detroit airport airlines

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States, serving over 21 million passengers each year. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a budget traveler, or simply planning a weekend getaway, understanding the airlines that operate at DTW can help you make smarter travel decisions. In this guide we’ll compare the airlines, share practical tips, and provide a clear comparison table to keep everything at a glance.

1. Major Airlines Flying Out of Detroit

Delta Air Lines

• Hub Status: Delta’s main hub at DTW
• Destinations: ~130 domestic cities + 40 international cities
• Loyalty Program: SkyMiles
• Why Choose Delta? Consistent on-time performance, generous baggage allowance, and a well‑connected flight network.

American Airlines

• Hub Status: Secondary hub (Americas by the Numbers)
• Destinations: ~90 domestic + 30 international
• Loyalty Program: AAdvantage
• Key Advantage: Competitive fares on East Coast and Midwest routes; excellent mileage for frequent flyers.

United Airlines

• Hub Status: Secondary hub
• Destinations: >100 domestic + 35 international
• Loyalty Program: MileagePlus
• Best For: Travelers looking for a broad international network and United’s “daily connector” flights to Austin, Dallas, and Denver.

Spirit Airlines

• Low‑Cost Carrier: Busy at DTW due to heavy Midwest demand
• Destinations: 20+ domestic and 5+ Caribbean
• Pricing: Pay‑as‑you‑want; extra fees for carry‑on and checked baggage
• Tip: Use Spirit only if you’re making a short trip and willing to pack light.

Frontier Airlines

• Low‑Cost: Operates from nearby DFW instead of DTW, but some flights connect through Detroit
• Reliability: Known for on‑time performance
• Best For: Travelers planning connecting flights via Detroit who want a cheaper base afterchecking-in at DFW.

Southwest Airlines (limited operation at DTW)

• Status: Seasonal service & hub at nearby BDA (Purdue Airport) for certain routes
• Low‑Fare: One‑stop flights to West Coast cities
• Attention: Check for seasonal routes like flights to Cancun and some West Coast destinations.

Allegiant Air

• Focus: “Hotel & vacation” niche, often used for corporate travel
• Limited Flights: 4–5 daily flights to select major vacation spots
• Note: Ideal for extended stays and travelers planning a Multi‑leg holiday package.

2. International Airlines at Detroit

Travel Tip: Many of these international operators are codeshare partners with Delta, allowing you to earn flight miles or points on ecommerce flights.

3. Tips for Choosing the Right Airline at Detroit

3.1. Compare Flight Times & Reliability

Source: FlightStats, 2023–2024 data.

How to use: If you’re after punctuality, book early flights with Delta or United. For a sleeper budget, Spirit’s morning slots can save money but beware of additional fees.

3.2. Use Loyalty Points & Hotel Partnerships

• Delta SkyMiles partners with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and many hotels worldwide. Earn miles on both travel and accommodation.
• American AAdvantage partners go beyond hotels! Check points for experiences, dining, and even theme-park tickets.
• United MileagePlus works with Hyatt Hotels. Book your flight and hotel together to co‑opt rewards.

Pro Tip: Set up a “Travel Rewards” card in your bank’s benefits suite (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred) to auto‑collect alliance points for each booking.

3.3. Check Baggage Fees & Seat Options

Take into account the type of journey. For extended flights, extra comfort matters.

3.4. Booking When?

Rule of Thumb: For non‑urgent trips, book 3–4 weeks in advance. For business or holiday, lock your seats as early as possible.

3.5. Airport & Terminal Navigation

• DTW Airport: Two passenger terminals (North and South) and a central transfer area. Most major airlines use Terminal 1/2; low‑cost carriers often use Terminal B.
• Noise Advisory: The airport is the fastest growing in the Midwest, yet ground traffic is manageable. The Detroit International Airport Hotel and the Marty Friedman’s Area are prime spots for early flights.

4. Practical Decision‑Making: Comparison Table

Tip: If you’re a frequent flyer, always check “partner redemption” possibilities. Delta, for instance, allows you to redeem kilometers with British Airways on some flights, which adds extra value to a short haul.

5. Final Checklist for Detroit Travel

• Pre‑Flight: Verify terminal and gate. Use the official DTW mobile app for real‑time updates.
• Security: Wear a lightweight shoes‑free mask if you’re traveling early (the airport automates two‑step TSA pre‑check).
• Food & Lounge: In Terminal 1/2, you’ll find The Flying Nomad and Miller’s Kitchen. Loyalty members can access the Delta Sky Club or American Club.
• Arrival Options: Uber and Lyft (the most convenient due to limited public transit). Consider the Detroit Transit Authority for certain downtown routes.
• Travel Insurance: Pick cross‑carrier coverage that includes “trip cancellation” and “medical evacuation.” This protects you in case of plane changes or weather delays.

Sources

1. Delta Air Lines Official Site – https://www.delta.com
2. American Airlines FAQs – https://www.aa.com
3. United Airlines Flight Data – https://www.united.com
4. FlightStats On‑Time Performance Report – https://www.flightstats.com
5. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) Official Website – https://www.detroitairport.com
6. Travel + Leisure – Airline Loyalty Programs – https://www.travelandleisure.com
7. U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics – https://www.bts.gov