Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) Flights & Flight Status

Larger than the size of Manhattan and one of the busiest airports in the country, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is bustling from morning to night. This is the largest connecting hub for American Airlines, but also home to most major U.S. carriers and several overseas airlines. From DFW, you can take nonstop flights to most destinations worldwide, or reach them with just one stop. But, navigating this behemoth takes a little know-how.

How to get around DFW?

At first glance, the massive airfield and terminal complex seem overwhelming, but the Skylink train that runs its perimeter does most of the heavy lifting. Each terminal (A to E) has two stops on the train, but that does not mean you won’t face long walks without moving walkways to reach one of almost 200 gates here. As someone who passes through DFW probably four times a month, I can tell you that your step count will get a friendly boost.

It is not always possible given flight schedules, but the wisest move is to allow at least one hour between connecting flights. Long taxi times and severe weather can sometimes lead to delays. In fact, frequent flyers like me joke that the airport’s DFW code stands for “Doesn’t Function Wet.” Southern summer storms can wreak havoc with a domino effect throughout the day. But, when the airport functions properly, it’s a mega hub with star power taking travelers to all corners of the globe.

American Airlines runs nearly 900 flights a day through this facility connecting communities small and large. The original, semi-circular design of this airport means travelers can pull right up to the exact terminal they are departing from rather than enter a central facility where walks can be long once past security.

If starting in Dallas, I love the ability to enter security and be close to my gate. When arriving, your baggage claim is just a short walk from your gate, and a ride can collect you not far from there. This means that the people doing the most walking at DFW are those connecting between flights.

Security checkpoints

Each terminal has several security checkpoints, but not all of them have TSA Pre-Check facilities. Personally, I use the airport’s app (it’s also available on the airport’s website) to see real-time information on which checkpoints have the least amount of wait time. I don’t mind doing a little walking instead of waiting in line. I am also more likely to go through security that is close to the airline lounge I fancy visiting. You can pass through any terminal security checkpoint no matter where your flight is departing, but be sure to do the math to make sure you have enough time.

What often surprises me when arriving from an international flight and exiting the immigration area in Terminal D is that the security lines for a connecting flight can be a pain. You’ll need to take an escalator, and more often than not, the closest TSA lane does not always have a PreCheck lane open. But, a good hack is to just walk around the corner to the Terminal D check-in area where lines are almost always shorter and there is a PreCheck lane.

How to get to or from DFW

Rideshare services and taxis like to charge upwards of three digits to get to Dallas or Fort Worth, but there is enough demand that they can get away with it. If I am going to Dallas, I hop the DART train instead for a pittance. Once you reach downtown Dallas, you can then hop a rideshare from there for a fraction of the cost.

Fort Worth and other Metroplex-bound travelers have the TexRail service, which departs from Terminal B. Free shuttles run from other terminals to take passengers to the boarding platform.

If you choose to drive, there is ample parking with lots connected to all of the terminals. If someone is dropping you off in the morning hours, I always ask them to take me to the arrivals level where traffic is less busy since most people are flying out around that time. If it’s in the evening hours, and someone is dropping you off, have them take you upstairs to the departures level, where it can be less busy. If you’re being picked up, do this trick in reverse to save some time.

Best lounges at DFW

For an airport as big as this, it comes as no surprise that it has nearly a dozen lounges. The American Admirals Clubs are fine, but the club with the best views is in Terminal D where most of the international flights depart. Next door is my favorite lounge in the airport, American’s Flagship Lounge, but it is only for international travelers in premium cabins.

If you have an especially long layover (and are traveling on a Oneworld alliance flight that day), I recommend forking over some stashed American Airlines miles) for access. Not only does it have great planespotting views, but there is an open bar, hot and cold buffets, napping area and showers.

There are several credit card-affiliated lounges worth exploring if you have the right card. In Terminal D, the first Capital One Lounge in the system opened and is extremely popular with cardholders. In addition to a hot and cold buffet, it has a grab-and-go section that makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t plan to stick around.

In the same terminal is the Centurion Lounge for American Express’ top cardholders. I recommend making sure you have access before you venture over to Terminal D as it’s a lot of walking, even with the airport train. Both credit card lounges give details on their apps if there is a wait required once you reach the lounge (in my experience, frustratingly, there often is).

In Terminal E, there are lounges for three airlines plus a Plaza Premium Lounge for credit cardholders. But, I don’t recommend them. Unless you have no other choice, all of these lounges are like shoeboxes and can get packed to the gills.

Alternate airport to DFW

There is a second airport in the area that is closer to downtown Dallas and can prove easier for some travelers: Dallas Love Field Airport

Citizens of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex have two airports to choose from, but they are decidedly different from each other. While DFW is home to American and most of the global airlines and destinations, the alternative Dallas Love Field airport is closer to town. It is a major airport for Southwest Airlines and serves many domestic destinations. If you’re not flying Southwest, there are only a handful of flights on other airlines.

The DART train from central Dallas also makes a stop at a station near Love Field. Travelers then take a free bus transfer to the terminal. This is far cheaper than a taxi or rideshare service. But, reaching the airport from Fort Worth or other towns not connected to the DART network is more complicated since you would have to change trains and it can take over an hour.

What to do on a long layover

When I have 5-6 hours to kill between flights (yes, that’s a thing, especially when connecting from South America to Europe), I make a beeline for the free Grapevine Visitors Shuttle. This charming Texas town is next door to the airport. It has an airport viewing park to watch planes landing and taking off, a historic downtown with shops and cafes, wine bars serving Texas vintages and family water parks at two nearby resorts. Each time I use the shuttle, there are always people ready to shop at Grapevine Mills shopping mall.

There are two hotels on the airport property. Grand Hyatt at DFW sits atop Terminal D (there’s an elevator directly from the airport to the lobby). It offers day rooms, a rooftop pool where you can plane spot and some private meeting and dining rooms for hosting a fast meeting. Hyatt Regency DFW Airport is also within walking distance through the parking garage. It has an outdoor pool, and if you need to stay overnight, its rooms are often cheaper than the Grand Hyatt.

If you don’t have enough time to leave the airport, head over to the DFW Employee Store near gate C2. While its name suggests it is only for staff, it is open to the traveling public. It sells everything from aviation memorabilia and model airplanes to luggage and American Airlines souvenirs. As an aviation fan, it’s a monthly ritual I add to my routine when time allows.