Midwest - Customs/baggage collection at DTW

I'm considering playing hidden-city in DTW next week. I'll be flying CDG-DTW-BOS, but may just get off at DTW in order to visit some friends in TOL.

I've never tried this internationally or with checked luggage, but I know there are some airports where you have to check your luggage back in after clearing customs even if you're at your final destination.

So—can I retrieve my bags to clear customs in DTW and just hold on to them? (I'll be arriving on AF so I'll be in the McNamara Terminal.) Or will I be forced to recheck them?

Thanks.

I've never tried this internationally or with checked luggage, but I know there are some airports where you have to check your luggage back in after clearing customs even if you're at your final destination.


That makes no sense. If you are at your final destination, where are your bags going that they would have to be re-checked???

At DTW, you will collect all of your luggage when going through customs. When you are done and have cleared customs, you have two options. Off to the right is a security line, for passengers with connecting flights. If you plan to stay in Detroit (I assume you will be changing the DTW-BOS flight) exit through the doors on your left. That will put you in a small waiting area outside of all security. You can wait there if someone is meeting you, or go back upstairs for ground transportation.

That makes no sense. If you are at your final destination, where are your bags going that they would have to be re-checked???

Apparently this is the case in ATL, and some other large airports. You're supposed to hand your bags back over whether or not they're continuing on elsewhere; if not they simply get sent over to the baggage claim. I suppose one could hold on to some smaller checked items, but I don't think dragging a couple large suitcases + carryon items would be permitted. I have not actually experienced this myself having never flown into ATL from outside the US, but read of such in the DL forum.

Thanks for the info on the customs situation in DTW!