Matthew DeBord/BI
I was all smiles at Detroit Metro.
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, aka DTW, has been my Midwestern port of call since the early 2000s.
- I've flown into and out of it more than any other US airport. It's been around since 1930.
- It's one of the top-20 busiest airports in the US, but it's far enough down the list that it's usually a pleasure.
- DTW is a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
I've been traveling to Detroit from the New York area and from Los Angeles since the early 2000s. I've flown out of several different airports, but always into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or DTW as it's known among frequent travelers and aviation-code geeks.
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I've flown into and out of DTW in fine summer weather and in the middle of brutal Midwestern winters. I've had a clear view of downtown Detroit on the banks of the Detroit River, and I've waited patiently while the expert de-icers at DTW do their thing. I've arrived before dawn and departed after midnight.
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On all these occasions, I've really looked forward to spending time at the airport. Detroit Metro has luxury lounges, but I haven't patronized them. I've hung out in the concourse, shopped, dined, and had a drink or two. For the everyday traveler, DTW isn't the most opulent airport, but it's a nice place to spend some hours.
Here's what it was like on my most recent visit: