FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - How early can I check bags at DTW / what time will counters open?
Old Mar 24, 2026 | 2:40 pm
  #5  
dtwjim
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Detroit
Programs: Delta, Marriott, Hilton
Posts: 181
Originally Posted by DTWflyer
You are on the super early ATL 5:20am departure, its literally the only departure from the McNamera terminal at the timeframe. Literally, next DL departure from the McNamara terminal is not until after 6:30am, and the real peak rush of of DL morning departures at DTW is really from 7am-10am.
5:20am means boarding starts at 4:40am. The Skyclub opens at 4:15am. I would think the counter will open around 3:15-3:30am, and definetely at least 90 minutes before departure. I would think the crux of passengers won't start to really arrive until 4:30-5am.

On the other hand the North/Evans terminal is a nuthouse in the early mornings since being the O&D terminal for the non-Skyteam and non-hub carriers there are like 25 flights that depart between 5am-7am. The North Terminal gets some crazy security lines early because so many NK, F9, & AA early departures.

Thank you. I have not seen anyone else online claim the counter will open before 4, but we will get there before 4 just in case. I have experienced the insanity of Evans on a weekend leaving for Spring Break on an early flight and its a miracle we ever got our luggage checked. Didn't think about checking other departures, thank you.
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