What is the Detroit airport like? Opinions, please (Tacran)

I am not as familiar with Detroit as I once was. I do know it may make a big difference depending on the airline. The new terminal (Northwest?) does have a tram. I have not been in it I just drop off DH and pick him up outside. The old terminal is just that. Older. It is under construction. We flew out from the older terminal on American Airlines, it was a bit of a walk to the gate but not "that" bad. Again no high tech people moving devices. I do know if you talk to the staff of the airline they will usually be more than helpful to assist passengers who need it.

Detroit is not really a small airport. It is the main hub for Northwest and as I said they just built a big new terminal and are reconstructing the other one. I don't find it to be confusing but I have lived here my whole life.
 

Like Ann said, it makes a difference which airline she is flying on.  If it is Northwest, their terminal is pretty much a straight line - the walk can be far depending on the gates, but there are moving sidewalks and the tram.  Not bad at all, and not really confusing. 

If it is the other terminal it's still not that bad, but no tram, etc.  But there are different arms that you go down, etc.  If you let me know which airline it is, I can check it out and maybe get a map of the terminal etc. so she can familiarize herself with it beforehand.

Here are the two main terminal maps:

Northwest:  http://www.metroairport.com/pdf/maps/mcnamara_gates_map.pdf

Other Airlines:  http://www.metroairport.com/pdf/maps/Smith_Concessions_Map.pdf

Smith is everything but Northwest and the McNamara is Northwest primarily. 

The two airlines we're focusing on are Northwest and Delta.  It looks like the tix may be a bit less expensive on NW.  Long story, but the problem is this is a last minute plan, so we don't have the benefits of an advance purchase (she'll be traveling between July 9 and July 20). 

When she flies Delta, she loves the Cincinnati airport, as it's not too hectic and the connections seem to be at gates close together.  More recently, she came out her on NW and went through Minneapolis, and she like that leg, too.  Sounds like Detroit is larger than those two, but is it as big and hectic as O'Hare or Denver? 

Thanks for the links -- I'll check those out.  I've got to get something booked tonight if possible so I don't risk more ticket price increases. 

 The Detroit airport is a nice one and I would say much less hectic than OHare, dunno about Denver as I haven't flown through there recently.  The NW terminal is a long one but they do have a nice tram and plenty of moving sidewalks. :)

tacran

Sounds like Detroit is larger than those two, but is it as big and hectic as O'Hare or Denver? 

It is no where as crazy as OHare or Denver.  It's busy, but I fly into/out of O'hare a lot and it's definitely not as crazy.  I think she will be ok to be honest.  I think Delta flies into/out of the new terminal now because they bought NW and its a pretty easy terminal to get around, just a straight line.

I'll bet if you call the airlines ahead of time they could arrange to have someone help her - sort of like when there's a young child flying alone. It doesn't sound like it would be a huge problem for someone to just go with her from one place to the other and see that she gets to the right gate.

Joyce

Thanks for all the replies.  I checked out those links, and it looks like a layout that wouldn't be bad at all.  As it turns out, I was having no luck finding something reasonable on-line, so I decided to call the Northwest ticket center directly.  Sometimes you just want to talk to a live person, you know?   It worked out great, because she found something suitable on dates we wanted, connections in Minneapolis both ways.  After some time talking to the agent, I said, "Since she's a senior, do you offer some kind of senior citizen discount?"  I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.  She put me on hold for a few minutes, then came back and said the price could be reduced by $89!  I was so pleased that I asked to speak to a supervisor so I could tell someone about her excellent service.  She couldn't have been more helpful, and even though the ticket is still way more than what she paid last year when she visited, it worked out well.

I'm glad to have the info on Detroit - I'm sure we'll have to consider it for another trip one of these days!  Thanks again everyone!

When I travel and have to connect I always look at the map in the magazines.  Would your Mom be more comfortable if you were able to print out a map and mark the gates for her?

I'm a map person, some aren't.

I've been in Detroit twice and hubby just came from there.  The terminal is very nice and not hard to manuever, I did not find it crowded and had no problem finding my way around.  I am 76 so if it is no problem for me.......well. lol

VanMorrison

When I travel and have to connect I always look at the map in the magazines.  Would your Mom be more comfortable if you were able to print out a map and mark the gates for her?

I'm a map person, some aren't.

I like having a map too. Especially when you go thru airports like DFW. You can land at gate 20 and need to get to gate 16, but it's still a mile away

I would definitely find a map helpful.  I'm not sure about my mother -- I can see her holding it upside down and getting all turned around.  It's not really her age that creates this confusion -- it's her basic personality type.  She's easily overwhelmed by too much data and she kind of shuts down.  But I love the idea of getting a map ahead of time.  I do try to look at the maps in the in-flight magazine if/when the flight attendants announce some gate connections as we're landing.

In my original post, I didn't explain that she only has to be alone for one connection.  I'm going home to CT for a very short, last-minute visit in early July, and she's returning with me to stay with us for several days.  So, it's just her return to CT that she has to do alone. 

I'm glad to have this good feedback about Detroit -- I'm sure it'll be an airport I'll have to consider one of these days, especially if I fly Northwest like I have the past couple trips.  Thanks again for all the great input!

Would your mom consider using a wheelchair?  Not that she needs one normally, but having a wheelchair, with an attendant, can be very helpful for the connection.  An attendant/chair will meet her at the arrival gate (although sometimes they are late) and then escort her to the departure gate.  Very helpful, especially if she is changing airlines or concourses; extremely helpful if she also has to go through security (wheelchair passengers get to cut the line).  There is no extra charge for this service, but tips are appreciated.  If this is something she would be interested in, you should make advance arrangements with the airline(s) involved.  My elderly parents always use wheelchairs when in an airport - the distances, crowds and security procedures can be daunting and my dad can get easily confused by all the excitement.