food & flying out of DTW?

[CdnMom2]

Warning: Total noob question.
DH, 4kids & I hare flying out of Detroit Smith terminal. Can you tell me please if there are restaurant or cafe options AFTER we go through security. We want to be sure to be there 2 1/2 hours ahead, but would prefer to get through security so we can then relax for the rest of the wait before we board. I have to be sure there are food & drink available to us for that wait time.

With the new restrictions can we bring an actual sandwich/granola bar/muffin or something on the flight, just not a drink/pudding? If this is true then can we purchase something non-gel-like to eat outside the airport & pass through security with it to eat on plane?

TIA.

 

[Hannathy]

Yes to food just no liquid or liquid type(pudding,yogurt, etc) remember the condiment packs are a no-no so put your mustard or such on before security. I took a ham&cheese sandwich and piece of chocolate cake from Disney thru security and on the plane when I flew home.

 

[CdnMom2]

Wouldn't have thought of the mustard packets. Thanks for the advice.

Still need to know if we can buy food & drink past the security checkpoint or not. I can't tell from their airport map online.

 

[bavaria]

Smith Terminal map

looks like you have several choices depending on your airline if you click on the link above.

 

[FlyingBelle]

I'm headed to DTW on Thursday - if you can wait for a reply I'll check it out for you!

 

[CdnMom2]

bavaria: Thanks for the map link, but I don't know if I am headed to A, B, or C & which areas are past security. I don't see on the map where security gate is. Warned you this was a noob question.

flyingbelle: I may be gone too before you post, but I look forward to your help.

 

[bavaria]

CdnMom, try this

Go to your airline's website
Look for 'check flight status'
Enter your flight number and/or destination for today or tomorrow
The gates will indicate which area you will depart (subject to change, especially the gate, but if you see B or C you will know that it is likely to leave from there)

Looks like security is before each of the A/B/C areas on that map, and almost everything is after security. Each concourse looks like it has some food/beverage options, although they may not necessarily be your first choice.

And FWIW, when I googled it, this terminal came up under 'abandoned airports and terminals' - looks like it has a lot for an abandoned place!

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Smith Terminal is....horrible. If your flying Spirit (They use the C concourse) you have the options of a cheap deli counter location and a Budwiser Brewhouse (American style Burgers and beer) and thats it....Compared to many terminals/airports around the country, the Smith has the smallest amount of restaurants/shops....

 

[bavaria]

Compared to many terminals/airports around the country, the Smith has the smallest amount of restaurants/shops....

Actually, according to the map, there are more options at Smith than I have seen at many airports in my travels. I have often passed security at large and small airports with NO options, not even a gift shop etc. or anywhere to buy water etc.

Yes, it may not be good food, but at least it's something in a pinch.

 

[jenelope]

All three concourses and their dining choices are after security. In fact, I don't think there are any dining choices before security! Hopefully, you're departing from Concourse B or C, because once you pass Quizno's, there really are no choices on Concourse A (the Detroit-to-Go location is one of those sandwich-drink-fruit cup refrigerator cases). Depending on when you're traveling, the lines at the carry-out dining choices can be kind of long. Your best bet may be the National Coney Island between Concourses B and C. I seem to recall having an excellent omelet there, but it could have been the American Coney Island on Concourse C. The Coney Island restaurants may be the only full-service restaurants that aren't also bars.

The choices aren't as varied as at the McNamara Terminal, but they're better than many terminals I've passed through.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure that you can get to any concourse once you pass through security. The security stations look like they hustle you off to one location or another, but they all dump in one spot. At least, that's the way I remember it. My last flight was early in the morning, so I might be a bit fuzzy on the details.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

All three concourses and their dining choices are after security. In fact, I don't think there are any dining choices before security! Hopefully, you're departing from Concourse B or C, because once you pass Quizno's, there really are no choices on Concourse A (the Detroit-to-Go location is one of those sandwich-drink-fruit cup refrigerator cases). Depending on when you're traveling, the lines at the carry-out dining choices can be kind of long. Your best bet may be the National Coney Island between Concourses B and C. I seem to recall having an excellent omelet there, but it could have been the American Coney Island on Concourse C. The Coney Island restaurants may be the only full-service restaurants that aren't also bars.

The choices aren't as varied as at the McNamara Terminal, but they're better than many terminals I've passed through.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure that you can get to any concourse once you pass through security. The security stations look like they hustle you off to one location or another, but they all dump in one spot. At least, that's the way I remember it. My last flight was early in the morning, so I might be a bit fuzzy on the details.

Yep, McNamara has the best selections as far as food go (I personally like the Irish Pub in Terminal B and the Fox Sports Restaurant just passed security). The airport that has by far the nicest dining and shopping has to be the new D terminal at Dallas/Ft Worth (DFW)....Its more like a mall then an airport....

 

[CdnMom2]

Great information. TheDis comes through again. Helps lessen some of the anxiety too when I know more what to expect, including which gate we'll likely be going to.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Great information. TheDis comes through again. Helps lessen some of the anxiety too when I know more what to expect, including which gate we'll likely be going to.

Haha, if its Spirit, your garanteed C1 and C2-10