Everything you need to know about traveling to DFW and getting around the airport.
In this guide:
- Getting to Dallas Fort Worth Airport
- Arriving at the airport
- DFW Airport Check-In
- Dallas Airport Security Screening
- Boarding & Connecting Flights at DFW
- Dallas Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?
- DFW Airport Shops
- Dallas Airport Duty Free
- Dallas Airport WiFi
Getting to Dallas Fort Worth Airport
The best way to get to DFW Airport depends on the trip you have planned. The size of your group, how much luggage you have, the length of your trip, and other factors, can all play a part in deciding how to get to the airport.
Getting to DFW Airport is easy to arrange. You can drive, use local rail links, arrange taxis, or use shuttle services to reach the airport.
Driving directions to DFW Airport are simple to find. Simply enter your destination into a satnav and follow the route presented. You can even combine travel options by using Airport Parking Reservations to find the best value offsite DFW Airport parking and then taking a shuttle for the final leg of the journey.
Arriving at the airport
How early to arrive at DFW is dependent on the flight you’ve booked:
- Domestic passengers should aim to be at the terminal two hours before take-off.
- International travelers should arrive at the airport three hours before their flight departs.
Wait times and queues can increase during busy periods, such as peak hours or during holiday seasons. Take this into account when planning your travel times to the airport.
DFW Airport Check-In
DFW Airport check in locations and times are decided by the airline you’re traveling with and the time of your flight. Confirm with your airline for the exact DFW check in time to make sure you have plenty time before your flight.
Other options are also available, such as DFW online check in to reduce waiting times, and DFW curbside check in for a more convenient alternative.
Dallas Airport Security Screening
Every traveler must pass through one of the DFW Airport security checkpoints to reach the departure lounge.
DFW security wait times change depending on the number of upcoming flights scheduled to depart, how busy the airport is, and during peak travel times such as holiday season. Be aware of how these changes may impact your journey through the airport.
DFW TSA PreCheck is available in Terminals A, C, D, and E, to help cut down on the time you spend waiting.
Boarding & Connecting Flights at DFW
Use the screens and boards in the departure lounge to find out when your flight is boarding and what gate you need to be at. You can also use an online tracker to get up-to-date DFW flight status information wherever you may be in the airport.
DFW connecting flights are easy to get to. The process and routes for getting you to a connection have been well-thought out and improved over the years, so you’ll be on your way in no time.
Facilities & Services
Dallas Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?
You can find a great range of DFW Airport restaurants to choose from regardless of the terminal you’re flying out of.
Dallas Fort Worth Airport restaurants include Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Maggiano’s, Qdoba, Jamba, and many more. Try a new cuisine or pick an old favourite, both are great options.
Restaurants at DFW Airport are available in all terminals before and after security.
Dallas Airport Shops
DFW Airport offers a variety of shopping options across its terminals.
Terminal 1 features Atelier, a boutique with stylish clothing and accessories, and Adventure North, perfect for travel essentials and Minnesota-themed gifts. Travelers can also browse Duty-Free Americas for tax-free luxury items, Minnesota State of Nice for local souvenirs, and Hudson News for books and snacks.
Terminal 2 offers convenient options like News & Gift Shops for last-minute purchases. Whether you’re looking for fashion, gifts, or travel necessities, DFW has plenty of shopping choices to explore.
Dallas Airport Duty Free
DFW Airport duty free can be found in various terminals after security. You’ll find a range of products available at great prices, from last-minute holiday essentials to your favourite food and drink. 3Sixty Duty Free and More is the main duty free shops at DFW Airport.
Whether you’re looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself, it’s an ideal stop for high-quality shopping before your international flight. With competitive prices and a curated selection, you can grab some last-minute luxury items before you fly.
Dallas Airport WiFi
DFW WiFi is free for travelers in the airport, ensuring you stay connected and can access the latest about your flight wherever you are in the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does DFW Airport open?
DFW Airport is open 24-hours a day, so you can arrive at any time in advance of your flight. During the night, some sections of the terminals may be closed or unavailable, such as some shops or eateries. Plan ahead in advance to know what to expect.
What time does TSA open at DFW?
TSA at DFW Airport will close for a period of time overnight, but the actual times may vary by terminal, and even the time of year. You may need to stay in, or return to, landside areas of the airport while security is closed.
Does DFW Airport have curbside check in?
Curbside check in is available at DFW Airport, but you should check with the airline you’re flying with if the service is available to you. Details of where curbside check in can be found will come from your airline or the airport’s website.
Are there luggage lockers at DFW?
There are no lockers at DFW Airport. If you have belongings or luggage to store for a while before your flight, you will need to look at offsite options – of which there are plenty to choose from.
Can you smoke at DFW Airport?
Per local laws, smoking inside DFW Airport buildings is prohibited, but there are smoking areas near the entrances to each terminal. As these are landside smoking areas, you will need to go through security after to reach the departure lounge and your flight.
What restaurants are in DFW Airport?
You’ll find a great selection of restaurants and eateries in DFW Airport split across all the terminals – with some before security and others after. With such a vast choice, from the boar’s Head Deli to Panda Express, and Decanted to Whisk & Bowl, all cuisines, food styles, and budgets are accounted for.
Does DFW have free WiFi?
WiFi at DFW Airport is free to all travelers throughout the terminals. Whether you have work to do or want to catch up with a friend before your flight, you’ll have no problems getting connected.
What terminal is American Airlines at DFW Airport?
American Airlines operates out of all five terminals at DFW Airport. Check your flight details carefully to make sure you go to the right terminal on the day of your flight to avoid potential delays.
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