Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) Guide
Welcome to the bustling Dallas DFW Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. With over 200 destinations served by 28 airlines, DFW is a hub for both domestic and international travel. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, our guide is here to provide you with all the information you need to navigate this massive airport with ease.
Looking for flight status updates, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, or food and shopping directories? Look no further than our extensive guide, designed to help you get from your door to your gate as smoothly as possible. We've got all the insider tips and tricks you need to make your DFW Airport experience stress-free and enjoyable. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through one of the most exciting airports in the world!
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight. This allows enough time for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays. The busiest times at DFW Airport are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid these times if possible.
Getting to the Airport
DFW Airport is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, and is easily accessible by car, shuttle, taxi, or public transportation. If you are driving, there are several parking options available, including valet, covered, and uncovered parking. If you prefer not to drive, there are several shuttle and taxi services available, as well as public transportation options such as the DART Rail and the Trinity Railway Express.
Getting Oriented
When you arrive at DFW Airport, it can be helpful to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps allow you to easily navigate the airport and find your gate, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the airport's free Wi-Fi to access iFly.com and other helpful travel websites.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at DFW Airport, it is important to arrive early, follow all TSA guidelines, and keep an eye on your flight status. You can check your flight status on the airport's website or by downloading the airport's mobile app. It is also a good idea to pack light and avoid bringing prohibited items in your carry-on or checked luggage. By following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Security Wait Times
At Dallas Fort Worth Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and summer months, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented various measures to reduce wait times, such as increasing staffing and utilizing advanced technology. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to clear TSA Security. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) Terminals
Navigating DFW's Terminals
Dallas DFW Airport has five terminals, labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Terminal A has 26 gates, Terminal B has 47 gates, Terminal C has 28 gates, Terminal D has 28 gates, and Terminal E has 39 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines use multiple terminals at DFW, so it's important to check your airline and terminal before arriving at the airport.
To navigate the terminals, passengers can use the Skylink train system, which operates 24/7 and connects all terminals and parking garages. The train arrives every two minutes during peak hours and every four minutes during off-peak hours. There are also moving walkways and escalators throughout the terminals for those who prefer to walk.
Each terminal at DFW offers a variety of food, beverage, and retail options for passengers to enjoy before their flight. Some popular dining options include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Whataburger, and Starbucks. Services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and charging stations are also available throughout the terminals.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
DFW has five terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, and Terminal E. To get between the terminals, passengers can use the Skylink train system, which runs 24/7 and connects all terminals. The train arrives every two minutes during peak hours and every five minutes during off-peak hours. The Skylink train is free and takes approximately two minutes to travel between terminals.
If passengers prefer to walk, there are also pedestrian walkways that connect all terminals. The walk time between terminals varies, but generally takes between 5-10 minutes depending on the terminal. Terminal A and Terminal B are connected by a walkway, as are Terminal C and Terminal D. Terminal E is located on the opposite side of the airport and requires a longer walk or ride on the Skylink train.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Get ready to indulge in a variety of dining options and shopping experiences at Dallas DFW Airport. With restaurants and cafes serving up everything from burgers to French pastries, and shops offering local souvenirs and luxury brands, there's something for everyone. Here are just a few of the top options to whet your appetite and satisfy your shopping cravings.
Whether you're preparing for a flight, making a connection, or just landing, DFW offers an impressive lineup of dining options to cater to your appetite. These restaurants and cafes, spread across various terminals, serve a wide variety of cuisines - from fast food to casual dining to bars and coffee shops. Some of the most popular options include Twisted Root, Pinkberry, La Crème Coffee & Tea, La Madeleine, Smashburger, Subway, Dunkin', Rodeo Bar, Whisk & Bowl, Pizza Hut, Maggiano's Little Italy, Chili's Grill & Bar, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, AV8 Bar & Cafe, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Freshëns, and Panda Express.
At the airport, time flies as you explore an expansive variety of stores and boutiques designed to enhance your travel experience. From fashion and cosmetics to local flavors and unique gifts, shopping at this airport is an adventure in itself. Some of the top shops across various terminals include Destinations, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Talie, iStore, Texas Marketplace, Eddie Bauer, NewsLink, Natalie's Candy Jar
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable stay near the airport? We've got you covered! From luxurious accommodations to budget-friendly options, our list of hotels offers something for every traveler. Enjoy amenities like complimentary high-speed internet, shuttle services to all terminals, modern dining options, and well-equipped business centers. Some hotels even offer unique features like rooftop pools or pet-friendly policies. Check out our comprehensive guide on Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Hotels to find the perfect place to rest, recharge, or get work done during your travel.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
When picking up or dropping off passengers at DFW Airport, it's important to know the rules and regulations to avoid any issues. The airport offers curbside parking for up to 30 minutes for those who are dropping off passengers. However, drivers cannot leave their vehicles unattended, and they must stay with their vehicles at all times. Additionally, there are strict restrictions on parking in the curbside area, and violators may be subject to fines or towing.
