Airlines and Terminals at Dallas Fort Worth Airport
DFW is one of the largest airports in size and traffic volume among the airports in the world. DFW with five different terminals (A through E) also functions as a major hub for American Airlines, DFW’s largest airline partner. DFW caters for many domestic and international flights and passengers can be connected to many destinations within North America, Europe, Asia and the rest of the world. To successfully flow through these airports it is essential to identify which airline is situated in which terminal besides the services and products offered there. As you plan for your flight, you may be flying with a small airline, a regional airline, or one of the many low-cost airlines in the region whether from the large international carrier, this guide will help you decide which terminal to go to for your flights.
Introduction to Airport Terminals at DFW
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a sprawling airport covering over 17,000 acres, with five passenger terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. All these terminals are shaped more or less semi-circular and are linked by a very efficient Skylink train transport system that would enable passengers to move from one terminal to the other in comfort. Here's an in-depth look at each terminal:
Terminal Connections and Transportation
All five terminals are connected by the Skylink train system that allows the passengers to transfer from one gate to the other even if it is very far. This is an added advantage of the train for instance passengers do not need to go through security checks again having been done already within security. Outside security, the Terminal Link shuttle buses though cost-free convey passengers between terminals.
Guidelines for Moving around DFW Terminals
- It is strongly advised to know your terminal and gate before time as DFW airport is very large and huge areas require to be covered on foot.
- Skylink train should be used when moving between terminals especially when there is a short connection time.
- Learn how to navigate DFW with the help of the airport’s official assets such as the official app and digital displays to find gates, food, and amenities.
Airlines Operating at Each Terminal - DFW
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a central transportation center for domestic and also an international flight with numerous global destinations. Here's a breakdown of the airlines and the terminals they operate from:
Terminal A, B, and C
These terminals exclusively host American Airlines domestic flights:
- Terminal A: Gates A8–A39
- Terminal B: Gates B1–B49
- Terminal C: Gates C2–C39
Some of the American Airlines flights are also provided from Terminal D (International) and Terminal E (Domestic overflow) because DFW is the main hub for American Airlines.
Terminal D - International Terminal
Terminal D is mainly used for international flights and is home to local and global airlines and some American Airlines international flights. Airlines operating here include:
Airlines Operating in Terminal D (International Terminal)
| Airlines | Gate Range |
|---|---|
| AeroMexico | D6–D16 |
| Air France | D6–D16 |
| Avianca | D6–D16 |
| British Airways | D6–D16 |
| Emirates | D6–D16 |
| Japan Airlines | D6–D16 |
| Korean Air | D6–D16 |
| Lufthansa | D6–D16 |
| Qantas | D6–D16 |
| Qatar Airways | D6–D16 |
| Sun Country Airlines | D6–D16 |
| Viva Aerobus | D6–D16 |
| Volaris | D6–D16 |
Terminal E – Domestic and Low Cost
Terminal E is home to domestic and low-cost carriers, including a mix of major and budget-friendly airlines:
Airlines Operating in Terminal E
| Airlines | Gate Range |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | E2 |
| Alaska Airlines | E11 |
| Delta Air Lines | E12–E17 |
| Frontier Airlines | E20 |
| jetBlue | E10 |
| Spirit Airlines | E18, E31–E33 |
| United Airlines | E4–E9 |
How to Transfer between Terminals in DFW
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport or DFW is well structured and communicating between terminals is not at all a problem. Here’s a detailed guide on moving between terminals, along with tips for layovers and tight connections:
# Skylink (Inside Security)
Skylink train system is a modern elevated light rail system of transit that provides high-velocity transportation between the five terminals at the DFW airport namely A, B, C, D, and E. It is best for people who are inside the secured area and who need to transfer terminals very fast.
Features of Skylink:
- Frequency: Trains arrive here every 2 minutes.
- Operating Hours: 24 hours a day.
- Travel Time: Inter-terminal transfer time is 5 minutes on average.
- Accessibility: Skylink stations themselves are situated on the 3rd level of the terminal.
- Signage: Skylink icons help find the way to the closest station in the terminal.
Station Locations
- Terminal A: A13–A16 and A29–A34 It is situated between gates A13–A16 and A29–A34 of intercom and electric lock systems.
- Terminal C: Incl. between Gates C8 and C12 and Gates C27 and C32.
- Terminal D: Between Gate D11 and D20 and Gate D 24 to 34.
- Terminal E: Located between Gates E8–E11 and Gates E31–E32.
# TEXRail (Outside Security)
It takes M–F passengers to DFW Airport and from there to Fort Worth. It is best for those who require public transport to get to or from Fort Worth.
Location
The TEXRail station is installed at Terminal B, on the ground floor, at Entry B43. Those disembarking terminal B can use the ‘Rail to Fort Worth’ direction to the TEXRail station.
How to Access
Go to the lower level at the Entry B43. Information signs are there to guide the commuters up to the boarding doing away with the boarding doing away with the need for ticketing machines.
Frequency
- Peak Travel Times: Services run every half an hour.
- Non-Peak Times: Trains depart every hour.
Connection to Other Transit
Passengers can transfer to the DART Orange Line at Terminal A if they have to travel by rail to Dallas.
Comparison of Skylink and TEXRail at DFW
| Feature | Skylink | TEXRail |
|---|---|---|
| Inside/Outside Security | Inside (Secured Area) | Outside (Public Area) |
| Purpose | Inter-terminal transportation | Transit to/from Fort Worth |
| Frequency | Every 2 minutes | 30 minutes (peak); 1 hour (non-peak) |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 | Specific schedule |
| Location | 3rd level of all terminals | Terminal B, Ground Level |
Navigating During Layovers
For passengers with layovers, the Skylink is an efficient way to explore different terminals or access dining and shopping options:
- Download the airport map that is provided on DFW’s website and the application to locate and navigate different points of interest.
- Terminals D and E are equipped with a variety of quality eating places and elegant shops including duty-free shops.
- In a case where you have a layover, airport lounges in Terminals D and E should suffice for relaxation.
Tips for Tight Connections
Know Your Gates
Feel free to go to the information desk to confirm your departure gate or the place where you find your arriving flight.
Use Skylink Wisely
In a case when you are connecting between different terminals, which are located in different regions, Skylink will be the most effective one.
Avoid Exiting Security
Remain in the terminal to utilize the Skylink system, departing the secure area will necessitate the same as through the TSA.
Request Assistance
For disabled travelers or those with very tight schedules, DFW provides golf carts and wheelchair services. It is also advisable to inform your airline ahead of time and request help.