DTW Regulars, I need your help
 

On Sunday May 16 I am scheduled to fly YUL-DTW-MSY. Connecting time is 45m. Is this enough time? Delta changed the original flight times but now they want over $150 to make an itinerary change so there will be a longer layover in DTW. Thanks.

It's enough time, but it'll be tight. What type of aircraft is used for YUL-DTW? What about DTW-MSY? The reason I ask is because it gets very tight if either of those are operated by regional carriers who generally use terminals B/C.

YUL-DTW is a Delta Connection flight operated by Pinnacle Air. DTW-MSY appears to be a regular Delta flight. Both flights use the McNamara Terminal.

Ok. I'm guessing that the Pinnacle flight will arrive at Concourse B/C (also part of McNamara). In that case, you'll have to make sure to walk briskly and use the moving sidewalks/trams. It's still a doable connection if things are running on time.

Some additional advice:

If YUL-DTW does in fact arrive at B/C, follow the signs to Concourse A (using the moving walkways). These will lead you to a tunnel. Take the tunnel to Concourse A. Then depending on your connecting gate (again, check signs when exiting tunnel) either use the tram (escalators straight ahead from tunnel) or walk to your gate using moving walkways.

If i can make it from T1 to E34 in ATL in 12 minutes (did i miss the flight? yes, but even the gate agent looked at me and laughed and said I had no idea you would make it here that quickly), you can for sure make a 45 minute connection DTW. IMO its one of the easiest connecting hubs I fly through.

zz

You two are a couple of marvels, GBadger for the great inside info on the terminal route, aviatorzz for setting the connection sprint bar so high. Thanks so much, I think I'll risk it. However, I don't often fly Delta so I am not sure how easy they are about putting people who miss connections on the next flight. Will there be a charge?

A few years ago we flew regional into DTW and then to AMS. We were rerouted and ended up with a 25 min connection (vs. an overnight delay in MSP). We ended up hustling through the airport, but we did make it.

If you were late under your own accord, as in you arrived at the gate anywhere between 30-45 mins prior to your connection's departure, they will probably charge you the same day confirmed fee ($50 or $75 a person). But if your aircraft held out, or you were delayed arriving into DTW for whatever reason they will put you on the next flight if there are seats, if not you get placed on the B1 list as a standby. But if it was a truely missed connection, there is no charge.

zz

DTW is an easy connection airport. And from YUL, you should be fine especially since there is almost never any significant YUL departure traffic. I can't recall any time recently when my YUL departing flight hasn't been #1 or #2 for departure by the time we got to the departing runway.

45 minutes should be no problem. I landed at A7 once, went up the escalator to hop on the tram, only to find out that it was out of order (why didn't the put a Tram out of order sign at the bottom of the escalator), came back down the escalator, hopped on the moving walkway, stopped at McDonalds, and then preceded to C38 within 25 minutes.

The sad part of your quick connection is you will have no time to spend in the terminal. DTW is one of my favorite airports to connect at, with a nice variety of eating options, good SCs and reasonable shopping. If you miss your connection and they put you on a later flight, well, there are worse places to spend time than DTW.

As long as you don't have a seizure in the tunnel you will be fine. I know this won't make sense to you now, but it will after you make the trip. :)

Should be ok as the Pinnacle flight should be arriving at concourse A to clear customs and immigration. Essentially, you will have to get off, clear everything, come out in the middle of concourse A and find your connecting gate there.

Generally that's not true for Canada flights. There, the customs/immigration clearance is done pre-boarding, land-side at the canadian airport.

ROTFOL :D

Agree. DTW is a nice airport, and it should be a fine connection- you should even have enough time to watch the fountain show upon entering A :cool: