Accessibility
Detroit (DTW) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request at booking or at your airline's check-in counter; DTW's McNamara Terminal (the main Delta hub) and North Terminal each have separate ground teams.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the DTW security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the checkpoint. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel and specify McNamara Terminal or North Terminal.
Security lanes
Family lane available
Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in both terminals; ask any TSA officer for guidance.
Service animal relief areas
Before security at curbside areas in both terminals; after security, service animal relief areas are in McNamara Terminal near the A gates and in North Terminal near gate N5 — ask any DTW staff member.
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
DTW does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. Contact DTW Guest Services (734-247-7678) for quiet space availability; McNamara Terminal has a wellness/yoga room that may serve as a quiet space.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Available from Guest Services in both terminals and at baggage claim.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
DTW's McNamara Terminal has an internal tram connecting the main hall to the long Concourse A — request wheelchair assistance specifically for the tram boarding area, as unassisted navigation with mobility equipment can be difficult during busy boarding periods.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at DTW airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at DTW is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from DTW?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the DTW security checkpoint at no cost.
Does DTW airport have a family security lane?
Yes — Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has a dedicated family and special-assistance security lane. Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in both terminals; ask any TSA officer for guidance.
Where is the service animal relief area at DTW airport?
Before security at curbside areas in both terminals; after security, service animal relief areas are in McNamara Terminal near the A gates and in North Terminal near gate N5 — ask any DTW staff member. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: DTW TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · DTW security tips
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