(CBS Detroit)- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is entering its busiest time of year, so they’re passing along tips to holiday travelers so they can avoid delays getting to the airport.
It all starts with taking enough time to get from your front door to your gate. This can be different for every traveler, depending on how far you live from DTW, how many people you are traveling with and what accommodations you need along the way.
“Our highest wait time during this period last year was 25 minutes for standard and 8 minutes for precheck,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Michigan Reggie Stephens.
Those minutes could be the difference between making and missing your Thanksgiving flight. TSA suggests giving yourself more time at the airport instead of more time at home during the country’s busiest travel season.
“For domestic flights, we recommend arriving two hours early. For international flights, three hours early,” Stephens said.
Every second counts, especially when traveling with children. A Canadian family told us their approach, especially when it came to international borders.
“When we come from Canada, we come the night before. That way we don’t have any problems at the border and we get here in plenty of time. My husband and I delegate. He takes care of all the tickets and passports and things like that. I take care of making sure he has all that. Then I take care of all the packing and clothes, snacks and things like that,” said Canadian traveler Nicole Golder.
Traveling alone can make things less complicated, but one passenger still says that doesn’t stop her from using technology to stay ahead.
“I check in through the Delta app. When I come here, I make my own bag tags. I try to fly solo whenever possible. And I just try to get here two hours in advance to make sure I’m ready am for the flight,” said traveler Suzette Sullivan.
If you are flying out of the McNamara terminal and the security lines seem long, you can try entering through the Westin Hotel entrance at the end of the departure lounge. The hotel has a security checkpoint and you do not have to actually stay at the hotel to go through it. The little-known hotel entrance can save you a few minutes as you race to your gate.
Jack Springgate
