Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) mostly serves regional and domestic flights. If you’re hoping for a direct international route, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Nearby Detroit Metropolitan Airport, though, is a different story. It offers a wide range of international airlines you can use for your trips.
If you’re flying internationally from Ann Arbor, your best bet is to connect through Detroit Metro. Major airlines like Delta, American, and United have tons of global routes from there.
Getting to Detroit Metro from Ann Arbor is pretty easy. You can hop in a car or catch a shuttle, so the trip is convenient for international travel.
Knowing which airlines operate nearby helps you plan smarter. It can make all the difference for finding the best routes and prices.
You get more choices for flight times and airlines this way. It’s a little extra planning, but it pays off.
Key Takeaways
- Ann Arbor Airport handles mostly domestic flights.
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport is the main hub for international travel near Ann Arbor.
- Major international airlines operate from nearby hubs, giving you many travel options.
Overview of International Travel Options at Ann Arbor Michigan Airport
Ann Arbor Michigan Airport is mainly for regional and domestic flights. For international trips, you rely on nearby airports that connect to global destinations.
Understanding your options here makes planning a whole lot easier.
Current International Connectivity
Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) doesn’t offer direct international flights. Most airlines here stick to domestic routes.
You can book flights through big carriers like American Airlines, United, Delta, and Southwest. They’ll get you to larger hubs handling international travel.
If you want to go abroad, you’ll usually transfer at airports like Detroit Metro (DTW). Some regional flights can connect you to bigger cities with long-haul flights.
You can still find good rates and convenient schedules using ARB as your starting point.
Proximity to Major International Hubs
Ann Arbor is about 25 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). DTW is one of the largest international airports in the region.
DTW offers direct flights to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Traveling between Ann Arbor and DTW is easy—car, shuttle, you name it.
That close distance means you can reach many international destinations with just a short trip to DTW. It saves you time and gives you way more flight options.
Major International Airlines Serving Nearby Airports
Looking for international flights near Ann Arbor? Focus on airlines at the bigger nearby airports.
These airports host plenty of global carriers connecting you all over the world. Let’s break down your options with major airlines and alliances, mostly at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
Delta Air Lines and Global Partners
Delta Air Lines is a top pick for Ann Arbor travelers. Operating from DTW, Delta offers direct flights to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Delta teams up with partners like Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. That means shared routes and smooth connections.
You can book flights to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Seoul—all on one ticket. Delta’s DTW hub gives you frequent flights and flexible schedules.
SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and oneworld Member Carriers
DTW is mainly a SkyTeam hub, thanks to Delta and its partners. But other alliances serve Detroit too.
- SkyTeam: Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air—lots of international routes.
- Star Alliance: United and Lufthansa serve Detroit, offering access to Europe and Asia.
- oneworld: American Airlines has a smaller presence but is available via connecting hubs.
You get a wide range of airlines to fit your budget and itinerary. That’s always a plus.
Comparison With Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
DTW is hands down your best option for international travel near Ann Arbor. It’s got more airlines, direct flights, and destinations than Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB).
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Detroit Metro (DTW) | Ann Arbor Municipal (ARB) |
|---|---|---|
| International Airlines | Delta, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa | Limited or none |
| Direct International Flights | Many, including to Europe & Asia | Rare or none |
| Flight Frequency | High | Low |
| Main Airline Alliances | SkyTeam, Star Alliance, oneworld | Mostly domestic carriers |
DTW just gives you way more options for international air travel.
Choosing the Best International Airline for Your Journey
When picking an international airline from Ann Arbor, focus on quality, service, and destinations. How easily can you get where you want to go?
Airline Quality and Service Considerations
Look for airlines with a reputation for good customer service, comfort, and safety. KLM/Air France, Lufthansa, Swiss, and Finnair are solid picks for Europe.
For Asia, check out ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, or Emirates. Some of these airlines really go above and beyond.
Pay attention to amenities on long flights—in-flight entertainment, meals, and seat comfort can matter more than you think. It’s also worth considering how easy it is to manage bookings or get help.
Reliability and on-time performance? Always good to check.
Available Destinations and Route Coverage
Not every airline flies directly from Ann Arbor to your dream destination. Most international flights need a connection through bigger hubs like Detroit or Chicago.
Check your preferred airline’s route map to make sure they cover your destination. Some are stronger in Europe, others in Asia or the Middle East.
Compare flight times and layovers too. Sometimes a longer direct flight is better than a quick hop with a bunch of stops.
See what’s available from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, since that’s where most international flights connect.
Travel Tips for International Flyers from Ann Arbor
If you’re flying internationally from Ann Arbor, planning your ground transportation and timing is key. Getting to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) smoothly can save you a lot of stress.
Ground Transportation Solutions
To reach DTW from Ann Arbor, the Michigan Flyer bus is a reliable pick. It runs regularly, the buses are clean, and the drivers are usually pretty friendly.
The bus stops downtown Ann Arbor, so you don’t have to mess with airport parking. If you’d rather drive, leave extra time for parking—especially when it’s busy.
Ride-shares and taxis are available, but traffic can slow you down, so plan ahead. Booking Michigan Flyer tickets in advance is smart, especially during peak travel days.
That way, you’re not scrambling last minute for a seat.
Travel Planning and Scheduling Advice
Try to get to the airport early for international flights. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck or checked bags, give yourself extra time.
At DTW, boarding can kick off more than 90 minutes before your flight leaves. That’s a lot earlier than you might expect, so build in a cushion.
Got a flight at 5:00 AM? It’s probably best to set up your ride in advance. The first Michigan Flyer bus or other public transit might cut it too close.
Double-check your airline’s boarding times, and maybe glance at airport security wait times online. It’s way less stressful if you’re not sprinting through check-in.
Keep your passport or ID handy—digging through your bag at the counter is never fun.