Dallas

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Airports

Sections

1. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Overview

  • Location: DFW Airport is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) northwest of downtown Dallas and 24 miles (38 km) northeast of downtown Fort Worth.
  • Size: It is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for American Airlines.
  • Code: DFW

Transportation Options

  1. Public Transit:

    • DART Rail (Dallas Area Rapid Transit): The Orange Line connects DFW Airport to downtown Dallas. The DFW Airport Station is located at Terminal A.
      • Cost: $3 for a two-hour pass or $6 for a day pass.
      • Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes to downtown Dallas.
    • TRE (Trinity Railway Express): Connects DFW to both Dallas and Fort Worth. The CentrePort/DFW Station requires a shuttle to the terminals.
      • Cost: $2.50 for a one-way ticket.
      • Travel Time: 30-40 minutes to either city.

  2. Ride-Sharing Services:

    • Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are available.
      • Cost: $25-$50 to downtown Dallas, depending on traffic and time of day.

  3. Taxis:

    • Available at designated taxi stands outside each terminal.
      • Cost: Approximately $45-$55 to downtown Dallas.

  4. Rental Cars:

    • A consolidated Rental Car Center is accessible via a free shuttle from all terminals.
      • Cost: Varies by company and car type, but expect $40-$100 per day.

  5. Airport Shuttles:

    • Shared shuttles like SuperShuttle are available.
      • Cost: $20-$40 per person, depending on the destination.

Arrival Procedures

  1. International Arrivals:

    • Passengers arriving on international flights will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Terminal D.
    • Ensure you have your passport, visa (if required), and completed customs declaration form.
    • After clearing customs, you can recheck your luggage if you have a connecting flight.

  2. Domestic Arrivals:

    • Domestic passengers deplane and proceed directly to baggage claim or connecting flights.

Departure Procedures

  1. Check-In:

    • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
    • Self-service kiosks and staffed counters are available for check-in.

  2. Security Screening:

    • TSA PreCheck lanes are available for eligible passengers.
    • Standard security screening requires removing shoes, belts, and electronics.

  3. Terminals:

    • DFW has 5 terminals (A, B, C, D, E) connected by the Skylink train, which is free and runs every 2 minutes.

Facilities

  • Dining: A wide range of restaurants, from fast food to sit-down dining, including local Texas favorites like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Whataburger.
  • Shopping: Duty-free shops, luxury brands, and convenience stores.
  • Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited throughout the airport.
  • Lounges: Airline lounges (e.g., American Airlines Admirals Club) and independent lounges like The Club DFW.
  • Other Services:
    • Currency exchange counters in Terminal D.
    • Family restrooms and nursing rooms.
    • Pet relief areas.
    • On-site hotels, including the Grand Hyatt DFW and Hyatt Regency DFW.

Local Tips

  • DFW is massive, so allow extra time to navigate between terminals.
  • Use the Skylink train for quick transfers between terminals (post-security).
  • If you have a long layover, consider visiting the Foundersโ€™ Plaza Observation Area near the airport for plane spotting.

2. Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

Overview

  • Location: Love Field is located about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of downtown Dallas.
  • Size: A smaller airport primarily serving domestic flights, with Southwest Airlines as its main carrier.
  • Code: DAL

Transportation Options

  1. Public Transit:

    • DART Bus Route 524: Connects Love Field to the Inwood/Love Field Station on the DART Green and Orange Lines.
      • Cost: $3 for a two-hour pass or $6 for a day pass.
      • Travel Time: 20-30 minutes to downtown Dallas.

  2. Ride-Sharing Services:

    • Uber and Lyft are available.
      • Cost: $15-$25 to downtown Dallas.

  3. Taxis:

    • Available outside the terminal.
      • Cost: Approximately $20-$30 to downtown Dallas.

  4. Rental Cars:

    • Rental car counters are located on-site.
      • Cost: $40-$100 per day, depending on the company and car type.

  5. Airport Shuttles:

    • Shared shuttles are available but less common than at DFW.
      • Cost: $15-$30 per person.

Arrival Procedures

  1. Domestic Arrivals:

    • Love Field primarily handles domestic flights, so passengers can proceed directly to baggage claim or connecting flights.

  2. International Arrivals:

    • Love Field does not handle international flights requiring customs clearance.

Departure Procedures

  1. Check-In:

    • Arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight.
    • Southwest Airlines offers self-service kiosks and staffed counters.

  2. Security Screening:

    • TSA PreCheck lanes are available.
    • Standard security screening applies.

  3. Terminal Layout:

    • Love Field has a single terminal with 20 gates, making it easy to navigate.

Facilities

  • Dining: Local favorites like Whataburger and Dickeyโ€™s Barbecue Pit, as well as national chains.
  • Shopping: Limited options, including convenience stores and gift shops.
  • Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited.
  • Lounges: The Club at DAL is available for all passengers for a fee.
  • Other Services:
    • Family restrooms and nursing rooms.
    • Pet relief areas.

Local Tips

  • Love Field is much smaller and easier to navigate than DFW, making it a preferred choice for domestic travelers.
  • Parking is more affordable and closer to the terminal compared to DFW.
  • If flying Southwest Airlines, check in early to secure a good boarding position (Southwest uses an open seating policy).

Comparison of DFW and DAL

| Feature | DFW | DAL | |------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------| | Size | Large, international hub | Small, domestic-focused | | Main Airline | American Airlines | Southwest Airlines | | Distance to Downtown| 20 miles | 6 miles | | Public Transit | DART Rail, TRE | DART Bus | | Ease of Navigation | Complex, multiple terminals | Simple, single terminal | | Best For | International and long-haul | Domestic and short-haul |

General Tips for Both Airports

  1. Weather Considerations:

    • Dallas summers are hot, so dress comfortably if traveling during this time.
    • Severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms) can occasionally cause delays.

  2. Parking:

    • Both airports offer on-site parking, but DFW has more options, including remote lots with shuttles.
    • Parking costs range from $10-$30 per day, depending on proximity to the terminal.

  3. Accessibility:

    • Both airports are wheelchair accessible and offer assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Contact your airline in advance to arrange services.

  4. Language:

    • English is the primary language, but signage often includes Spanish translations.

By understanding the differences and features of DFW and DAL, you can choose the airport that best suits your travel needs. Safe travels!