1st Time Flying Out of Detroit

[alc571]

Hi there.

We have just booked a trip to California and are flying out of Detroit. This is the first time we haven't flown from Pearson. We are Tiger fans, so we'll be going the night before to catch a game, and doing a Park-Stay-Fly at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

Are there any tips you can offer with respect to getting around the airport, things to be prepared for, etc.? What time should be arrive at the airport for an 8:25am flight (we're doing carryon only)? Should we eat at the airport, or hotel before leaving? We're still debating on whether to cross at Windsor or Sarnia - DH wants Windsor because it takes us pretty much to Comerica Park and thats where we are used to crossing, and I'm pulling for Sarnia because we may be crossing at rush hour and I thought it might be less conjested??

Any info you can provide would be great. Thanks!

 

[rella's fan]

I'm in Windsor and it would be a busy time to cross but not that bad, lots of people work over there and do it daily. I cross all the time and I find if I go over between noon and 3 I usually pull right up to a booth. We always stay at the Fairfield if we have an early flight - what airline? We just came back from California, we flew southwest and took the 5:30 shuttle for a 7:00 a.m. flight and had lots of time (and we checked bags). The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast so we just ate that and it was fine.

 

[alc571]

We are flying with Delta. What time would the border start getting busy for rush hour? We are leaving home around noon, and it's a 4 hour drive.

 

[rella's fan]

Probably 4ish, it usually seems busier coming back than going over but not if there's a ball game. Are you trying to check in at the hotel before the game or going straight to Comerica?

 

[Liza111577]

I used to work as a CBP officer at the Ambassador bridge. It has been about 6 years, but as far as I remember, it usually isn't busy during rush hour, as there aren't a lot of Americans working in Canada, it's usually busier crossing into Canada. If there is a Tiger's game and it's an important one, it will be busy though, but your wait will not be any longer than 30 minutes at the most.

As far as the airport is concerned, that is where I work now, you are better off eating here rather than at the hotel. The food isn't the greatest (airport food), but there are several options to choose from.

There are 3 main security checkpoints. They are usually extremely busy for the 7am bank of flights, with lines of up to 30/45 minutes long.
In those cases they usually open up the security checkpoint located at the lowest level, which is ordinarily for passengers arriving from international locations.

Hope that answers your questions.

 

[alc571]

We are going to see what time we get to the border and then decide if we will do the hotel first or go straight to the game. It's the second game of the day against KC. A rainout game is playing at 1pm too. We have to see how our son fairs on the long drive - we may have more stops than planned. We will have to get dinner before the game too.

 

[alc571]

There are 3 main security checkpoints. They are usually extremely busy for the 7am bank of flights, with lines of up to 30/45 minutes long.
In those cases they usually open up the security checkpoint located at the lowest level, which is ordinarily for passengers arriving from international locations.

Hope that answers your questions.

So if we got there for 6:45 that would be lots of time for an 8:25 flight?

 

[dangler]

I would recommend getting to the airport about 2 hours before your flight. There are lots of shops and restaurants if you have time to put in.

 

[Liza111577]

So if we got there for 6:45 that would be lots of time for an 8:25 flight?

I would recommend getting to the airport about 2 hours before your flight. There are lots of shops and restaurants if you have time to put in.

I would recommend getting there by 6am. It will take you a good 30 to 45 minutes to get through security. It is the busiest time of the day believe it or not. Lots of business travel is booked for the 7am bank of flights.
You can have a sit down breakfast at the online Cafe or National Coney Island or you can grab a quick bite at a fast food like McDonald's, BK, Starbucks, Einstein bagels, PBJ or Mrs. Fields.

As far as shops are concerned, I doubt any shops will be open before 8am except maybe the food-mart and the news stands.

 

[tgropp]

I would recommend getting there by 6am. It will take you a good 30 to 45 minutes to get through security. It is the busiest time of the day believe it or not. Lots of business travel is booked for the 7am bank of flights.
You can have a sit down breakfast at the online Cafe or National Coney Island or you can grab a quick bite at a fast food like McDonald's, BK, Starbucks, Einstein bagels, PBJ or Mrs. Fields.

As far as shops are concerned, I doubt any shops will be open before 8am except maybe the food-mart and the news stands.

