Earlier this month, we showed you part one of our four-part series: Summer Roundup. We’re devoted to giving you all the best parking and flying advice to make your experience at DTW airport as pleasant as possible this summer.

Today, we’ll start off with some ways to get through the airport faster, then follow it up with things you should never do before a flight. As always, if you have questions about our DTW valet service or want to book service, call us anytime at (734) 992-4946.

1.   Ways to Get Through the Airport Faster

Do what you can to make it through the DTW airport fast, as every minute counts. Using DTW airport parking makes everything easier – and faster. But here are some more tips to try.

Sign Up For Valet Parking Service

Book DTW valet parking well ahead of time so you don’t have to circle all the lots looking for a parking space.

Buy the Right Travel Gear

Most people travel with too much stuff and don’t even use most of it. But there are some things that can make airport navigation much easier, such as TSA-friendly laptop cases, slip-on shoes, clear toiletry bags, and more.

Check Your Flight Status

Before you even leave your home, check the airline’s website to see if your flight is still on time. If your airline offers it, sign up for automatic flight status updates. While you’re at it, check in online.

Make Sure Documents are Easily Accessible

Before leaving for the airport, make sure your ID, credit cards, boarding passes and passports are easily accessible from your wallet, purse or bag. This serves two purposes: one, it’s a last-minute check that you actually have these documents, and two: it will save you time when in line later.

Weigh Your Bags

Many airports install scales at the check-in areas. If you think your bag is overweight, you can check it there and make any necessary switches between luggage before you reach customer service. You can also buy your own luggage scale and weigh it before you even leave home.

Know Where to Go

Before you leave, you should also check the map of the airport, get your hotel shuttle info and timelines, and know where your rental car counter is located. DTW airport actually has a flight tracker app you can download. Check flight status updates so you know where your gate is, where baggage claim is, and where to pick up your shuttle.

Place Important Items in Your Carry-On

Put all documents except your boarding pass and license in your carry-on bag. Now, when you reach the end of the security line, you won’t be searching your pockets for the things you need to show, playing with your phone, dropping keys, or spilling crumpled receipts everywhere.

Assess Your Belongings and Be Aware

Take inventory of the things you will need to show security and what accessories you will have to take off to make it through the scanner without it beeping. Be aware of your surroundings so you can hop into action when it’s your turn.

2.   Things You Should Never Do Before a Flight

Let’s go over some things that you should not do before a flight. Hint: one of those things is to NOT forget reserving DTW airport parking well in advance of your flight.

DON’T Pack Travel Documents in Your Suitcase

Never pack your boarding pass, ID, phone, or passport in your luggage. Sounds like a no-brainer but you would be surprised at how many people actually do this, at least by mistake. Instead, keep these important items in your pocket, purse, or outer compartment of your carry-on bag so they can easily be grabbed when needed.

Before you even leave your home for your trip, research the exact travel documents you will need. Check the destination’s official website, which should list all required documents.

DON’T Scramble Through Your Carry-on at Security

Sort out your carry-on bag and its contents at home, double checking which foods and toiletries you can bring that are TSA-approved. Doing this at the last minute at the airport may mean you have to chug or throw out unapproved items or quantities.

DON’T Board the Plane Without a Transit Plan

While you may have been concentrating solely on getting to the airport to make your flight, you don’t want to forget about what you will do when you get off the plane on the other end. Plan this out in advance so you know if you’re hitting up the car rental place first, or hailing a taxi or Uber to the hotel. If picking up a rental, research where the counter actually is. Some companies aren’t located onsite at the airport or near the terminal; you have to take a shuttle

DON’T Buy Costly Concessions

Bringing snacks from home (TSA approved, of course) will save you from having to spend a fortune on kiosks and restaurants at the airport. Pack them all in an easily accessible bag in your carry-on or purse so you can whip it out when someone says they’re famished.

DON’T Buy Day-of Travel Insurance

If you decide to purchase travel insurance, do it at least one day before you leave. If you wait till the last minute, you may not get a comprehensive travel insurance policy, if you even get one at all.

DON’T Show Up On Time

Instead, get there early. On-time can quickly switch to panic mode when you hit a longer-than-expected line or some traffic on the way there. Do yourself a favor and leave yourself plenty of time. It’s better to sit at the terminal and read than to stress out about running through the airport to make your flight.

DON’T Exchange Currency in the Airport

Be leery about foreign currency exchanges within the airport. That’s because, in the United States, prices can be more costly and can include an exchange rate fee. Not only are you paying more to exchange currency, you will leave with less than what you brought due to the unfair exchange rate. Wait till you get out of the airport before you do an exchange. You’ll get more favorable rates, and your hotel or bank may even be able to assist you with this transaction.

DON’T Indulge in a Cocktail Before Takeoff

Be careful when drinking alcoholic beverages in an airport. First, the prices are ridiculously high. Second, that one cocktail you had at the lounge could feel like a few once you get on the plane and it takes off. That’s because pressurized airplanes have less oxygen. Grab a ginger ale instead, especially if you have motion sickness, and save the cocktail for when you’re poolside at the resort.

What You SHOULD Do: Book Parking Beforehand

Reserve your spot with us before you fly. You won’t regret the peace of mind you get from contacting us for your reservation.

Contact Valet Connections DTW Parking

We hope you found this second edition of our summer roundup as helpful as the first. What are you waiting for? Contact us at (734) 992-4946 today to schedule parking for your next trip.