa in the McNamara Terminal and—in the center of the terminal’s B/C Concourse—a new Chili’s and Papa Joe’s Market. The airport also recently improved its free terminal Wi-Fi service, increasing the speed and bandwidth, and streamlining the connection process. Travelers connected to the Detroit Airport Wi-Fi hotspot simply need to launch their browser to access blazing internet connectivity speeds of up to 12 Mbps.
In addition to these service upgrades, the airport team wants to share the following travel tips for those heading to the airport over the holidays.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport Tips
for Holiday Travelers
Ø Active loading & unloading at the terminal curb fronts will be strictly enforced.
o NEVER leave your vehicle on the arrivals or departures curb unattended. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed.
o The curb fronts at both terminals are reserved for active loading and unloading ONLY and can become extremely congested during peak times. Airport Police will be doing their best to move motorists along to prevent traffic backups. Take advantage of the airport’s Short Term Parking at both terminals – $4 for 30 minutes or less, and $6 for up to an hour.
o Pre-arrange a meeting location with the traveler you are picking up. In addition to short term parking lots, two complimentary cell phone lots are available at the North and South ends of the airport. Please visit the following link for a map:
metroairport.com/Maps/AreaCampusOverview.aspx.
Ø Know your airline and/or terminal before arriving at the airport. Detroit Metro Airport has two terminals: the McNamara Terminal and the North Terminal. Delta Air Lines, Air France and Virgin Atlantic operate from the McNamara Terminal along with their SkyTeam alliance and code share partners. All other airlines, including charters, operate from the North Terminal. For airline contact information visit: metroairport.com/Airlines.aspx.
Ø Arrive early! Everything is easier when you’re not rushing. During the holidays, the airport welcomes a higher percentage of infrequent travelers who may need extra time. It is important to arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing to your flight. As a general rule of thumb, the airport recommends arriving 90 minutes before a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight. Allowing extra time will enable you to park, check luggage, proceed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and travel to your departure gate.
Ø Don’t wrap gifts before traveling. Packages that are wrapped may need to be opened by TSA, causing disappointment and delays at the screening checkpoints.
Ø Check your bags for prohibited items BEFORE arriving at the airport. Attempting to proceed through TSA screening with prohibited items in your bag will delay the screening process for you and other passengers. To find out what exactly is considered a prohibited item visit: tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips, and remember prohibited items are more than just weapons. All liquids and gels over 3.4 ounces are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
Ø Arrange for special needs in advance. The Airport Authority and its partners are committed to providing a welcoming and convenient travel experience for all passengers. Travelers who may require special assistance should advise their airline or TSA ahead of time. More information for travelers who may have special needs can be found at metroairport.com/Accessibility.aspx or by calling TSA Cares: 855-787-2227.
Ø Expedited screening programs are available. The Airport Authority encourages travelers concerned about the possibility of longer TSA screening lines to sign up for a trusted traveler program offered by TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or the company, CLEAR. See the links below for more information:
o cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
Finally, on behalf of the Airport Authority family, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed more than 33 million passengers in 2015 and is one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs. With service from 13 scheduled passenger airlines, Michigan’s largest airport offers more than 1,100 flights per day to and from more than 140 non-stop destinations on four continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. DTW is operated by Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.
2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement
Giving back to the community is central to what Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its operator, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department, is about, and last year was no different.
Throughout 2022, while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our efforts to have a positive impact on the Charlotte community. Of particular note, we spent the year sharing stories of how Connections Don't Just Happen at the Terminal - from creating homeownership and employment opportunities to supporting economic growth through small-business development and offering outreach programs to help residents understand the Airport better.
This whitepaper highlights the construction projects, initiatives, programs and events that validate Charlotte Douglas as a premier airport.
Download the whitepaper: 2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement.