Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your September journey
In September, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) typically sees higher passenger volume around Labor Day weekend and the first and last weekends of the college football season due to University of Michigan games in nearby Ann Arbor. Midweek days like Tuesday and Wednesday often have lower fares and fewer crowds. For best savings, compare weekday flights and book early if traveling around holiday weekends.
For domestic departures from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in September, arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking, TSA security lines, and possible extra traffic near the airport. If you have checked baggage or are traveling during peak times (e.g., early morning or Labor Day weekend), plan for 2 hours. Use DTW's real-time security wait info and mobile check-in to streamline your departure.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) offers a wide range of ground transportation including rental cars, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, hotel shuttles, and fixed-route SMART buses to nearby Detroit suburbs. In September, demand for rideshares can rise around sporting events and Labor Day, so allow extra time or pre-book a rental car if you need guaranteed transport. Consider using the airport's shuttle and rental center to avoid curbside congestion.
Yes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) typically offers non-stop flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in September, primarily operated by Delta Air Lines and sometimes other carriers seasonally. Nonstop schedules may vary by day, so check airline timetables for specific September dates and book early for lower fares. If nonstop seats are limited, consider one-stop options via Chicago (ORD) or Atlanta (ATL).
In September, weather-related delays at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) are relatively uncommon compared with winter months, but you can still encounter thunderstorms, fog, or wind that briefly affect operations. Construction or airline scheduling during the fall can also cause delays, especially around major event weekends. Monitor flight status, sign up for airline alerts, and allow buffer time if you have tight connections.
Travelers departing Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in September should pack layers as Michigan mornings are cooler while afternoons can still be warm, and check airline carry-on and checked baggage rules to avoid fees. If you're traveling to Phoenix, pack sunscreen and light clothing but keep a light jacket for cool evenings or air-conditioned terminals and flights. Use mobile boarding passes and arrive early during peak weekends to speed through check-in and security.
Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in September, expect warm daytime temperatures and pleasantly cooler evenings, with efficient modern terminals and multiple ground transportation options. PHX serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and is a gateway to destinations like Sedona and the Grand Canyon; plan your onward travel accordingly. Use Terminal 4 for major domestic carriers and allow extra time for rental car lines during busy arrival windows.
Yes. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has multiple ground transport options to Scottsdale including rideshares, taxis, hotel shuttles, and private airport shuttle services that operate year-round, including September. Some hotels in Scottsdale offer complimentary shuttles—check directly with your accommodation and reserve ahead during event weekends. Rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked outside each terminal for quick transfers.
As of September, most COVID-19 travel mandates have been lifted, but Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) recommends travelers follow local health guidance such as staying home if ill and considering masks in crowded settings. Check airline-specific rules and state public health pages for the latest advisories before travel. For international travelers, verify any entry requirements to the U.S. well in advance.
September offers travel synergy when flying DTW to PHX: Detroit-area travelers may time departures to coincide with University of Michigan football weekends or the Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Day, while Phoenix hosts early NFL regular-season games for the Arizona Cardinals and a calendar of concerts and fall community events. September also marks the tail end of Arizona's monsoon season—expect occasional storms—and the start of more comfortable hiking weather in Sedona and Grand Canyon day-trip feasibility. Use event-related keywords like 'Detroit to Phoenix flights for Cardinals games' or 'DTW to PHX Labor Day travel' to find targeted fares.
September is a strong time to fly DTW to PHX for travelers seeking shoulder-season advantages: reduced crowds, modestly lower fares than peak winter months, and more comfortable weather in Arizona compared to summer highs. For the best prices and availability, aim for mid-September weekday departures (Tuesday–Thursday). If you want the warmest Phoenix weather and maximum outdoor activity, early September delivers higher temperatures but fewer tourists; for milder hiking conditions, plan for late September.
Choosing between direct and connecting DTW to PHX flights depends on your priorities. Direct non-stop flights save time—typically by 1–3 hours compared to connecting itineraries—and reduce risks associated with missed connections, which is ideal for business travelers or tight schedules. Connecting flights often cost less and expand schedule options but increase total travel time and layover complexity; common connection hubs include Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), and Denver (DEN). For September, check both options: nonstops may sell out on peak dates like early September weekends, while connecting flights can provide cheaper elasticity.
Key airlines operating the DTW to PHX corridor in September include Delta Air Lines (frequent nonstops), American Airlines (connecting via ORD or CLT), Southwest Airlines (competitive fares via connecting itineraries), and occasionally United Airlines (via hub connections). Delta often offers the most nonstop frequency and a broad range of departure times from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), while Southwest provides value-focused pricing and flexible change policies when connecting through other cities to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Compare baggage policies, seat selection fees, and loyalty benefits when choosing a carrier for September travel.
Seasonal tips for DTW to PHX travel in September: pack layers to transition from cool Michigan mornings to warm Arizona afternoons, bring sun protection for Phoenix activities, and verify monsoon-related weather forecasts before outdoor excursions. Book airport transfers and rental cars in advance as demand can spike for weekend sports and event dates. For cheaper fares, target midweek departures and use flexible-date searches with keywords such as 'cheap DTW to PHX September' to find the best windows.
Typical non-stop flight time from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours, depending on wind and routing. The direct distance (great-circle) between Detroit and Phoenix is roughly 1,900 miles (about 3,058 kilometers). In September, expect multiple daily flights on major carriers with early morning and late afternoon options; seasonal adjustments may shift schedules, so verify exact departure times for your travel dates. Connecting itineraries via hubs like Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), and Denver (DEN) add 1–3 hours of total travel time depending on layover.
Find cheap flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in September by using a combination of strategies: search midweek departures, set fare alerts with primary keywords like 'DTW to PHX cheap flights', compare non-stop versus one-stop itineraries, and book roughly 6–8 weeks ahead. Secondary keywords include 'Detroit to Phoenix September deals' and 'budget flights DTW PHX'. Use LSI phrases in queries such as 'Detroit Phoenix airfare', 'cheap nonstop flights DTW PHX', and 'September flight sales to Phoenix'. Sign up for carrier newsletters (Delta, Southwest, American) and employ flexible date searches to uncover the best low-cost options.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), you can rent a car at the airport rental center or take a shuttle service for direct transfers to the Grand Canyon region; driving time to the South Rim is roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. September is a great month for Grand Canyon visits due to milder temperatures compared with summer—book rental cars and lodging early and consider stopping in Sedona for scenic breaks along the way.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers a range of amenities in September including multiple airline lounges, dining options, rest zones, and family facilities in Terminals 3 and 4. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating that is comfortable in early September evenings; check lounge access policies which can vary by airline, credit card, or day-pass availability. For business travelers, PHX provides free Wi-Fi, workspaces, and charging stations throughout the terminals.
Early September can still be part of Arizona's tail-end monsoon season, so arrivals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) may encounter brief storms or heavy rain that occasionally cause ground delays. Monitor local forecasts and allow extra travel time when planning onward transportation, especially if driving to mountain or canyon destinations where flash floods are possible. Keep a flexible itinerary and check airline alerts for potential weather-related schedule changes.
