There’s a smell of something new in the air at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.  What is it?  It’s the smell of the brand new $431 million North Terminal, which is Southwest Airlines' new home (beginning today) in Detroit.  The North Terminal will replace the Smith Terminal, which was built back in 1957.

I recently attended an open house for the new terminal, in advance of today's opening.  From the moment you enter the North Terminal, you know you are no longer in the 1950’s era Smith Terminal.  The spacious lobby houses all of the airline ticket counters and kiosks, along with two security checkpoint areas located on each end of the lobby.

Once you pass through security, you really start to see the many amenities offered at this new terminal.  The concourse is bright and airy, and has a very modern feel to it.  There are so many restaurants and cafes to choose from such as TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesday, Villa Pizza, Hockey Town Café, Coffee Beanery Cafe, Pasta Bravo, one of my favorites National Coney Island and several others.  For those of you who need a little pampering before your trip, there is also an XpresSpa.  If you need to pick up any last-minute items for your trip, you can swing by the Borders Bookstore, Brookstone, or the USA Today Travel Zone stores.  If you are picking someone up at the airport, you don't have to circle the airport or stare at the travelers coming down the escalator while waiting for your friends or family.  Instead, you can hang out in the Legend’s Bar located in the baggage claim.  Now you don’t have to dread the airport pickup anymore!

Southwest Airlines occupies gates 20, 21, and 23.  There you will find plenty of seating, including our new plush leather chairs.  Also, you may charge your computer, or other electronic devices, at one of our power stations while surfing the internet via the airport's wireless internet. 

 Next time you travel to or from Detroit (on Southwest Airlines of course!) I hope you enjoy your experience at the new North Terminal.