Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas · ICAO KDFW
One of the largest airports in the world by area and the fortress hub for American Airlines. DFW has five horseshoe-shaped terminals (A, B, C, D, E) linked by the Skylink automated people mover, which circles the airfield in under 20 minutes.
DFW Airport Overview
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (IATA: DFW / ICAO: KDFW) is located in Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas. One of the largest airports in the world by area and the fortress hub for American Airlines. DFW has five horseshoe-shaped terminals (A, B, C, D, E) linked by the Skylink automated people mover, which circles the airfield in under 20 minutes.
Hub for: American Airlines
dfwairport.com ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 DFW Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from DFW, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 31 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: DFW is a hub for American Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
DFW TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at DFW average about 13 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Sunday around 11 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~3 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at DFW
- Terminal A: Terminal A Checkpoints at A10 and A28 entries — TSA PreCheck at both
- Terminal B: Terminal B Checkpoint at B30 entry
- Terminal C: Terminal C Checkpoints at C2 and C30 entries
- Terminal D (International): Terminal D Security Checkpoint — international arrivals processed through Federal Inspection
- Terminal E: Terminal E Checkpoint at E16 entry — TSA PreCheck available
DFW Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has 5 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal A
Terminal B
Terminal C
Terminal D (International)
Terminal E
Airlines at DFW — Terminal & Gate Directory
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is served by 14+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines (Domestic) | Terminal A | A1–A39 |
| American Airlines (Domestic & International) | Terminal B | B1–B46 |
| American Eagle | Terminal B | B1–B46 |
| British Airways | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| Emirates | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| Japan Airlines | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| Korean Air | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| Lufthansa | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| Qantas | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| All international carriers | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| Sun Country | Terminal D (International) | D1–D40 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal E | E1–E38 |
| United Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E38 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E38 |
| JetBlue | Terminal E | E1–E38 |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E38 |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E38 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve DFW:
Where to Eat at DFW — Dining & Food Guide
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has 18+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From DFW — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Dallas–Fort Worth from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport:
- Skylink — automated people mover connecting all terminals, runs 24/7, complimentary
- DART Orange Line — light rail to downtown Dallas, ~55 min
- TEXRail commuter rail — train to downtown Fort Worth, ~60 min
- Ride-share & taxi — pickup at Lower Level of each terminal
- Rental car center — via shuttle bus or Skylink to Remote South station
DFW Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Terminal Parking
Garages at each terminal, closest walk
Express Parking
Covered garages, short shuttle ride
Remote Parking
Free shuttle service, budget option
Valet
Available at Terminals A, B, C, D, E
Airport Lounges at DFW
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- American Admirals Club (Terminals A, B, C, D)
- Delta Sky Club (Terminal E)
- American Flagship Lounge (Terminal D)
- Centurion Lounge (Terminal D)
DFW Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Whataburger, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Sky Canyon.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. DFW has 4 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 5 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
DFW Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at DFW?
Typical TSA security wait times at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) average around 13 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest sunday around 11 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our DFW TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from DFW. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at DFW are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of DFW?
DFW is served by carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and others. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is a hub for American Airlines.
How many terminals does DFW have?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has 5 terminal areas: Terminal A; Terminal B; Terminal C; Terminal D (International); Terminal E. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from DFW to downtown Dallas–Fort Worth?
Popular ways to reach downtown Dallas–Fort Worth from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport include Skylink; DART Orange Line; TEXRail commuter rail. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does DFW have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like DFW also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at DFW?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Whataburger, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Salt Lick BBQ, Shinsei, Pappasito's Cantina, Hickory Creek BBQ. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is DFW located?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is in Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas (TX). Its IATA code is DFW and its ICAO code is KDFW. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.