Detroit, famously known as the Motor City, is a city of contrasts—where rich history meets vibrant culture, and the spirit of innovation drives a continuing renaissance. Whether you’re traveling for business, to explore Detroit’s renowned music scene, admire its revitalized architecture, or simply enjoy its burgeoning culinary landscape, saving money on flights can make your trip all the more rewarding. Airfare often takes up a large chunk of the travel budget, but with the right strategies, patience, and a bit of insider know-how, you can land cheap flights to Detroit without compromising comfort or convenience.
This comprehensive guide is packed with tips, tricks, and practical advice to help you navigate the often confusing world of airline pricing and booking platforms so you can score the best deal possible on your next journey to the Motor City.
1. Understand Detroit’s Airport Options
When planning your trip to Detroit, the very first step is deciding which airport to fly into. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is by far the largest and busiest airport in the state of Michigan, situated about 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit. It serves as a major transportation hub for both domestic and international travelers. DTW is a key hub for several airlines, most notably Delta Air Lines, which operates a large number of flights from this airport. Because of its size, airline competition, and variety of routes, DTW typically offers the most flight options and often the most competitive airfare. Whether you’re flying from across the country or internationally, chances are you’ll find multiple flight times and pricing options to suit your budget and schedule at DTW.
However, if you are willing to explore alternative airports, there are a couple of nearby options that might help you save money or find more convenient flights. Bishop International Airport (FNT), located in Flint, Michigan, is approximately 70 miles northwest of Detroit. It is smaller but occasionally features flights from low-cost carriers or special promotions that can be cheaper than DTW. Similarly, Toledo Express Airport (TOL) in Ohio lies about 60 miles south of Detroit and can sometimes be a bargain option, especially for travelers coming from the south or those who don’t mind a bit of a road trip.
While these alternative airports can offer tempting fares, it’s important to consider the additional costs and time involved in getting to downtown Detroit. Transportation options such as car rentals, shuttles, or buses can add both expense and hassle, potentially offsetting the savings from cheaper flights. Always weigh these factors carefully to determine the true cost and convenience of flying into these smaller airports compared to DTW.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
Flight prices fluctuate significantly based on the day of the week, time of day, and season. If your schedule allows, flexibility is one of the best money-saving tools you have.
Generally, midweek flights—particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—are cheaper than weekend flights because leisure travelers tend to fly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Airlines lower prices midweek to fill planes during slower periods.
Early morning and late-night flights are often less expensive too. These “red-eye” or early bird flights might not be as convenient, but if you’re looking to save money, they’re worth considering.
Seasonal factors also play a role. Detroit experiences peak tourist seasons during summer months, major holidays, and during large events like the North American International Auto Show. Flying outside these busy periods can significantly reduce ticket prices.
Pro tip: Use flexible date search options on flight comparison websites to compare prices across a range of days and find the cheapest travel window.
3. Book in Advance but Watch for Deals
While last-minute deals do exist, the general rule of thumb is that booking 6 to 8 weeks before your departure gives you the best balance between availability and price. Booking too early—several months in advance—may not always result in the lowest fare because airlines sometimes offer early bird discounts closer to the date.
Set up fare alerts on sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper. These tools notify you when prices drop on your preferred routes, allowing you to pounce on deals as they appear.
Keep in mind that if your travel plans are firm, it’s usually better to book sooner rather than later. Prices can spike suddenly, especially if a major event is happening in Detroit or if airlines anticipate high demand.
4. Use Flight Comparison Tools
One of the easiest ways to save money is to use flight comparison websites. Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo aggregate prices from dozens of airlines and booking platforms, showing you the best available deals in one place.
These platforms let you:
View flexible date calendars to find the cheapest days to fly.
Explore alternate nearby airports for price comparisons.
Filter flights by price, duration, number of stops, and airline alliances.
Set alerts for price drops.
Using multiple comparison tools is a smart approach since each can have slight differences in listings and prices.
5. Consider Alternative Routes and Airlines
Sometimes the cheapest route to Detroit isn’t a direct flight. Flying into a nearby city with a connecting flight or a short train/bus ride to Detroit may be cheaper. For example, flying into Chicago (ORD) or Cleveland (CLE) and then taking a connecting flight or ground transportation could lower your overall travel cost.
Low-cost carriers like Southwest or Spirit Airlines may offer cheaper fares on routes serving the Detroit area, but watch out for extra fees. These airlines often charge for checked baggage, carry-on bags, seat selection, and even printing boarding passes. Make sure to factor these costs into your total when comparing prices.
Another strategy is “hacking” flights by booking two one-way tickets on different airlines. This can sometimes be cheaper than a round-trip ticket.
6. Take Advantage of Airline Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Rewards
If you fly frequently, signing up for airline loyalty programs is a no-brainer. Collecting miles or points can eventually translate into free flights or upgrades.
Even if you don’t travel often, many credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, points for everyday purchases, and travel benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or companion tickets. Cards affiliated with airlines or travel rewards networks can reduce your overall travel costs significantly.
Do some research on which credit cards best match your spending habits and travel goals, and always pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges.
7. Avoid Hidden Fees and Check Baggage Policies
A low base fare can be misleading if airlines add hefty fees for baggage, seat selection, or ticket changes. Budget carriers especially are notorious for these add-ons.
Before booking, carefully review what is included with your ticket:
How many bags can you bring for free?
What are the fees for overweight or oversized luggage?
Are meals or snacks included?
What is the cancellation or change policy?
Sometimes paying a few extra dollars upfront for a “standard” ticket that includes checked bags and seat assignment is cheaper than getting a bare-bones ticket and paying fees later.
8. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies When Searching
Some travelers suspect that airlines and booking sites track your searches through browser cookies and may increase prices when you repeatedly search the same route. While this is debated, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.
Use incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights to ensure prices are not influenced by your browsing history. Additionally, clear cookies regularly or use a different device to compare prices.
9. Book Directly with the Airline When Possible
Once you find the best fare on a comparison site, consider booking directly with the airline. Direct bookings often provide better customer service and more flexible options if you need to make changes or cancellations.
Airlines sometimes offer exclusive discounts or perks to direct customers, and you’ll avoid paying additional booking fees that third-party sites might charge.
10. Stay Updated on Detroit’s Travel Deals and Events
Detroit is a city that loves its events—from music festivals and art shows to sporting events and auto exhibitions. These events can cause sudden spikes in flight and hotel prices.
Keep an eye on Detroit’s event calendar and avoid flying during high-demand periods if you want the best deals.
Also, sign up for newsletters from airlines and travel deal websites. They frequently offer flash sales or promo codes that can make your trip more affordable.
Additional Tips for Budget-Conscious Travelers
Consider Nearby Cities for Departure: Sometimes flying out of a neighboring city’s airport can save money, even if it means an extra commute to the airport.
Be Open to Multiple Stops: Direct flights are convenient but often pricier. Flights with layovers can save money if you don’t mind a longer journey.
Travel Light: Avoid checking bags when possible to dodge baggage fees.
Use Student or Senior Discounts: If applicable, check if you qualify for special fares.
Detroit’s airport infrastructure, combined with the city’s growing appeal as a cultural and business hub, offers many opportunities to find affordable airfare. With a little research, flexibility, and smart use of technology, flying to the Motor City doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
Plan ahead, stay alert for deals, and don’t be afraid to explore alternative options. Your wallet — and your Detroit adventure — will thank you.
Safe travels!
