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Detroit airport

After booking my flight, which historically arrived and departed from terminal M, the airline has switched the arrival to terminal E with connection departing terminal M. My layover was 1 hour/20 minutes. Do I have enough time to change terminals and make my flight? I tried to change my connecting flight because Delta made the change in terminals but they won't budge and I can't afford the extra fare.

At Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Terminal M (McNamara Terminal) and Terminal E (North Terminal) are separate terminals, and they are not within walking distance of each other. A layover of 1 hour and 20 minutes can be tight when you need to change terminals, especially if you have to clear security again in the new terminal for your connecting flight.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • DTW provides an airport shuttle bus connecting Terminal M and Terminal E. The ride itself usually takes about 5-10 minutes, but you need to factor in waiting time for the shuttle and boarding time.
  • You will need to clear security at Terminal M for your departing flight, so allow at least 20-30 minutes for security lines depending on the time of day.
  • If your incoming flight is delayed, the short layover may not leave enough buffer to comfortably make the connection.

Tips to increase your chances of making the connection:

  • Inform the flight attendants on your incoming flight that you have a tight connection—they can sometimes advise or assist.
  • Move quickly to the shuttle upon arrival at Terminal E and have your boarding pass ready for Terminal M security.
  • Check real-time airport maps and shuttle schedules in advance to minimize delays.

Overall, while it is technically possible to make the connection in 1 hour and 20 minutes, it is tight and leaves little margin for delays. If your incoming flight is on time and you move efficiently, you could make it, but it’s considered a high-risk connection. You may want to explore alternate options such as contacting Delta again to see if they can accommodate a later connecting flight without extra charges or speaking with a gate agent upon arrival.

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