Dallas: A City With Dual Airports

Dallas, Texas is served by two major airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). Both airports offer convenient options for travellers, with DFW serving as the primary and largest airport in the region, providing an extensive array of domestic and international flights, while DAL, located closer to downtown Dallas, serves as a secondary airport with a focus on domestic travel.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

In the mid-1960s, with GSW facing declining traffic and Love Field experiencing congestion, the proposal for a joint airport resurfaced. After negotiations and federal intervention, the two cities agreed on a location for the new regional airport, and construction began in 1969. The airport opened for commercial service on January 13, 1974, as Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport, with a cost of $875 million. It featured four terminals (2W, 2E, 3E, and 4E) and was served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Continental Airlines.

Over the years, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including the addition of Terminal D for international flights and the implementation of the DFW Skylink people mover system. The airport has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and 174-184 gates, designed in a half-circle shape to minimise distances for passengers. It offers flights to 254 destinations (191 domestic and 63 international) and is the largest hub for American Airlines, which is headquartered nearby. The airport has its own police, fire protection, and emergency medical services, as well as a dedicated ZIP Code and US Postal Service city designation.

Dallas Love Field Airport

Over the years, Dallas Love Field Airport has undergone several expansions and improvements. The first paved runways were completed in 1932, and by 1939, the airfield had 21 weekday airline departures. A new terminal was opened in 1958, featuring the world's first airport moving walkways. Jet airline flights began in 1959, and by the early 1970s, the airport was serving as a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines, Braniff International Airways, and Delta Air Lines.

In 1974, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) opened, and most passenger service at Love Field ended. However, Southwest Airlines challenged the restriction on commercial flights at Love Field and was allowed to continue operating there. Today, Southwest Airlines continues to have a significant presence at Dallas Love Field Airport, offering convenient short-haul flights to various destinations.

DFW Airport Terminals

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, also known as DFW Airport, is the primary international airport serving Dallas-Fort Worth. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the world, with tens of millions of passengers each year. The airport features five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and 184 gates in total. The terminals are designed to reduce traffic and shorten the distance between the passenger's vehicle and the aircraft.

Terminal A

Terminal A contains 26 gates and is exclusively served by American Airlines. It offers a variety of dining options, including fast food and table-service restaurants. There are also shops, such as duty-free spots, newsstands, and a 7-Eleven. Terminal A also has an American Admirals Club, Minute Suites, The Bubble by Coca-Cola, and an XpresSpa.

Terminal B

Terminal B has 55 gates and is also primarily used by American Airlines. It features several dining options, such as Panda Express, Starbucks, and Smashburger. There are also stores like Eddie Bauer, gift shops, and newsstands. Terminal B includes a USO centre, American Admirals Club, Be Relax, and Gameway.

Terminal C

Terminal C, another major terminal for American Airlines, has 28 gates. It offers a variety of dining options, including Shake Shack, Pappasito's Cantina, Beer Union, and Dickey's Barbecue Pit. Terminal C also has duty-free shops, cosmetic stores, newsstands, and candy shops. There is another American Admirals Club and a spa in this terminal.

Terminal D

Terminal D is the international terminal at DFW Airport, with 32 gates serving several international carriers in addition to American Airlines. Some of the dining options include Artisan Market, Brewed, Starbucks, and The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. Terminal D features duty-free shopping, souvenir shops, and various lounges, including the American Admirals Club, American Flagship Lounge, Centurion Lounge, Club DFW, Emirates Lounge, and Lufthansa Lounge.

Terminal E

Terminal E has 43 gates and serves multiple airlines, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Dining options include 2.0 Taco & Tequila Bar, Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse, and Peet's Coffee & Tea. There are shops like InMotion Entertainment and Lone Star Attitude. Terminal E has lounges such as the Delta Sky Club, Plaza Premium Lounge, and United Club.

Airlines operating at DFW Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, also known as DFW Airport, is a major hub in the United States, serving as a primary hub for American Airlines and a focus city for Spirit Airlines. The airport facilitates over 900 daily flights to more than 200 destinations worldwide, offering a wide range of airline choices. Here is a detailed overview of the airlines operating at DFW Airport:

American Airlines

American Airlines is the dominant carrier at DFW Airport, operating over 700 daily flights and offering nonstop service to more than 150 destinations worldwide. The airline occupies Terminal D, where passengers can enjoy the exclusive Admirals Club lounges and Flagship First dining. American Airlines also provides priority boarding, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi on most flights, catering to travellers seeking a luxurious experience.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines, known for its cost-effective travel options, is based out of Terminal E. Despite having a more limited route network, Spirit Airlines is a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. The airline offers the option to add amenities like extra legroom seats and onboard refreshments for an additional fee, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Delta Air Lines

Operating from Terminal E, Delta Air Lines provides over 100 daily flights to numerous destinations, both domestic and international. Delta is recognised for its exceptional customer service, offering amenities such as in-flight entertainment, free messaging, and comfortable seating options to ensure a pleasant journey for passengers travelling through DFW Airport.

United Airlines

United Airlines, also based in Terminal E, offers over 50 daily flights to a variety of destinations, leveraging its comprehensive global network. Passengers can take advantage of benefits like United Club access, in-flight entertainment, and a choice of dining experiences on long-haul flights. United Airlines facilitates convenient connections, making it a convenient option for travellers.

Other Airlines

In addition to the major carriers mentioned above, DFW Airport hosts a variety of other airlines, including Aeromexico, British Airways, Qantas, Emirates, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and many more. These airlines provide extensive networks and quality services, connecting passengers to destinations in Latin America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Dallas Love Field Facilities

Dallas Love Field Airport, located 6 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas, is a city-owned public airport. It was the primary airport for Dallas until the opening of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in 1973 or 1974. Dallas Love Field Airport is named after Moss L. Love, who died in an aeroplane crash in 1913.

The airport covers an area of 1,300 acres at an elevation of 487 feet above mean sea level and has two runways. It features a single terminal with 20 operational gates. Southwest Airlines operates 18 of these gates, while Alaska Airlines utilises the remaining two. The airport offers a range of dining, shopping, and service options for travellers.

In terms of ground transportation, travellers can access public transportation via the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which provides a shuttle service between the airport terminal and the nearby Inwood/Love Field station. This station is served by DART's Orange and Green light rail lines. Additionally, rental cars, shuttles, and taxis are available at the airport.

For those seeking accommodation near the airport, there are 19 hotel and motel options within a 3-mile radius, including the Crown Plaza Hotel, Embassy Suites Dallas Love Field, and the Super 8 Motel Love Field.

Frequently asked questions