Very wise advice. The sit down restaurants can have you in and out in a matter of 20 minutes also. They are that effecient.

 

[rjan67]

What day of the week/time of year are we talking about? Oddly enough it does make a difference for border travel. I can let you know about the Bluewater Bridge if you decide to come that way. Also may need to account for travel time through Detroit day/time.

 

[alc571]

What day of the week/time of year are we talking about? Oddly enough it does make a difference for border travel. I can let you know about the Bluewater Bridge if you decide to come that way. Also may need to account for travel time through Detroit day/time.

We are crossing this Friday. Any info would be great. Thanks.

 

[rjan67]

The earlier the better. Friday will be busy. It will take about 50-60 minutes once you cross here to Comerica. Traffic once you cross shouldn't be too bad as you would be going against most traffic coming out of Detroit. Even backed up the Bluewater should take about 1/2 hour to cross. If you have a smartphone you can check the backup at bwba.org. I'm sure the Ambassador Bridge has a similar app. Wave as you go bye if you come this way!

Comerica Park is awesome! You'll love it!

 

[alc571]

My DH and I have been before and love it. Our DS7 is super excited though. He LOVES the Tigers and is more excited about the game than going to DL! lol

We are going to head to the hotel first if there's time. Which bridge would be easier? To me it looks like we can skip the downtown part if we cross at Sarnia instead of Windsor? Is that right?

 

[rjan67]

Yes, you would but it isn't far once you cross at Windsor. Comerica is still downtown. You have to drive through more of Detroit from Sarnia.

 

[elaine amj]

Your hotel is close to the airport - this would mean you would be driving past Comerica Park a good 20 mins to the airport just to check in and then coming back again. You would be better off finding parking and having a nice dinner. It will likely be congested on the streets surrounding Comerica Park. one time I was being picky over which lot to park in and got caught in the congestion and it took me 20 mins to park and I ended up having no time for a sit down meal.

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[alc571]

Your hotel is close to the airport - this would mean you would be driving past Comerica Park a good 20 mins to the airport just to check in and then coming back again. You would be better off finding parking and having a nice dinner. It will likely be congested on the streets surrounding Comerica Park. one time I was being picky over which lot to park in and got caught in the congestion and it took me 20 mins to park and I ended up having no time for a sit down meal.

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We are actually planning on a "Little Caesars" stadium meal. I know, I know... But we love Little Caesars, and our son really wants to eat crazy bread at the park. Also, my DH is planning on meeting a writer who works for him in Detroit, so he'll be doing that while DS and I chill out at the hotel for a bit. We also don't want to be checking into our hotel at 10:30/11pm when we are dead tired and have to get up at 5:30am to get ready to head to the airport.

 

[elaine amj]

Sounds like a great plan!

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[rjan67]

There is lots of parking north on Woodward - north of the Fox. I park there. There are big open lots, $20 to park or so, but you can scoot out the side alleys there straight to the Lodge (#10). Head towards Motor City Casino, then follow the signs to the Lodge. Don't head out towards Woodward, it will be crazy. Bring your gps if you have it. 10 will take you to 94 and then west to your hotel. Make sure your valuables are locked out of site. There is usually a lot of police presence there around Comerica. I will sometimes exit 75 on Warren then shoot down Woodward if it is crazy backed up on the highway. The last time we went it was a Red Wings Semi Final and the Taylor Swift concert we were trying to get to. OMG!

 

[elaine amj]

There is lots of parking north on Woodward - north of the Fox. I park there. There are big open lots, $20 to park or so, but you can scoot out the side alleys there straight to the Lodge (#10). Head towards Motor City Casino, then follow the signs to the Lodge. Don't head out towards Woodward, it will be crazy. Bring your gps if you have it. 10 will take you to 94 and then west to your hotel. Make sure your valuables are locked out of site. There is usually a lot of police presence there around Comerica. I will sometimes exit 75 on Warren then shoot down Woodward if it is crazy backed up on the highway. The last time we went it was a Red Wings Semi Final and the Taylor Swift concert we were trying to get to. OMG!

Great advice.

I was there for the Taylor Swift concert....getting out of downtown was a complete and utter nightmare. Took me forever to get home. On the plus side, it was so worth it for my DD and her BFF - a night to remember forever!