TSA wait times
ENDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
DTW Airport Security: Checkpoints, Hours and PreCheck
DTW has four TSA checkpoint areas: three at the McNamara Terminal (the ticketing lobby, the garage bridge and the Westin hotel) and one at the Evans Terminal. McNamara keeps at least one checkpoint open around the clock, while Evans screening is closed daily from 10:45 p.m. to 2:45 a.m., depending on late night flight schedules. The airport posts live wait times for each terminal on metroairport.com.
TSA wait times
How busy will DTW security be?
Pick your flight time: hour-by-hour forecast for every checkpoint, from official TSA data.
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Your options at a glance
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McNamara checkpoint in the Ticketing Lobby on Level 3. Gates are reached through the airport's checkpoint areas.
- Hours
- At least one McNamara checkpoint open 24/7
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Checkpoint at the bridge from the parking garage to the terminal on Level 2.
- Hours
- At least one McNamara checkpoint open 24/7
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Checkpoint at the Westin hotel, listed by the airport among its checkpoint areas. Hours not published.
-
Evans checkpoint in the lobby by the ticketing area.
- Hours
- Closed 10:45 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. daily, depending on late flights
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PreCheck lane in each terminal, opening at 4:30 a.m. The TSA PreCheck office is in the McNamara domestic baggage claim area.
- Hours
- PreCheck lane opens 4:30 a.m.
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CLEAR lanes at both McNamara checkpoints. No CLEAR lane is named at Evans.
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Same-day pass for non-ticketed visitors to go through TSA screening. Kiosks on the Departures Level of both terminals and in the Westin lobby. Bring a U.S. government-issued photo ID.
- Hours
- 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. (the FAQ says 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Where to see DTW security wait times
DTW shows a live security wait for each terminal at the top of the home page, metroairport.com. It lists one number for the Evans Terminal and one for the McNamara Terminal. We print no wait times here because the numbers change all day.
The airport does not list a program for booking a security time slot, so check the posted wait before you leave and again when you reach the terminal.
Security checkpoints at McNamara and Evans
The airport lists these checkpoint areas, and says every airline gate is reached through them:
- McNamara Terminal: Ticketing Lobby, Level 3
- McNamara Terminal: bridge from the parking garage to the terminal, Level 2
- Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel
- Evans Terminal: lobby, ticketing area
DTW does not say which McNamara checkpoint serves which concourse or airline. Follow the signs after you check in, or ask an Airport Ambassador.
Which terminal and checkpoint your airline uses
Your airline decides the terminal, and the terminal decides the checkpoint. This comes from the airport's airline directory:
- McNamara Terminal: Aeromexico, Air France, Delta and WestJet
- Evans Terminal: Air Canada, Alaska, American, Avelo, Frontier, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, Southwest, Sun Country, Turkish Airlines, United and Volaris
Some boarding passes show McNamara as EM and Evans as WE. If you are at the wrong terminal, a shuttle connects the two about every 10 minutes from the Ground Transportation Centers, so allow extra time in case you need to go through screening again.
Checkpoint hours
DTW does not publish opening hours for each checkpoint. Here is what the airport does say:
- McNamara Terminal: at least one TSA checkpoint is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Evans Terminal: screening is closed every day from 10:45 p.m. to 2:45 a.m., depending on late night flight schedules.
- TSA PreCheck: the lane opens at 4:30 a.m. in each terminal.
We found no hours for the Westin checkpoint. If you plan to use it, call the airport at (734) 247-7678 or ask your airline.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at DTW
DTW takes part in TSA PreCheck, with a PreCheck lane in each terminal. The TSA PreCheck office is in the McNamara Terminal's domestic baggage claim area. To apply, go to tsa.gov/precheck or call (866) 289-9673.
CLEAR lanes are available at both McNamara Terminal checkpoints. The airport's security page names no CLEAR lane at Evans, so confirm with CLEAR if you leave from there.