For those who are picking up passengers, the airport has designated cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up. Once passengers are ready, drivers can quickly and easily drive up to the terminal curbside to pick them up.
It's important to note that each terminal at DFW has its own designated curbside area, so be sure to check which terminal your passenger is arriving or departing from before heading to the airport. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when picking up or dropping off passengers at the airport.
Parking Facilities & Options
Dallas Fort Worth Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are multiple parking garages and lots located throughout the airport, with a total of over 40,000 parking spaces.
The Terminal Parking Garages are located adjacent to each terminal, providing easy access to the airport. The Express Parking lots are a short shuttle ride away from the terminals, and offer covered and uncovered parking options. Additionally, Remote Parking lots are available for those looking for a more economical option, with shuttle service to and from the terminals.
For those waiting to pick up passengers, the airport provides Cell Phone Waiting Areas located near each terminal. These areas allow drivers to wait in their cars until their passengers are ready to be picked up, without having to pay for parking.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spots located near elevators and shuttle stops.
Off-airport parking is also available near the airport, with several private parking lots offering shuttle service to and from the terminals. These off-airport parking options can be a more economical choice for travelers looking to save money on parking fees.
Get details about DFW parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Dallas DFW Airport, located in the United States, offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a taxi, use shared ride services, or take public transportation, DFW has you covered.
Car rental facilities are located at the Rental Car Center, accessible by shuttle from any terminal. Major car rental providers include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Prices vary depending on the provider and type of vehicle.
Taxis are available at designated taxi stands outside each terminal. Fares are metered and vary based on the destination and time of day. Additional fees may apply for tolls and baggage.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available at DFW. Pickup areas are located at each terminal's designated ride app pickup location. Restrictions may apply, such as a limit on the number of passengers or the size of luggage.
Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from nearby hotels and businesses. Pickup areas are located at the lower level of each terminal. Fares vary based on the destination and provider.
Public transportation options include the Trinity Railway Express, which provides service to downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus system, which provides service to various locations in the Dallas area. The TRE station is located at Terminal B, while the DART bus stops are located at each terminal's lower level.
Passenger Services
DFW is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers every year. To make your travel experience more comfortable, the airport offers a range of passenger services.
If you need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are located in each terminal, and you can report lost items online or in person. If you are traveling with children, there are play areas in Terminal A and Terminal B, as well as a nursing room in Terminal D.
If you require special assistance, the airport provides a range of services for passengers with disabilities or special needs. These include wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and service animal relief areas. You can request assistance at any of the airport information desks or by contacting the airport in advance.
For banking services, there are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks located throughout the airport. Medical help is available at the airport's medical clinic, located in Terminal D. The clinic provides a range of services including first aid, vaccinations, and travel health advice.
Flight Status Info
When traveling by air, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At DFW Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status.
One of the easiest ways is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.
Another convenient way to stay updated is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines have apps that allow passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for their flight. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications through the app to receive updates on your flight status.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
Dallas Fort Worth Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, located in Texas. It has five terminals, Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, and Terminal E, which are connected by a Skylink train system that operates 24/7.
On average, DFW handles around 180,000 passengers daily and operates around 900 daily flights. It serves over 250 destinations worldwide, making it a major hub for American Airlines, which operates the most daily flights from DFW, followed by Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines.
The top five destinations served from DFW are Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York. Other popular international destinations include London, Mexico City, and Tokyo.
In addition to American Airlines, other air carriers that use DFW as a hub include UPS Airlines and Ameriflight.
Airport History
Dallas DFW Airport, also known as DFW, is one of the largest airports in the United States. The airport was built in 1974 to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has since become a major hub for American Airlines.
Here are some significant events in the history of DFW:
- 1974 - DFW Airport opens for commercial flights
- 1985 - Terminal D opens, adding 12 new gates to the airport
- 1993 - The airport becomes the first in the world to use computer-controlled baggage handling
- 2005 - Terminal D expands with the addition of 10 more gates
- 2012 - The airport completes a $2.3 billion renovation project, including the addition of a new international terminal
- 2019 - the airport is named the 15th busiest airport in the world, serving over 75 million passengers annually
Today, Dallas Fort Worth Airport continues to grow and expand, with plans for a new terminal and additional runways in the works.
Airport Contact Info
For more information about Dallas DFW Airport, please use the following contact information:
- Website: https://www.dfwairport.com/
- Phone: 972-973-3112
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: DFW International Airport, P.O. Box 619428, DFW Airport, TX 75261-9428