njf1003

Pretty sure AF-DL and v/v are considered DL-DL.

xliioper

You are fine as they are in the same terminal and are partners. From ExpertFlyer, the MCT for AF-DL and DL-DL I-D connections are the exact same 1hr 20min. The wiki does not currently list all the possible MCT's.

PeterParker220

Hello all ---

I'm a seasoned flyer but I'm doing two things I've never done before (at least in recent memory):

1. Checking bags

2. International to Domestic connection (I thought this would be easier when booking, I think an I-I connection would be better in hindsight)

So I'm going FRA-DTW-ORD with a 1 hour 40 minute connection in DTW.

I plan on bringing a bottle of liquor or 2 (hence needing to check bags) back. So as I understand it, the process will be ...

get off plane.
Go through immigration.
Wait at Baggage carousel that may take some time to dispense checked bags.
Go thru Customs.
Drop off checked baggage at "all-purpose" bag dump (for all airlines?) Is there a line for this typically? Is this just a drop-off, or do I need to wait in the "line from hell" at an Airline's check-in line?
Go through regular 'ole Domestic security line (yikes).

Do you think 1:40 is doable?

It's a Lufthansa (I) and then United (D) flight ... all booked under AA under the MCT. There is a later flight from United. I just want to make sure the booze I bring back arrives in Chicago ... and if I miss the connection, will I be blamed? I'm mainly worried about sitting at the baggage carousel for 30 minutes waiting for baggage but eh.

Do you think booking a seat closer to the doors on the Lufthansa flight for $45 would be worth it, given the main wait will probably be the baggage carousel after immigration potentially?

flyerCO

DTW is one of the quickest places to clear customs at. With that said, you won't find much help here. This is DL forum, and the operate out of a different terminal. You'll be using the North terminal for your flights.

PeterParker220

Ah I didn't notice it was the Delta forum. Hmm -- not sure if there is another official thread for DTW anywhere based on my search. Well assuming United/ Lufthansa are operating out of the North Terminal ...

It appears the terminal has it's own customs/ immigration checkpoints, though possibly more dated (an article from 2014 says the McNamara terminial got kiosks first) ... but the North terminal also seems smaller overall. Hopefully that's a good thing.

PeterParker220

I guess worst case scenario if I miss the connection and can't get on a later flight --- I asked United to for $100 for a rental car from Detroit to Chicago (~4 hours). Or just eat the cost myself.

3Cforme

You must put your booze in your checked bag after you clear Customs and before you do bag drop. If you miss the last UA flight, look for an American (same terminal) flight into O'Hare, or (same terminal) Southwest flight into Chicago-Midway before renting a car and driving.

aacar

IME, the North Terminal is smaller but it always takes quite a while for bags to come out...in fact, when arriving from KEF a couple weeks ago, the baggage system somehow broke and we stood around for an hour before agents started bringing bags in on carts.

Once you get your bags, you'll just have to go upstairs to the regular check-in area - not sure how United is set up, but there's probably some bag drop area.

If you're in business, a seat towards the front probably won't make a difference. Assuming the flight is on time, 1:40 should be doable.

TBD

What's the deal with the Narita - Detroit carveout? Does it arrive at a particularly quiet time for immigration?

I've got a 70 minute connection in DTW (from NRT) and have GE, but will be checking a bag. Assuming normal flight operations ... should I expect to run?

xliioper

Generally, the NRT flight seems to arrive at the middle gates, so that could be part of it. With GE and without checked luggage, this is easy. Checking luggage adds a bit of uncertainty, but if TSA is backed up at the immigrations level, you can just exit the area and head up to the check-in level and use Pre-Check/Clear lanes (the elevator will be the quickest way to get there). What is your destination? There will most likely be other options to get there given the arrival time of the NRT flight. Unless your luggage takes a long time to come out, you will most likely not have to run.

tentseller

GE will get you through to baggage claim quite fast at DTW. The holdup will be bags coming out at this point.

Once you dropped off your bags for your connections, this is where the fun starts: TSA security.
Usually long lineup, pilots and airline staff, as well as wheelchair entourage, gets to cut into the line. After TPAC or TATL arrival people are not at their sharpest mindest and forget things that need to be done prior to the bags or person going through scanners.

TBD

But Delta has a 20 minute baggage guarantee!

I'll be heading on to Tampa afterwards and I do see a later flight. Unfortunately, it's 5h later...

SDQBound

Only for domestic flights.

xliioper

Looks like there is an ATL connecting option that leaves an hour later and will get you there quicker than the later non-stop.

TBD

I never took the guarantee seriously enough to read the fine print ....

Good to know on the ATL connection, which I hadn't considered. Thanks, everyone.