Airport advice...Atlanta or Detroit

[Katy Belle]

Hello all!

My DS15 will be flying alone this summer from Omaha to Myrtle Beach. Our only option with only one layover is Delta. We have a choice of a layover in Atlanta (ATL)or Detroit (DTW). Does anyone have experience with these airports? Which would be easier for a 15 year old to navigate on his own? We have not been to either airport.

He has a lot of experience flying, but not alone. Last year he flew alone to Canada, but I signed him up for the "Unaccompanied Minor" program. He REALLY, REALLY doesn't want me to do that this year I know he will be fine on his own, but since I have to choose an airport, I'd like to choose the easier option.

TIA! Katy

 

[peimikes]

Detroit is a large but easy to get around we were there last in 2006 it was very moderin . And there are plenty of quick food options if the layover is long enough to require a meal. We picked it this year instead of Boston for our transfer to Orlando. It was mucheasy to get around.

 

[bradisgoofy]

The new Delta terminal at DTW is gorgeous. There are lots of food places both big or quick, and not all junk food either. There are stores to stroll though, too. I haven't been to Atlanta in many years but it is the busiest airport in the country.

 

[toywaltz]

At 15 he can most certainly navigate through either of these airports without any problem, particularly since he's not new to flying. I started flying on my own at 13 without ever stepping foot on a commercial plane before and connected through Atlanta (Eastern Airlines WOOT!!). Yes times were a bit different then (not THAT long ago) but not a big deal. I let my 7yo daughter navigate us to our gates and she had no problem getting us through Atlanta from terminal A to E. I would have killed my parents if they would have had me escorted at 14!!

 

[Tara]

Definitely DTW! It isn't that ATL is all that difficult, but DTW is very well organized and easy to navigate. I travel a lot and it's one of my favorite airports. (it's kind of sad to have 'favorite airports' )

 

[LWQuestie]

Another vote for Detroit. I love this airport. Good food options, nice shopping, well signed, clean, musical tunnel between the terminals and cool tram in the air.

 

[thumper75]

Having spent many hours at both airports, I'd say DTW. It's one of the nicest airports I've been at.

 

[jodifla]

Detroit. Nice, new big and easy to navigate.

 

[Sandi]

Another vote for Detroit, especially since he'll be on Delta. Very easy to navigate. We always seem to be running to make connections at Atlanta; not so in Detroit.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would vote for Detroit, just because it is smaller. But Atlanta is very easy to get thru, as long as you have at least an hour to do so.

 

[Katy Belle]

OP here!
DETROIT wins by a landslide!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much! He has flown on many school trips, etc without parents, just not totally alone. I do make him navigate to gates, etc. I know he can do it. AND he's 6'3 with a full beard, doesn't look like a kid, so I know no one will mess with him Now just to get him a phone to use while we are in the USA, then I will feel 100% comfortable.

Thanks so much!
Katy