Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is American Airlines’ largest connecting hub and one of the busiest airports in the country. The facility is larger than Manhattan and bustles from morning to night with more than 850 daily American flights, plus service from most major U.S. carriers and several overseas airlines. From DFW, you can reach more than 250 global destinations nonstop or with just one stop. But navigating this behemoth takes a little know-how, which is where my experience passing through here 4 times a month comes in handy.
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’m going to Dallas, I hop the DART train instead, which costs far less. Once you reach downtown Dallas, you can grab a rideshare from there for a fraction of what you’d pay from the airport.
For travelers going to Fort Worth and other spots in the Metroplex, the TEXRail service departs from Terminal B. Free shuttles run from the other terminals to get you to the boarding platform, making it an easy transfer.
If you choose to drive, there’s plenty of parking with lots connected to all the terminals. Here’s a pro tip: if someone is dropping you off in the morning, ask them to take you to the arrivals level where traffic is lighter. In the evening, have them drop you at the departures level. Just do the reverse when you’re getting picked up to save some time.
How to get around DFW
The Skylink train does the heavy lifting for navigation at DFW. This automated system runs the perimeter of the airport, with 2 stops at each of the 5 terminals (A to E). But don’t expect a completely effortless journey. You’ll still face long walks without moving walkways to reach some of the 171 gates here, and as someone who passes through DFW 4 times a month, I can tell you that your step count will get a friendly boost.
I recommend allowing at least one hour between connecting flights when possible. Long taxi times and severe weather can lead to delays, and frequent flyers like me joke that the 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.
The original semi-circular design at DFW means you can pull right up to your exact departure terminal rather than enter a central facility where walks can be long. If you’re starting your journey in Dallas, this layout is fantastic. You enter security close to your gate, and when arriving, baggage claim is just a short walk away with ride pickup nearby.
The people doing the most walking at DFW are those connecting between flights. American Airlines runs more than 850 flights daily through this facility, connecting communities small and large, which means there’s a lot of connecting traffic navigating those 171 gates.
Security checkpoints
Each terminal has several security checkpoints, but not all of them have TSA PreCheck facilities. I use the airport’s app (also available on the website) to see real-time wait times at different checkpoints. I don’t mind walking a little farther to avoid lines, and I’m more likely to choose security near the airline lounge I’m planning to visit.
You can pass through any terminal’s security checkpoint regardless of where your flight departs, especially convenient for American Airlines customers without checked bags who can use Skylink to reach their gate. Just make sure you have enough time to reach your gate after clearing security.
What often surprises me when arriving from an international flight in Terminal D is that the security lines for connecting flights can be a pain. You’ll need to take an escalator, and the closest TSA lane doesn’t always have PreCheck open. Here’s a good hack: just walk around the corner to the main Terminal D check-in area. Terminal D offers TSA PreCheck lanes at checkpoints D18, D22, and D30, which also feature Automated Screening Lanes for increased efficiency. In my experience, the lines there are almost always shorter, and you’ll find a dedicated PreCheck lane.
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.
If you have a long layover and you’re traveling on an American or oneworld alliance flight that day, I recommend using 15,000 American Airlines miles for Flagship Lounge access if you qualify. The lounge features a specialty cocktail bar, chef-inspired buffet meals, a premium wine table, shower suites, and excellent planespotting views.
There are also 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).
Terminal E has lounges for 3 airlines (American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club and United Club), plus a Plaza Premium Lounge, but I don’t recommend them. Unless you have no other choice, these lounges are tiny and can get packed to the gills.
What to do on a long layover
When I have at least 4 hours between flights (especially when connecting from South America to Europe), I take the Grapevine Visitors Shuttle to this charming Texas town next door to the airport. For just $5 for an individual day pass or $10 for a family pass, you can explore Grapevine’s historic downtown with shops and cafes, wine bars serving Texas vintages and family water parks at 2 nearby resorts. The shuttle departs from Terminal D (Grand Hyatt) and Terminal C (Hyatt Regency) with stops at Historic Downtown Grapevine, Grapevine Mills shopping mall, and Bass Pro Shops. Each time I use the shuttle, there are always people heading to Grapevine Mills.
There are 2 hotels right on the airport property. The Grand Hyatt at DFW is located inside Terminal D and offers day-use rates for travelers with layovers, plus a rooftop pool perfect for plane spotting. The Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport is accessible via walkway from Terminal C and features a heated outdoor swimming pool. Check both hotels for rates if you need to stay overnight.
If you don’t have enough time to leave the airport, head over to the DFW Employee Store at Gate C2 in Terminal C. While the name suggests it’s only for staff, it’s open to everyone. It sells everything from aviation memorabilia to American Airlines souvenirs. As an aviation fan, it’s a monthly ritual for me when time allows.
Alternate airport to DFW
There is a second airport in the area that is closer to downtown Dallas and can be easier for some travelers: Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL).
Folks in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex have two airports to choose from, but they are very different. While DFW is home to American and most global airlines, Dallas Love Field is closer to town (about 7 miles from downtown) and serves as the corporate headquarters and major operating base for Southwest Airlines, providing nonstop service to destinations throughout the United States. If you’re not flying Southwest, there are only a handful of flights on other airlines.
The DART Orange and Green Lines stop at Inwood/Love Field Station, where a free Love Link shuttle will take you to the terminal. This is far cheaper than a taxi or rideshare. However, getting to Love Field from Fort Worth or other towns requires transferring from the Trinity Railway Express to DART Rail at Victory Station, then to the Love Link shuttle at Inwood/Love Field Station. The TRE leg alone takes approximately 54 minutes, so the total journey can easily take over an hour.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
