Discover Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Your Ultimate Travel Guide

ABOUT DFW

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the primary airport serving the greater Dallas area, and is located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. DFW was the third busiest airport in the world by aircraft movement, and the fourth busiest by passenger traffic in 2020. The airport, on its own, is bigger than the island of Manhattan. It is the second biggest airport in the U.S. after Denver International Airport, and has its own zip code (75261) and post office designation (DFW Airport, TX.)

DFW is the largest hub for American Airlines, which is also headquartered near the airport. As of September 2023, DFW offers service to 273 destinations in 44 countries.

The airport has five terminals and 184 gates, all designed with expansion in mind. The terminals are almost all in a semicircular configuration. DFW completed its $2.7 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program, with renovations to three of the four original terminals—A, B and E. Renovations to Terminal C were delayed in 2014, but will likely resume alongside the construction of the new Terminal F, with a completion date set for 2025. In 2019, American Airlines announced plans to construct a sixth terminal at DFW.

Passenger airlines servicing DFW include Aeromexico Connect, Air Canada Express, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Avianca El Salvador, Boutique Air, British Airways, Contour Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Denver Air Connection, Emirates, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines, JetBlue, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, United Express, VivaAerobús, and Volaris.

AIRPORT DINING AND AMENITIES

There are plenty of dining options to satisfy hungry travelers. If shopping is your bag, then visit the plethora of newsstand, boutique, and bookstore options that DFW offers. A full list of restaurants, shops, and amenities is available on the DFW website. 

DFW is a super kid-friendly airport! Young flyers will enjoy the classic McDonalds Play Area in Terminal D, which also offers adult travelers ample access to electronic charging ports. 

 Nursing rooms for mothers are available near gates A18, B40, D2, D36, E14, and E26.

Fitness-forward flyers will love DFW’s yoga studios, located near gates D40 and E31.Need some shut-eye before a flight? Book a room at DFW’s new Minute Suites. Locations in Terminal A or Terminal D. 

DFW RESERVED PARKING

Parking near DFW with The Parking Spot helps travelers find the best, most convenient, and most cost-effective parking option so the car-to-air transfer is as seamless as possible. On average, parking with The Parking Spot is 10-40% less expensive than parking at the airport. If you would prefer a Premium parking experience, check out our covered parking options. 

The Parking Spot is within minutes from DFW and includes complimentary door-to-door shuttle service to and from the airport. 

• Access to the lowest rates via reservation and pre-pay on The Parking Spot app or TheParkingSpot.com
• 24/7 on-call shuttle service
• Shuttle tracking through The Parking Spot app
• Luggage assistance
• Free bottled water
• Soft Hands Car Care for select locations and parking types
• Short and long-term parking options
• Premium parking option with even faster service and added benefits
• Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Express check-in and check-out through The Parking Spot app

HOTELS NEAR DFW

There are plenty of convenient places to stay close to DFW. Check out these nearby hotel options:

• Hyatt Regency DFW
  • 2334 North International Parkway, DFW Airport, Texas, 75261
  • Ph.: +1.972.453.1234
• Grand Hyatt DFW
  • 2337 South International Parkway, DFW Airport, Texas, 75261
  • Ph.: +1.972.973.1234
• Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
  • 8440 Freeport Parkway, Irving, Texas, 75063
  • Ph.: +1.972.929.8800

ATTRACTIONS NEAR DFW

Dallas Museum of Art (1717 North Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75201) - Located in the arts district of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art features a lovely modern collection that art enthusiasts will enjoy. (18.6 miles from DFW) The Dallas World Aquarium (1801 N Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202) - Committed to conservation of endangered species, this aquarium and zoo will delight visitors of all ages. (18.9 miles from DFW) Reunion Tower (300 Reunion Boulevard E, Dallas, TX 75207) - Catch breathtaking, panoramic views of the city at the 571 foot tall Reunion Tower, located in the heart of the city. With kid-friendly educational activities, the whole family will be entertained. (18.9 miles from DFW) Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218) - Curated to perfection, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is paradise for nature enthusiasts. The award-winning 66-acre arboretum is on the shores of White Rock Lake. (28.6 miles from DFW).

DFW FAQs

Q. How big is DFW?
A. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport sits on 17,207 acres of land. It is the second largest airport by land area in the United States.

Q. What times does DFW open/close?
A. Although the airport is open 24 hours, the operational hours of TSA checkpoints vary. Visit the DFW website for specific checkpoint information.

Q. Does DFW have a USO?
A. DFW has a USO located at Terminal B, Gate 47.

Q. What airlines fly into DFW?
A. Passenger airlines servicing DFW include Aeromexico Connect, Air Canada Express, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Avianca El Salvador, Boutique Air, British Airways, Contour Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Denver Air Connection, Emirates, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines, JetBlue, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, United Express, VivaAerobús, and Volaris.

Q. Where is DFW?
A. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located across Dallas and Tarrant counties in portions of the towns of Irving, Euless, Grapevine, and Coppell. It is the largest hub for American Airlines, which is headquartered nearby.

Q. Where is TSA precheck located?
A. The DFW TSA precheck enrollment center is located in Terminal D.

Q. How busy is DFW?
A. In 2021, over 62 million people flew in and out of DFW airport.

Q. Can my pet fly at DFW?
A. Pets are allowed to fly at DFW, but they must be in carriers at all times except when going through security or visiting a pet relief area.

Q. Is DFW an international airport?
A. DFW is an international airport, offering service to and from destinations globally.

Q. How early should I arrive for my flight at DFW?
A. Passengers should arrive at least 60 minutes prior to flight departure if they are not checking bags. If they are checking bags, then passengers should arrive 90 minutes prior to departure. For international flights, passengers should always arrive at least two hours prior to flight departure.

Q. What can’t I take through TSA?
A. Any liquids over 3.4oz, ammunition, and sporting goods are not allowed through TSA.

Q. Can I vape at DFW?
A. There is no smoking or vaping allowed inside of DFW. There are designated smoking areas located outside of the airport.

Q. Where can I park at DFW?
A. There are many parking options at DFW. Parking near DFW with The Parking Spot helps travelers find the best, most convenient, and most cost-effective parking option so the car-to-air transfer is as seamless as possible.