Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) Flights & Information

Dallas Love Field (DAL) stands as the city’s second-largest commercial airport, handling approximately 17.5 million passengers annually—a respectable figure compared to the much larger Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Conveniently located just seven miles from downtown Dallas, DAL is the headquarters and major hub for Southwest Airlines, known for its single terminal dedicated to domestic flights.

With only 20 gates—18 leased to Southwest, one to Delta, and one to Alaska Airlines—Love Field offers a more streamlined experience compared to the sprawling DFW. Yet, there are still several things to consider when opting for this medium-sized airport for your next flight.

Why you should consider Dallas Love Field

There are several reasons why I often favor DAL over DFW, starting with its proximity to downtown. For many of my frequently traveled routes—such as Dallas to Miami or Fort Lauderdale—DAL often offers lower fares, and the shorter distance means more affordable rideshares. From the moment you arrive at the airport, the experience feels far more manageable.

If you're flying Southwest, you'll find 16 self-service kiosks for check-in and baggage drop in the main area, plus four additional kiosks in a designated Priority section. For Delta and Alaska passengers, the smaller check-in areas are well-organized, keeping congestion to a minimum.

Security is another highlight—lines move swiftly compared to the often-crowded DFW. The post-security layout is equally straightforward: a “T”-shaped concourse with food, shops, and amenities lining the main hallway, which then branches into two sections of 10 gates each. Ample flight information displays keep you updated on departure times, adding to the overall ease of navigating this airport.

Despite its modest size, DAL impresses with its breadth of destinations. Southwest flies to over 60 cities year-round, with an additional 20+ seasonal routes. While I personally use DAL for flights to Florida, its busiest routes are to cities like Houston Hobby in Texas, Denver in Colorado, Atlanta in Georgia, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

JSX, a boutique airline offering semi-private jet service, also operates from a private terminal at DAL, though it is separate from the main concourse.

Getting to and from the airport and Dallas

One of DAL’s strongest assets is its location—just a quick, 20-minute drive from downtown Dallas, traffic permitting. You’ll find a variety of options for getting to and from the airport, including rideshares, public transit, rental cars, and personal drop-offs.

Rideshares (Uber & Lyft)

While ridesharing services are convenient at DAL, it's worth noting that the designated pickup and drop-off area can be a bit tricky to navigate. Rideshares (Uber & Lyft), limousine services, and on-demand taxis are directed to Parking Garage B, which is located about a 10-minute walk from the terminal entrance.

For departing passengers, after exiting the terminal, you’ll cross a skybridge to “Love Landing,” the airport’s post-arrival reception area, before navigating escalators or elevators down to reach security (to then go back up to the terminal). On the flip side, after arriving and going down to baggage claim, you’ll have to return upstairs to “Love Landing” to access the skybridge.

It’s a process worth factoring into your travel timeline to avoid any last-minute issues. Basically, don’t order your rideshare too far in advance or have the expectation of your Uber or Lyft dropping you off at DAL and whisking straight through security and on to your flight.

Rideshares (Alto)

Rideshare service Alto, known for its upscale vehicles and vetted drivers, also has a major presence at DAL. However, the pick-up and drop-off area for Alto is more conveniently located on the lower level after exiting baggage claim. Given this convenience plus the upgraded experience of Alto, I’m partial to them when going to and from DAL.

Public transportation

If you’re opting for public transportation, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers a convenient and cost-effective option. The free Love Link shuttle connects DAL to the nearby Inwood/Love Field Station, where DART's Orange and Green light rail lines run into the city and surrounding areas.

Rental cars and personal pickups

For those renting a car, the rental counters are easy to find, located in the arrivals area before the baggage claim. Major car rental companies, including Alamo, Hertz, and Budget, operate from DAL. Once at the correct counter, an employee will direct you to the rental shuttle, which will take you to collect your vehicle.

