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WOWO LEE
WOWO LEE asked in TravelUnited StatesChicago · 9 years ago

Flying to Detroit in Jan - is Chicago a good place to transit?

I am flying to Midland via Detroit from Japan Narita in January. There's not many option for flights beside Delta which fly direct from Narita to Detroit then Midland.

I noticed that there are options to transfer from Chicago to Detroit then Midland. However, my friend warn me that she has a very bad experience with chicago o'hare airport. She mentioned the airport is famous with flight delay and missing baggage. It seems pretty bad for me but I do prefer the flight available from Narita to Chicago.

Could you please share with me your experience with the airport? is it really that bad? Or i should just give it a shot? I am going Midland for an important business meeting hence i do not wish to get stuck in the airport or miss any flight to Midland.

Thanks

4 Answers

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  • Dances With Mops 2 - Mop Bucket Boogaloo
    Lv 7
    9 years ago
    Favourite answer

    IF you don't mind switching airlines, United has a few flights directly from Chicago O'Hare to Midlsnd (technically, Saginaw, but it's close enough to drive). Otherwise, you'll have to connect in either Detroit or Minneapolis.

    You'd probably be better off going through Detroit. Don't worry, the airport isn't in the city.

    The fewer transfers you have to make, the less likely it is that you'll have baggage disappear.

    Source(s): Travelocity.com
  • Norm
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    Chicago O'Hare Airport is one of the worst in the country for connecting flights because (a) it's tough to get from one gate to another if you have a layover of 60-90 minutes, and (b) they're notorious for losing luggage.

    By contrast, Detroit Metropolitan Airport is more manageable. Detroit Metro is one of Delta's major hubs (O'Hare isn't). You'd be flying into the McNamara Terminal, which is newer than O'Hare and is laid out a lot better. You should also know that Detroit Metro is NOT in Detroit -- it's in Romulus, which is a much safer area.

    BOTTOM LINE: Take the flight to Detroit Metro. You can thank me later.

    Source(s): I live in Detroit and have flown in and out of Chicago O'Hare and Detroit Metro many times
  • potatochip
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    I would prefer going through Detroit because Chicago handles a lot more international flights. However if you have well over 2-3 hours connection time, then you can go through Chicago. Also with the new runway, delays have decreased a lot.

  • Hugo90
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    If you do stop in Chicago you will go through Customs Inspection there, so you will need a substantial layover time. Then you will check your bags for Detroit. Unlikely to get lost. Maybe you can fly from Chicago to Midland directly.

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