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TSA Wait Times at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.

Peak Wait Time

30 min

Mondays at 8 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

41 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM 1m 1m 2m 2m 2m 2m 2m
1 AM 1m 1m 2m 2m 2m 2m 2m
2 AM 3m 2m 3m 2m 3m 3m 3m
3 AM 4m 2m 4m 5m 9m 5m 5m
4 AM 19m 20m 24m 22m 24m 26m 17m
5 AM 25m 18m 17m 28m 22m 21m 23m
6 AM 22m 20m 21m 22m 20m 22m 16m
7 AM 18m 23m 18m 28m 29m 21m 23m
8 AM 30m 20m 27m 28m 28m 21m 20m
9 AM 24m 19m 19m 22m 30m 17m 13m
10 AM 10m 10m 15m 11m 18m 17m 15m
11 AM 9m 16m 16m 16m 25m 21m 18m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 PM 10m 14m 11m 15m 15m 16m 12m
1 PM 20m 18m 10m 23m 12m 10m 11m
2 PM 17m 23m 21m 21m 14m 17m 23m
3 PM 11m 12m 18m 19m 18m 23m 22m
4 PM 23m 13m 12m 19m 17m 12m 12m
5 PM 10m 22m 12m 20m 18m 17m 14m
6 PM 12m 13m 10m 15m 13m 14m 10m
7 PM 11m 9m 12m 21m 13m 12m 18m
8 PM 10m 7m 15m 19m 17m 10m 15m
9 PM 10m 5m 7m 7m 11m 8m 5m
10 PM 16m 2m 2m 3m 3m 3m 5m
11 PM 6m 2m 2m 2m 2m 2m 2m

Wait Time Legend

- No data ≤5 min 6-10 min 11-15 min 16-20 min 21-30 min 30+ min

Tips for DTW Security

  • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
  • Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
  • Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
  • Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
  • Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck

DTW TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport?

TSA wait times at DTW vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 30 minutes on Mondays around 8 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 41 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

What is the best time to go through security at DTW?

The best times to go through TSA security at DTW are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 41 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Mondays around 8 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for DTW?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.

How early should I arrive at DTW airport?

For domestic flights at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Mondays at 8 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 30 minutes.