TSA Cares is a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions or other special needs. It can arrange extra help at screening.
How early to get to DTW
DTW's own pages disagree. The traveler guide says to arrive no later than 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 120 minutes before an international one. The check-in page recommends 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight, and the FAQ says 90 minutes to 2 hours domestic and 3 hours international.
The longer advice is the safer plan, especially if you park in a garage, check bags or travel on a busy morning. Add time for parking and security, and ask your airline for its own cutoff for your flight.
What to have ready at the checkpoint
- A REAL ID compliant license or state ID, or a passport, for domestic flights. A passport or visa is needed for international travel, and an Enhanced License does not replace it.
- Children under 18 do not need ID for flights within the U.S. Ask your airline about its own rules for minors.
- Lost your ID? Allow extra time. The TSA officer may ask for your name and address to verify who you are.
- Boarding pass in a married name but ID in a maiden name? Bring a copy of your marriage license and contact your airline.
- For what you can pack, check TSA.gov. The airport suggests asking your airline if you are unsure about an item.
Facial recognition at DTW
At the Evans Terminal, eight international gates use facial recognition instead of a photo ID check at boarding. At the McNamara Terminal, facial recognition is used at check-in and gate counters in Concourses A, B and C.
U.S. citizens can opt out of the facial scan. Visiting foreign nationals must take part in the scan on arrival and departure under Customs and Border Protection's entry-exit program.
Going through security without a ticket
The DTW Destination Pass lets a non-ticketed visitor pass through security to see off a traveler, meet one at the gate or visit shops and restaurants. You apply on the same day at a kiosk on the Departures Level of either terminal or in the Westin lobby.
You scan a U.S. government-issued photo ID (a driver's license or passport) at the kiosk. You need a REAL ID or other acceptable ID. Then a pass prints and you present it to TSA. You go through the same screening as a flyer, so liquids and other carry-on limits apply. Visitors under 18 must have an adult with them.
The pass works from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. according to the Destination Pass page. The airport's FAQ says 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., so allow for the later start.
Questions travelers ask
How many security checkpoints does DTW have?
DTW lists four checkpoint areas. McNamara has three: the Ticketing Lobby on Level 3, the garage bridge on Level 2 and the Westin hotel. Evans has one, in the lobby by the ticketing area.
Is DTW security open 24 hours?
At the McNamara Terminal, at least one TSA checkpoint is open 24 hours a day. At Evans, screening is closed from 10:45 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. each day, depending on late night flights.
What time does TSA PreCheck open at DTW?
The PreCheck lane opens at 4:30 a.m. in each terminal. If you fly earlier than that, expect to use the standard line.
Does DTW have CLEAR?
Yes, at the McNamara Terminal. CLEAR lanes are at both McNamara checkpoints. DTW does not name a CLEAR lane at Evans, so confirm with CLEAR first.
Where can I see DTW security wait times?
On the home page of metroairport.com, which shows a wait for the Evans Terminal and one for the McNamara Terminal. Check it before you leave and again at the terminal.
Is there a security reservation program at DTW?
DTW's pages list none. Use the posted wait times and, if you qualify, PreCheck or CLEAR.
How early should I get to DTW for my flight?
The traveler guide says 90 minutes for a domestic flight and 120 minutes for an international one. The check-in page says 2 hours and 3 hours, and the FAQ says 90 minutes to 2 hours domestic and 3 hours international. Plan on the longer times and add time for parking.
Where do I sign up for TSA PreCheck at DTW?
There is a TSA PreCheck office in the McNamara Terminal's domestic baggage claim area. You can also apply at tsa.gov/precheck or call (866) 289-9673.
Can I go through DTW security without a ticket?
Yes, with a DTW Destination Pass. You get it at a kiosk on the Departures Level or in the Westin lobby on the day you visit, using a U.S. government-issued photo ID.
More at DTW
Sources and last check
Checked by our team on Oct. 10, 2026 against these official sources: