Flying into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)? Here’s what you need to know…
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is American Airlines’ largest hub and is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. It’s also one of my personal favorites. DFW is far from the city, so it’s not exactly convenient, but it’s the largest airport serving Northern Texas.
If you fly American Airlines, chances are that you’ll have a layover at DFW at some point. Who likes airport layovers? This guy does! OK, maybe I don’t like them, but I don’t mind them that much. Let me put it this way, if I can save some money by making a connection, I’ll probably do it.
1. Don’t let the large airport intimidate you
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is HUGE, but totally manageable. It has trains taking you from terminal to terminal making it easy to get around. No matter where you land, you’ll only need about 15 minutes to make your connection. No sprinting necessary. Best of all, there’s no need to exit security.
2. Admirals Club
So you’re not an Admirals Club member? It may be worth it to become one if you frequently fly out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport or if you often connect through there. How do you feel about free food, free drinks, free magazines, workstations, and a comfortable place to rest? Best perk yet, plenty of places to plug in your phone!
If it doesn’t make sense to pony up the money for the Admirals Club membership, there are a few free lounges located in the terminals. This one is located at the entrance of terminal A from the train. It’s right next to the Starbucks.
It’s no Admirals Club, but it can be a decent place to relax during your layover.
3. Pappasitos Cantina
Located in terminal A. It’s a big place with plenty of seating and lots of extra floor space for your bags. It also has good Mexican food at decent prices. Try the tacos.
Are you getting in or out really late? There are a few 24 hour “convenience stores” located throughout the airport.
4. The Mall
There are stores galore. Anything you want or need, you can get. There are kids toy stores, Texas stores, clothing stores, jewelry stores, cosmetics stores, a Dallas Cowboys for Her store, plus all the standard airport stores. Feel free to browse and if you get tired, stop into Minute Suites for a nap or a shower.
5. Coffee
There are 17 Starbucks’ located throughout the entire airport! Yes, you read that right. Don’t worry about getting past security and not having access to coffee like at this airport. Don’t like Starbucks? There are plenty of other places to get coffee!
Beware!
The rental car center offsite, which is normal for all large airports. It takes FOREVER to get to the rental car center and back to the airport via its bus. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time for this.
Final Rating
There are a few things I look for in airports. Accessibility to corresponding city. Ease of transport within the airport, comfort (seating/plugs/shopping), food, and the wildcard. The wildcard is something unique that helps or hurts the airport.
The Dallas/Ft. Worth International airport receives an 8 out of 10.
Although it can get overcrowded, the unique food options really bring up it’s rating
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