If you’re being dropped off or picked up by a friend or family member, curbside service is available directly outside the terminal. Alternatively, they can park for free in one of the three garages for up to 30 minutes.

Airport amenities and facilities

Dallas Love Field may not be a mega-airport, but it offers a robust range of amenities, from dining options to unique art displays. Families traveling with young children will appreciate the Lil' Love Lounge, a complimentary play area, while animal lovers can make use of the pet relief areas available both inside and outside the terminal. The airport even offers guided tours of its art collection, showcasing local and national artists.

Staying satiated

You won’t go hungry at DAL. For an airport of its size, it boasts a surprising number of eateries, from quick bites to sit-down meals. The main concourse is home to well-known spots like Maggiano’s Little Italy, while the terminal’s food court offers a range of options, including BBQ, Chinese, pizza, and familiar fast-food chains like Whataburger and Chick-fil-A.

Coffee lovers will find Starbucks at both concourse branches, each offering mobile ordering (Make sure to choose the right one when ordering ahead). There’s also Dunkin’ Donuts in the airport, though they don’t offer mobile ordering. Overall, whether you’re looking for a full meal or a quick caffeine fix, the airport's food offerings are sure to keep you satisfied.

In addition, vending machines are scattered just about everywhere—from baggage claim to hallways to even the parking garages. There are some stocked with snacks, others with drinks, and even several “Farmer’s Fridge” machines with fresh salads and sandwiches. For those hoping to fill up courtesy of lounge access, look elsewhere. There are no airline-branded or Priority Pass-affiliated airport lounges at DAL and there are zero future plans to add lounges to the airport mix.

Art at DAL

One of the most unexpected highlights of Dallas Love Field is its commitment to the arts. Through the Love Field Public Art Program, the airport showcases an impressive collection of aviation-themed works, many created by local artists and inspired by the history of the airport.

While travelers can casually explore the art as they move through the terminal, those with a deeper cultural interest might consider taking advantage of the free guided tours. These tours, lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, are available Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM, or by special arrangement. Requests must be made at least three business days in advance via DAL’s official website.

For the kids

Parents will appreciate the Lil’ Love Lounge, a spacious play area located just off the main concourse, where kids can explore and play to their hearts' content. For a sweet treat, two Baskin-Robbins locations ensure that little ones can enjoy some ice cream, making it a nice reward for good behavior.

Shopping

Though the shopping options at DAL are limited, they do feature stores where you can pick up last-minute travel essentials or local sports memorabilia. The Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and Stars are well-represented here, with shops dedicated to their merchandise.

Staying connected

Staying connected at DAL is easy, thanks to its complimentary and reliable Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Whether you need to get some work done or stream content while waiting for your flight, the connection is fast and accessible.

Navigating security lines at DAL

All passengers departing from DAL pass through a single security checkpoint. There are separate lines for general boarding, TSA Precheck, CLEAR members, and those who have both Precheck and CLEAR.

I love that DAL’s website posts real-time security wait times, helping me to set my expectations before arrival. Although TSA Precheck isn't always essential here, I recommend enrolling if you frequently travel during peak seasons. Many credit cards even cover the Precheck application fee as a perk. CLEAR members will find numerous biometric kiosks throughout the security area, which expedite the process. Several top-tier credit cards also offer this program complimentary for their cardholders.

The future of DAL

More than a decade has passed since the Dallas Love Field Modernization Program was completed in 2014, and there’s ongoing discussion about the airport’s future. However, according to the airport’s current master plan, expansion beyond the existing 20 gates is not in the cards. Nor will DAL be adding international flights anytime soon. Instead, the focus remains on enhancing efficiency and improving the passenger experience.

Alternative airports

If your travels require flying with airlines other than Southwest, you’ll likely need to use Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which handles all international and most non-Southwest flights. DFW is a beast, in my opinion–rather chaotic and overwhelming. So if I am able to reach the same destination from either DAL or DFW, my choice is hands down DAL.