Dallas Love Field Airport: Size And Significance Explored

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) is a city-owned public airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas. Covering an area of 1,300 acres (530 ha) at an elevation of 487 feet (148 m) above sea level, the airport has two runways and is the birthplace, headquarters, and a major operating base of Southwest Airlines. Dallas Love Field Airport holds historical significance, with notable incidents such as the 1949 American Airlines Flight 157 crash, marking a tragic event in Texas's history. The airport has continued to evolve and adapt, serving as a vital transportation hub for the region.

Dallas Love Field Airport covers 1,300 acres

Dallas Love Field Airport, located 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas, covers 1,300 acres (530 hectares) of land. The airport is situated at an elevation of 487 feet (148 meters) above sea level and features two runways.

As a city-owned public airport, Dallas Love Field plays a significant role in the region's aviation landscape. The airport is named after Moss L. Love and holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Southwest Airlines, which maintains its corporate headquarters and a major operating base at the facility. As of August 2021, Southwest Airlines boasted a substantial 95% market share at the airport.

Dallas Love Field Airport offers a range of aviation services through several full-service fixed-base operators (FBOs). These FBOs provide essential support for general aviation, including fuel, maintenance, hangar rentals, and air charter services. The airport's grounds also accommodate the City of Dallas Department of Aviation headquarters.

The airport has a rich history, serving as Dallas' main airport until 1974 when the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) commenced operations. Notable incidents in the airport's past include the 1949 crash of American Airlines Flight 157, which remains the deadliest crash at the airfield, claiming 28 lives.

In addition to its aviation infrastructure, Dallas Love Field Airport provides convenient transportation options for travellers. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) operates the Love Link shuttle, offering a seamless connection between the airport terminal and the nearby Inwood/Love Field station. This station is served by DART's Orange and Green light rail lines, facilitating easy access to and from the airport for passengers and employees alike.

The airport is 6 miles from downtown Dallas

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) is located in the neighbourhood of Love Field, 6 miles (9.7 km; 5.2 nmi) northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas. The airport is easily accessible from downtown Dallas by various means of transportation.

One option is to take the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Love Link shuttle, which provides a seamless connection between the airport terminal and the nearby Inwood/Love Field station. From there, passengers can conveniently transfer to DART's Orange and Green light rail lines to reach their final destination in the city. The Love Link shuttle is a complimentary service for those departing from the airport terminal, making it a convenient and cost-effective option.

For those who prefer driving or taking a taxi, the airport is easily accessible via roadways. Dallas Love Field Airport is located at 8008 Herb Kelleher Way, and travellers can use driving directions available online to navigate to and from the airport efficiently. The airport is well-connected to the city's road network, making it convenient for those travelling to and from various parts of Dallas.

Additionally, for those seeking a direct and comfortable journey to and from the airport, various ride-sharing and taxi services are available. These services provide a convenient option for travellers with luggage or those who prefer a door-to-door experience. The approximate 6-mile distance between the airport and downtown Dallas makes it a relatively short journey, ensuring that travellers can reach their destination promptly.

Overall, despite being 6 miles from downtown Dallas, Dallas Love Field Airport is easily accessible and well-connected to the city. With a variety of transportation options available, travellers can choose the most convenient and suitable method for their needs, ensuring a smooth journey to and from the airport.

Southwest Airlines was born at the airport

Dallas Love Field Airport, located 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas, covers an area of 1,300 acres (530 hectares) and sits at an elevation of 487 feet (148 meters) above sea level. It features two runways and is the birthplace and corporate headquarters of Southwest Airlines, which maintains a significant presence at the airport with a 95% market share as of August 2021.

Southwest Airlines was born at Dallas Love Field Airport, and the carrier continues to operate from its birthplace to this day. The airline's presence at the airport is significant, with Southwest serving as a major operating base and holding a substantial market share. Southwest's association with Dallas Love Field dates back to its very beginnings, and the airline has played a crucial role in the airport's history and development.

The relationship between Southwest Airlines and Dallas Love Field Airport is a long-standing and integral part of the airline's operations. Southwest Airlines was founded at Love Field, and it continues to be their corporate headquarters. The airline has a strong presence at the airport, offering flights to various destinations and providing a seamless travel experience for its customers. Southwest has actively advocated for its operations at Love Field, even opposing the Wright Amendment in 2004, claiming it was anti-competitive.

Southwest Airlines' birth and growth at Dallas Love Field Airport have contributed to the airport's significance in the region. As the airline's major operating base, Love Field has benefited from Southwest's expanding network and increasing market share. The airline's commitment to the airport is evident in its efforts to secure its position, such as through gate agreements and legal battles. Southwest's influence at Love Field has helped shape the airport's identity, with the airline's presence being a key factor in the airport's operations and reputation.

Dallas Love Field Airport and Southwest Airlines share a symbiotic relationship, with the airline benefiting from its extensive operations at its birthplace. Southwest has leveraged its strong presence at Love Field to offer competitive pricing and convenient connections to travellers. The airline's dominance at the airport, with a market share of over 90%, underscores its strategic importance to Southwest's overall business. Southwest's history and roots at Love Field have fostered a close association between the airline and the city of Dallas, contributing to its success and brand recognition.

The Dallas Love Field Airport shuttle is free

Covering an area of 1,300 acres, Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) is a city-owned public airport located in the neighbourhood of Love Field, 6 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas. DAL is the second busiest airport in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and it offers modern facilities and amenities that reflect the city's lively and diverse character.

In addition to the free shuttle service, passengers can also choose from a variety of paid transportation options to and from the airport. For instance, SuperShuttle Express offers dependable airport shuttle services with flexible options, including rides from anywhere to anywhere and advanced reservations for stress-free travel. They also have a strict zero-tolerance substance program for their drivers, prioritising passenger safety.

Another option is Prime Time Shuttle, which provides reliable shuttle services to and from the airport with a range of transportation choices, such as shared rides, private cars, and luxury vehicles. They aim to offer a smooth and stress-free pickup experience outside the terminal, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Dallas.

Passengers can also utilise rideshare services like Uber, app-based rides, peer-to-peer services, or hire private luxury vehicles and limousines. Specific instructions are provided for accessible rides, with designated pick-up locations on the lower-level curb to accommodate ADA/Accessibility needs.

The airport has two runways

Dallas Love Field Airport, located 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas, has two runways in use for operations. The airport, which covers an area of 1,300 acres (530 ha) at an elevation of 487 feet (148 m) above sea level, is a city-owned public airport in the neighbourhood of Love Field.

The two runways at Dallas Love Field Airport are Runway 13L/31R (Lemmon Avenue) on the east side of the airport, and Runway 13R/31L (Denton) on the west side. Runway 18/36 is also present at the airport, but it is only used for taxiing and is not operational. The length of Runway 13R/31L is 8,800 feet (2,700 m), and it is referred to as the parallel runway to the main Runway 13/31, which was renamed Runway 13L/31R after the opening of Runway 13R/31L in 1958.

Runway 13R/31L is the preferential runway for pilots of turbojet aircraft and aircraft over 12,500 pounds during the hours of 9 pm and 6 am. This designation is part of the voluntary noise program implemented by the airport to mitigate noise created by aircraft. Additionally, aircraft using Runway 13R during this time period are requested to utilise the Trinity departure.

The airport has undergone various improvements and reconstructions over the years to enhance airfield safety and efficiency. For instance, in 1990, Runway 13R-31L received a Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) overlay, and in 2014, a pavement evaluation reported that the runway had deteriorated and required reconstruction to meet FAA design specifications.

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