V-Flyer

Does anyone have any experience to share, good or bad, in regard to coming into DTW from LHR and transferring to a flight to MCO ?

Given that we may have to fly Delta rather than VS due to UC seat availability we may as well go for the earliest flight we can get out of LHR and that happens to be to DTW. I never used or been through this airport so any tips would be gratefully received.

TIA

Flew into DTW a few years ago when VS did the route. It was easy peasy. We may have been lucky but immigration was very quiet and I was through in five minutes even without GE. The Delta bag drop desks are right after customs and the security area is right after. Honestly it's probably even easier than Atlanta!

Hello from the crazy U.S. I connect thru DTW a few times a year and have not had an issue. Weather can be problem, but I would choose DTW over most U.S. airports. My wife hates airports but thinks DTW is great. It has a newer feel to it and doesn't seem as busy as other Delta hubs.

Some of the gates seem spread out but my experience is that with moving sidewalks and tram in the airport make connecting very easy. I have had multiple connections of only 35 minutes and always made my flight. Conversely if you have a long layover after a long flight it is nice to be able to take a walk.

My only negative is that the Sky Clubs have always been very crowded.

Good luck and travel safe.

Done it a few times, you are right to go for first flight of day - I've been stuck behind a China airline before and immigration was mega slow. However, it's also one of best airlines post immigration for connections and is 100% preferable to ATL for me at least. Shame VS no longer fly it, as if they did, it would be one of my first choices.

Top tip though, if in UC/Delta One - the bags for priority go to another belt past immigration last 2 times I've been though.
That one has caught me out before - they don't announce it on the board, there is a "priority" bags conveyor which is just market priority. If you have baggage priority look there first.

While I'm sure the personal experiences already provided by helpful fellow v-flyers is the information the OP wanted …. if you're a real nerd then you can zoom in on the airport of your choice at https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/check-wait-times to see historical information on border wait times (and security wait times for the return).


EDIT: Though to be honest it doesn't seem to be as helpful as I thought it used to be? Still seems to give average wait time over 2 hour slots so does give an indication of the busiest periods at an airport, by terminal, but real time seems over-reliant on other travellers posting alerts. Still worth a look though if you're bored !

Just wanted to say a big “thank you” to all who have shared their DTW experiences. It’s definitely help make up my mind that DTW is the way to go.

Airport is nicer for connections than ATL..... sky lounges are notorious for being busy and hard to find areas to sit....don’t expect VS clubhouse amenities or service