DTW Adds Destination Pass to Allow Non-Ticketed Visitors Terminal Access

The nation’s No. 1-ranked mega airport just gave visitors another reason to love it.

Earlier this month Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport rolled out its Destination Pass program again, allowing non-ticketed visitors to accompany travelers to their gates at McNamara and Evans terminals, surprise arriving travelers at their gates, spend extra time with loved ones who are departing, enjoy the sights and sounds of the airport, or event shop and dine within the facility.

The DTW Destination Pass program process is fully automated for guests at both the McNamara and Evans terminals. Visitors can apply from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. any day of the week at one of the processing kiosks on the Departures Level in the terminals and utilize their pass on the same day.

“Adding these kiosks will make our Destination Pass program even better,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton. “Now we can welcome more community members into our airport to create memorable moments—from watching planes to greeting family and friends, all while taking the stress out of the travel experience.”

Visitors can apply by scanning their U.S. government-issued license, state ID, or passport at the Destination Pass Kiosk. If approved, the kiosk will print out a destination pass and passholders must report to a TSA security checkpoint. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

People who participate in the DTW Destination Pass program are subject to the same security screening regulations as passengers boarding a plane. All items prohibited in carry-on baggage, including liquids, aerosols, and gels, apply to everyone using the DTW Destination Pass for access.

Of the program, TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers told USA Today that before any airport can offer a gate-pass program to non-ticketed visitors, the airport must submit a formal proposal to the TSA to amend the local airport security plan. If TSA approves the plan, an airport is permitted to invite non-ticketed visitors past security.

For security purposes, the TSA or Wayne County Airport Authority stated that they reserve the right to revoke the DTW Destination Pass from any individual who may pose a security risk, a risk to any passengers or customers, and/or violates any of the rules and regulations of the airport. Additionally, the DTW Destination Pass access is only approved for personal use, so people who try to use the pass for commercial or professional will permanently lose access to the program’s benefits.

In September, DTW once again secured the top spot in customer satisfaction among mega airports in North America, according to the J.D. Power 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. DTW outpaced the competition with a score of 800 on a 1,000-point scale, a nine-point increase over its 2022 score and 14 points higher than its 2019 score when it last received this accolade.

“This recognition, which comes on the heels of our ACI World ASQ Award, shows we are listening to our customers and responding to their needs. J.D. Power has long been respected as a global leader for customer insights, making this award especially meaningful,” Newton said of the award.

It’s clear that DTW doesn’t seem to be resting on the back of this award, as the Destination Pass signifies the airport’s continued commitment to enhancing the customer experience.