Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus is the fifth most costly major U.S. airport to fly out of domestically, per the latest transportation department data.

Why it matters: Nothing beats the February blues like planning your summer travel — and being smart about which airports you use might help you save a buck.

By the numbers: Average domestic airfare out of Detroit ran $404 in the third quarter of 2024.

• That's 10% over the average for all U.S. airports, $366.

Yes, but: Consider all your options — there might be a better deal not too far away, according to the same federal statistics.

• Flint Bishop International Airport, an hour from downtown Detroit, offers nonstop flights to Florida, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland and elsewhere, with an average domestic fare of $238.
• The Lansing airport, about an hour and a half from downtown, has a higher average, $439, but may still be worth checking.
• The Grand Rapids airport, just over two hours from downtown, has an average similar to Detroit's, at $401.

State of play: Lots of factors affect airports' average fares.

• If an airport has more work travelers buying business- or first-class tickets, for example, that could drive up the average fare.
• Conversely, a heavy presence of budget airlines could reduce the average fare.

What they're saying: Competition among airlines is another major factor, says Zach Griff, senior reporter at The Points Guy — especially at hubs dominated by one carrier, like United at Washington Dulles International Airport, which had an average fare of $473.

• "If you're based at Dulles, you're at a disadvantage because very few other airlines are flying many of the routes that United flies. And United has monopoly pricing power, and so it raises airfares — it's a strict game of supply and demand."

Zoom in: Detroit Metro Airport is a top Delta hub, seen as the airline's "primary gateway to its Asian market," per Delta's website.

Caveat: This is a snapshot in time, and airfare can rise and fall over the year.

Share with someone needs a long weekend away

Airfare aside, some people are uncomfortable flying right now because of recent plane crashes.

Why it matters: It may seem like plane crashes are on the rise, with recent high-profile incidents — including one of the country's deadliest in decades, the tragic D.C. midair collision that killed 67 people.

Yes, but: 2025 is on pace for fewer fatal aviation accidents compared to the last several years.

By the numbers: There have been 13 fatal U.S. aviation accidents so far in 2025, per NTSB data.

• There were 31 such accidents in January and February 2024, 28 during those months in 2023, 33 in 2022, and 39 in 2021.

How it works: That includes all U.S. civil aviation, from single-engine private planes to commercial airliners — the latter of which have far more pristine safety records.

Go deeper

🇺🇦 Ukraine supporters rallied downtown yesterday to raise awareness of the war with Russia on its three-year anniversary. (Detroit News)

🗳️ Joe Tate, state representative and former state House speaker, was exploring a run for Detroit mayor, but has decided against it. (Crain's)

🚨 I-75 was closed yesterday after a car crash near Mack Avenue left multiple dead. Another fatal crash closed the highway less than a week ago. (WDIV)

🥑 Seva, a vegetarian restaurant in Midtown since 2011, will close after Friday's service because the business is not sustainable. (WXYZ)

🏀 Michigan State's men's basketball team took the Big Ten lead with Friday's 75-62 win in Ann Arbor. (Free Press)

Become an Axios Detroit member and fuel our mission to make readers smarter and faster on the news unfolding here.

Why it's important: The generosity of our members supports our newsroom as we work on the daily newsletter.

What's in it for you: Insider notes from the local reporters and other perks.

Thank you for trusting us.

Apple's new $500 billion investment in the U.S. economy involves Detroit.

The big picture: The tech giant this morning said the four-year commitment will support American innovation and advanced manufacturing in several different states, including Texas, California and Michigan.

Zoom in: A new manufacturing academy in Detroit is part of Apple's plan.

• Apple engineers and experts from local universities, such as Michigan State, will consult with small and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and "smart manufacturing techniques," according to a press release.

Context: In 2021, Apple started a Detroit developer academy. Nearly 1,000 students have graduated.

• The 2023 graduating class of more than 160 students ranged in age from 18 to 70 and came from diverse educational backgrounds.

Go deeper: Apple plans to spend $500 billion in U.S., hire 20,000

With her first solo show, artist Miriam Uhura wants everyone who sees it to feel like they deserve stardom.

The big picture: The exhibition, titled "Noir Star," is at the Playground Detroit gallery. Uhura's brightly colored portraits show her love for Black individuality, showing off methods of self-expression, identity, joy and beauty, according to a press release.

Zoom in: Uhura, a self-taught painter, is from Highland Park. Her work shares how she's grown and come to understand herself better. She wants those who view her work to feel empowered and seen, and embrace some deeper truths about themselves.

If you go: The exhibition is at 2845 Gratiot Ave., open now through March 15. It ends with a closing reception on its final day, 12-5pm.