With international flights and a large population of local travelers, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the highest capacity commercial airports in the world. A major hub for American Airlines, this airport sees approximately 900 daily flights. While navigating through DFW’s extensive terminals may seem like a nightmare, you can easily find your way around the airport once you understand where security checkpoints are located, what to expect when traveling, and how to ask for help. Here we have the 7 top tips for navigating and traveling through the massive Dallas-Fort Worth airport:
1. Security Checkpoints
One of the biggest headaches that many travelers experience at airports is trying to get through security. With long lines and ever-changing rules, the process can be tedious and time-consuming. At DFW, it’s best to arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of schedule to check in at the appropriate gate and be directed to the nearest security checkpoint. And to help passengers cope with the stress of getting through security and navigating terminal after terminal, DFW has introduced 12 therapy dogs to its K9 Crew. The dogs and their handlers are a “friendly presence” in Terminal B and travelers are encouraged to pet, snuggle, and play with the animals in their designated areas throughout the terminal.
2. Connecting Flights
When catching a connecting flight, travelers have two in-airport transit options that can be used either inside of outside of the security checkpoints. The Skylink operates inside of security and connects to all terminals 24-hours a day and includes short, five-minute rides. The Terminal Link is outside of security checkpoints and leaves every 10-minutes between all terminals and services between 5am-12am.
3. Terminals
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, most passengers try to get from terminal to terminal as fast as possible to make a connecting flight. Luckily for you, DFW has a simple and straightforward terminal system that’s easy to chart. And if you’re crunched for time, just remember that DFW only has five terminals that are all lettered A through E and that all international flights take off and land at Terminal D.
4. Ground Transportation
If you’re traveling to the Dallas area and have just landed at DFW, there are plenty of transportation options that can take you to your hotel or final destination, including on-site car rentals and public transit. Alternative taxi services such as Uber and Lyft both have permission to pick up passengers at the airport. And a train system operates in the mornings to accommodate both employees and travelers with early morning flights as well.
5. Family Friendly Areas
Traveling with a fussy newborn or several active youngsters can add more stress to an already stressful trip. To make your flying experience easier with kids, DFW has a fantastic play area for children to run around in before a flight. There’s also a walking path that snakes through the airport, three nursing facilities located at gates A18, B40, and E14, and multiple restaurants that offer a child-friendly atmosphere and menu as well.
6. Missing Luggage
One of the worst things that travelers fear is losing a set of luggage while on vacation. And if you’ve lost any personal belongings either within the airport or while traveling, you can contact the Traveler’s Aid department at DFW by calling (972) 973-4420. The hotline has been around since 1974 and has professional experience with reconnecting passengers with their luggage while also providing support for those in emotional and financial distress as well.
7. Reporting Suspicious Behavior
If you spot any suspicious behavior or persons at DFW, you can file a report by contacting airport security through the Criminal Hotline number at (972) 973-3546. There are also TSA security checkpoints in each terminal to help you stay safe during your travels.