Skip the Ticket: Detroit Airport Now Allowing Guests Gate Access

Remember back in the day when you could go to Detroit Metro Airport and wait for a friend or family member who was arriving or departing from a gate? Well, those days are back thanks to the DTW Destination Pass.

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The DTW Destination Pass allows non-travelers to access the airport's terminals. In other words, you don't have to buy a ticket if you want to spend more time with loved ones before they depart. It also means that you can greet them with open arms as soon as they get off the plane.

Why Did Airports Stop Allowing Access Guests Into Terminals?

Many airports had restricted access to secure areas of the terminal to ticketed passengers and employees only. This change was mainly put into place for security concerns after the 9/11 attacks. It felt like everything changed after that devastating day.

How Does the DTW Destination Pass Work?

• Apply for a DTW Destination Pass on the day of your visit by visiting one of their kiosks. They can be found in either the McNamara or Evans terminals on the Departures Level.
• Scan your photo ID (driver's license or passport) at the Destination Pass Kiosk. Once cleared, a pass will be printed out for you to submit for TSA passenger screening.

It's really as simple as that. Just keep in mind that you have to go through the same security screening as if you were boarding the plane.

According to Detro Metro Airport, the DTW Destination Pass is available for use from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. any day of the week at both the McNamara and Evans terminals.

Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The program was first tested for a few months in 2019. During that testing period, they only allowed 75 visitors per day.

Most Michiganders in their early 20s have never experienced going to the airport and greeting a loved one at the gate. That's pretty wild when you think it.