Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) Flights & Information

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the primary hub for American Airlines. I’ve flown through this airport dozens of times over the past few years as an American Airlines elite member. This guide will give you an overview to help navigate DFW Airport with ease, whether you’re departing from the airport or connecting through.

Intro to DFW Airport

DFW Airport is expansive, spanning over 17,000 acres with five primary terminals (A, B, C, D, and E). The airport offers nonstop flights to over 200 domestic and international destinations across its terminals. I enjoy transiting through DFW as it offers plenty of windows and natural light, and it’s an easier airport to navigate than many others.

Each terminal is semi-circular, and all are connected by both airside and landside transportation options making it possible to move between terminals pretty easily. Therefore, while it’s a massive airport, it’s manageable to travel through. However, I’d still recommend having plenty of time to connect between flights (no 30-minute connections here).

Getting there by train

While Texas might not be synonymous with public transportation, the DFW area offers a DART Orange Line connecting downtown Dallas to DFW Airport, with a station located at Terminal A. In addition, the TRE commuter train which serves Fort Worth and Dallas, has a stop at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. Passengers can then transfer to the DFW Airport shuttle from this station to get to any terminal.

Getting there by car (taxi and ride-hailing)

DFW, as you might guess, is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, around 20 miles from each city’s downtown. DFW is accessible via major highways including Highway 121, Interstate 635, and State Highway 114. However, traffic can be heavy in this populated region, especially during rush hours, so plan accordingly. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are straightforward to find, and they pick up and drop off curbside.

Connecting and getting around DFW

For most travelers, DFW isn’t where you originate; it’s where you’re likely connecting through. If this is you, you’ll likely be taking the Skylink Train to get between terminals. The Skylink is a high-speed automated people mover located inside security that connects all five terminal facilities. Trains run every two minutes, and the entire loop around the airport takes about 15 minutes, making it a quick and efficient way to move between gates. Unlike some other terminal train systems, the SkyLink rides smoothly and runs very frequently.

For passengers who are not yet through security, the Terminal Link Shuttle is a free bus service that connects each terminal. Look for Terminal Link signs at the designated pick-up and drop-off points outside each terminal. It’s also possible to walk, but it’ll take some time to travel between each of the terminals.

The DFW terminals

DFW offers a wide range of dining, shopping, and relaxation options, making it one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the U.S. Here’s a terminal-by-terminal breakdown of amenities.

Terminal A: Lounges and amenities

This terminal primarily serves American Airlines domestic flights, and it’s a newer, modern facility with plenty of top-notch amenities. Food and drink highlights include Twisted Root Burger Co. for gourmet burgers, Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill for Asian fusion, and Chick-fil-A for quick bites. There’s also a mini spa facility and an American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal A. Finally, XpresSpa offers massages and spa treatments.

Terminal B: Lounges and amenities

Terminal B has some notable dining options including Whitetail Bistro for elevated American cuisine, Blue Mesa Taco & Tequila Bar for Tex-Mex, and Starbucks for coffee and snacks. There’s another American Airlines Admirals Club here, nursing rooms, children’s play areas, and pet relief stations.

Terminal C: Lounges and amenities

Terminal C features popular spots such as Cousins Bar-B-Q for Texas barbecue, McDonald’s for quick meals, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for Cajun cuisine. However, my favorite feature of this terminal is probably this Minute Suites location, which offers private nap rooms where passengers can rest or work. These private rooms are sold by the hour but members of Priority Pass can access them for free for one hour.

Terminal D: Lounges and amenities

This is the main international facility at DFW, and it’s a modern terminal and my favorite in the airport. First, there’s an impressive selection of dining options, including III Forks Prime Steakhouse for fine dining, Cantina Laredo for Mexican cuisine, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. High-end stores such as Gucci and Coach make Terminal D ideal for luxury–and duty-free–shopping.

Best of all, Terminal D has an array of luxury lounges. There are a total of seven lounges here which include the American Airlines Admirals Club, American Airlines Flagship Lounge, Be Relax Spa, Capital One Lounge, The American Express Centurion Lounge, The Club at DFW, and Minute Suites. Of these, the best lounges—with premium food and drink and a relaxing atmosphere—are the Capital One Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and American Flagship Lounge.

Terminal E: Lounges and amenities

Besides American Airlines, Terminal E also has most other major North American carriers such as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. Terminal E offers dining options like Chili’s Too, Whataburger, and Einstein Bros. Bagels for a range of fast and casual dining.

For lounges, there’s the Delta Sky Club, Gameway Lounge, United Club, and Plaza Premium Lounge. Of these, the Delta Sky Club is likely the most premium lounge with elevated food and drink (enough for a meal) and a relaxing environment. Terminal E is also equipped with play areas for children, pet relief stations, and family restrooms.

Accessibility at DFW

All terminals at DFW have a special assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility which can be requested when you arrive at the airport (or in advance with your airline). With the sheer size of DFW and how busy it can get, it’s important to have plenty of time to get through the airport. With that said, there are elevators, ramps, and escalators along with accessible restrooms throughout the post-security area.

Sleeping near DFW

DFW has numerous hotels both at the terminals and nearby within a few miles of the airport. In addition, the Minute Suites lounges are available if you just need a quick nap in between flights. If it's a really long layover, you can check into the Grand Hyatt DFW, located inside terminal D where you'll find very comfortable rooms, some with runway views, and a rooftop fitness center.

While the Grand Hyatt is by far the most convenient for travelers, as it's right above security for Terminal D, there are at least a dozen other options close by, too. Closer to Terminal C, The Hyatt Regency is another hotel option where you'll have access to a free shuttle that runs all day and night to and from the airport.

Rental cars and other things to know

DFW's Rental Car Center is a centralized facility that gives you the choice of 11 car rental companies. To access this area, there is a complimentary rental car shuttle bus that runs 24 hours a day, departing every 10 minutes or so. When you drop off your car on your return, you'll take this same shuttle bus to get back to the airport.

If you lose something at DFW, the airport’s centralized Lost and Found office is located in Terminal E. You can also file a claim online or contact the office directly for assistance. Finally, DFW is pet-friendly and offers designated pet relief areas in most terminals, both pre-and post-security. Pet relief stations are marked with clear signage and are equipped with waste bags and trash cans.