NWA, Detroit airport Please tell all!

[Debbie]

Good morning! I am thinking of booking my air this time with NWA from Detroit. I haven't a clue about the airline OR the airport, so I'm asking you to bear all! The good, the bad, the ugly.

Airline: luggage allowance? on time? known for changes? seat size? customer service? snacks? entertainment? etc.

Airport: parking? costs? food? ease of finding the thing? security lines? etc

If I do an early morning flight, I'd have to do a park'n'fly. Suggestions?

What about Robert Q/Aboutown from London? Does anyone have experience with either of those?

Thanks, I know that I can find out a lot of information online-and I will!- I'd just like some real experience and personal opinions to start me off. BTW I've flown: WestJet, Southwest, Air Tran and Jet Blue.

 

[NancyK]

Well - I still think you should fly out of Buffalo and let your sister drive you to the airport. So much easier for you.

 

[Daddio]

Hey Debbie,

I can't answer all of your questions but will touch on some.

NW flies out of the Mcnamara Terminal which is the newest and nicest terminal. It is easy to navigate and has monorail type transportation if you are going from one end to the other. We usually fly Spirit or Air Tran out of Smith terminal so I can't comment on the NW service other than to say it absolutely sucked at the MCO check in on the way home. (I'll just say that about 40 people were so upset that they started commenting out loud and the guy behind the counter shouted out "TOO BAD".
Getting through security has never been a problem at any of the DTW terminals.

The last time we did fly out of Mcnamara, we took RobertQ from London. The trip was long (just over 3 hours) with stops along the way including somewhere on the 401, Chatham and the Best Western in Windsor. Going through customs at the bridge was rather easy. They drop you off at the terminal and just up the escalators is the NW check in so it's pretty easy. Aboutown has just started service too but we've never used them as we now drive and stay over the night before our flight.

If you do the ParknFly, there are lots of hotels in the area ranging from 1 star to 4 stars and prices from around $69.00 to $169.00 including the parking. We settle for Baymont Inn which is old but quiet and has comfortable beds, $79.00. Free transportation to and from the airport and you leave your car right on property as opposed to having to take it to one of the parking lots.

Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to shoot me any questions. We fly DTW to MCO about 6 times a year.

David

 

[SplashMountainMama]

We have flown to MCO from Detroit on both NWA and Spirit and both times had little trouble. The NWA terminal is much nicer and very easy to get where you're going. Spirit is out of the older terminal and you can see the wear and tear especially in luggage area, but not a big deal. We parked in one of the lots nearby and I think it cost about $40 for the week in a secure lot. No problems there at all. I would not bother purchasing the snack box from NWA in case you were thinking about it. Unless they've changed it it's not very good, especially for kids. We are booked on NWA for next Jan. and we have already received notice that our departure time going to Orlando has changed (from 6:40 to 7:00 - not a huge deal). Last year, flying Spirit, our flight times were changed for both legs of the flight. We haven't had too many problems with delays so I can't comment on that. Crossing the border at the Ambassador Bridge is usually not a big deal, but depending on what time of day you're going it can get busy so you need to leave some time for delays there just in case. Once you cross the bridge it's a pretty easy drive, again depending on time of day for traffic, but it's only about 20 miles from the bridge. I hope something in there is useful for you!

 

[Debbie]

Thanks, I appreciate the time and the information. I haven't booked yet, but . . .

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

Great info!! Thread crashing - we are flying NWA from DTW to San Juan in March - they had the best prices AND a non stop flight. We booked the Fairfield Inn park and fly for $109 plus taxes - looks like a fairly nice hotel - parking for 8 days and breakfast included.

Does anyone know if NWA offers the option to upgrade at check in if there are the big seats left?? If so how much is it usually?? We paid the $80 per person on our 2 stop flight on Air tran coming back from MCO in August and are hooked now..... even the kids asked if we can do it again!!

 

[F4disneyfan]

Good morning! I am thinking of booking my air this time with NWA from Detroit. I haven't a clue about the airline OR the airport, so I'm asking you to bear all! The good, the bad, the ugly.

Airline: luggage allowance? on time? known for changes? seat size? customer service? snacks? entertainment? etc.

Airport: parking? costs? food? ease of finding the thing? security lines? etc

If I do an early morning flight, I'd have to do a park'n'fly. Suggestions?

What about Robert Q/Aboutown from London? Does anyone have experience with either of those?

Thanks, I know that I can find out a lot of information online-and I will!- I'd just like some real experience and personal opinions to start me off. BTW I've flown: WestJet, Southwest, Air Tran and Jet Blue.

We have flown NWA a few times from Detroit to Orlando they always had great service and the flights were great. Never a late flight and the bags all arrived on time and with us unlike some airlines caugh AIRCANADA caugh. Robert Q and About town are far to expensive at 118 dollars round trip per person especially when you can do a park and fly hotel for under 75 bucks.

 

[Debbie]

I agree about the expense. Since this would be a new experience, new airport, (and a BUSY one at that) I think the nerves/stress factor is kicking in. lol

 

[maryliz]

We did the Best Western for park 'n fly ... no problems whatsoever. My friend did the Baymont Inn and had no problems either. Another friend did La Quinta. It was very easy getting to Detroit Airport ... and we did it during rush hour traffic. You'll be fine getting there.

As for flying NWA, I can think of a family member that can help you out.

Is this for March break?