The last time hubby and I flew was in 1997 and it was a non-stop to London...so the security in the U.S. (EWR, to be exact) wasn't exactly, shall we say, top notch at that time?

We'll be travelling in April to SFO thru DTW (Detroit, that is) out of ABE (Lehigh Valley Intl.). My question: When we get off at the Detroit airport to change planes, will we have to go thru security again? We'll be travelling on Northwest straight thru, with about 1 hour, 40 minutes to get on the next plane.

Thanks!

Nope you'll stay inside security to make your connection. At least I always do with my NWA flights.

Their new terminal has a cool fountain in the middle. I liked riding their indoor tram that runs the length of the main terminal. Interesting views out over the people.

The only times I have run into a security redo has been at airports where I had to change buildings. MCI airport in KC is that way. I think there are 3 separate buildings with some real estate inbetween. (Procedures might have changed since my last visit.)

The other times were when I was flying home from Europe. I remember I had to change terminals in Philadelphia and redo the security bit. But that is a haphazard place anyhow.

And oh yes, Toronto. Flew up from Atlanta and had to be bussed from the arrival terminal to the departure terminal. Then, I was sent back through security before departing.

That one was funny. I was walking slowly with a cane after my hip replacement. Some very nice lady in the new terminal saw me hobble in, and she was right there to offer assistance with a wheel chair.
I accepted the kind offer and took the ride. I was rolled promptly right to the metal detector.

Thereupon the alarm contraption went DING DONG! Playing your song. Some very accommodating, polite young fellow came over to check on me. I told him I had a metal hip.
He says, "Yeah? Wherebouts?"

I thought pointing was the best option at that juncture. He passed the wand over me and I was rolled onwards straight down the ramp to the aircraft.

I am now tempted to get my cane out and see if I can get another ride in Toronto. I was very well handled by efficient people who seemed to enjoy helping others. I was most appreciative.

Keep in mind that at many airports there is little food to buy inside security area - and since airlines don't feed you much anymore - if you tend to get hungry, make arrangements to bring something to eat with you - you may not want to nor have time to go outside security area, buy food, and re-enter.

Thanks for all the replies! What a relief.

And, gail, I think I will take what you say to heart and make a couple of sandwiches to bring along on the trip - I *don't* want to re-do the security checks.

As airports go, Detroit is pretty good, with a wide variety of food options. The "A" terminal has a Baja Fresh (always good) and the OnLine Cafe had reasonable sandwiches. There is a McDonalds, a Japanese place, and plenty of other options as well.

DTW is a very modern and clean airport, easy to navigate too. There is a tunnel connecting the "A" terminal with the "B" and "C" terminals that looks straight out of a Disney ride, complete with cheesy "soothing music" and multicolored light show.

You don't have to go through security again when you land there.

I forgot to mention that the restaurants at DTW's A Terminal are next to or very near each gate, inside security, so you don't have to go outside security to get food. Very convenient.

Not much in the way of food options in the C Terminal, so you might want to eat or grab something to take with before walking through the tunnel.

On a domestic connection unlikely. On an international connection, more likely.

"As airports go, Detroit is pretty good, with a wide variety of food options"

Only if you are staying in Northwest's main terminal.

Here is an except from my online diary for going through the Detroit airport 3 weeks ago:

"The main NWA terminal at DTW wasn't hectic at all. Before going to my new gate, I went to the Coney Island restaurant and had a leisurely lunch.

"But the other terminal where NWA's little planes dock was a madhouse: long delays, lines, cancellations and little info on what was happening. My flight was showing only a 20 minute delay so I settled in with my travel book.

"I kept an eye on the voodoo board, noting when the gate number was changed. There is one waiting area for all the little planes so I didn't have to move. But suddenly 5 minutes before the original scheduled departure, the flight showed leaving on time. No announcements had been made about the flight.

"So I headed down the long plain cement block hallway to the gate. The gates open directly off the hall (no waiting area or seats) and there were long lines at every gate. All it needs is a few chickens for it to feel like the third world.

"Joining the folks at C-12 and talking to other passengers, I learned that we had people waiting for three different flights. There is nothing at any gate to denote what flight is boarding or any other info at the gate.

"When a gate agent showed up she was uncommunicative and surly with anyone who asked a question."

It goes on but you get the picture.

Keith

Keith,

Oy, that's comforting. ;-) But I guess that's the state of some airports (and some airlines) these days.

I'll just hope for the best, and keep in mind everyone's replies to this post. Thanks, again, everybody!