Dallas – Fort Worth (DFW) Airport Guide

Compiled and verified by the Travel Code editorial team. All operational details are subject to change without notice – always confirm directly with the provider.

DFW Airport Overview

Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (IATA: DFW) is the second–largest airport in the United States by land area and a major hub for American Airlines. Five terminals (A-E) are linked airside by the free SkyLink train and landside by the Terminal Link shuttle. The airport supplies free high-speed Wi-Fi, hundreds of charging ports, rest & relaxation lounges, pay-per-use showers and an impressive collection of public art. Economy-class travelers can upgrade their experience with a day pass to one of more than a dozen airline or pay-per-use lounges.

Looking for group cheap flights to Dallas, a reliable corporate travel service, or the best-value airport hotels near the terminals? Travel Code has negotiated rates and 24-hour assistance for all three.

What to Expect Inside the Terminals

• 24-hour operation, though individual concessions close overnight.
• SkyLink trains run every 2-5 min; total loop time is 9 min.
• Thousands of seats; designated “Travel Lounges” with recliners at B28, C8, C26 & E8.
• Minute Suites micro-hotel pods at A39 & D23 (D-location includes private showers).
• Free limitless Wi-Fi network name: DFW Airport Free WiFi.

Sleeping in DFW Airport

DFW is generally considered safe and staff tolerate overnight passengers. The biggest challenge is the mix of seats with fixed armrests. Travelers have reported the following top spots for stretching out:

Terminal B

• Gate B10 – six lounge chairs with footstools.
• Gate B29 – compact rest lounge.
• Gates B41/42 – two couches plus ottomans.

Terminal C

• Gate C8 – official Travel Lounge with power at every seat.
• Gate C12 – chairs with downward-slanted footrests.
• Gate C20 (behind Starbucks) – armchairs and two sofas.

Terminal D

• Gate D22 mezzanine – dual rest zones above duty-free.
• Near IHOP (E-Satellite) – a quiet, darkened room beside the windows.

Terminal E

• Check-in island 31 – leather couches (landside but sheltered).
• Between Gates E7 & E8 – cluster of leather chairs and couches.

Pro-Tip: Security will usually ask landside sleepers to re-enter the public hall at about 1 am; airside access reopens around 3:30-4:30 am depending on the checkpoint.

Airport Hours & Security Checkpoints

DFW never closes, but TSA checkpoints follow flight schedules. Current published times (subject to change):

• Terminal A – A12 (04:30-20:00) • A21 (03:00-22:30) • A35 (04:30-20:00)
• Terminal B – B9 (04:30-21:00) • B30 (04:30-22:45)
• Terminal C – C11 (04:30-22:45) • C20 (03:30-22:30)
• Terminal D – D18 (04:00-22:30) • D22 (05:00-21:00) • D30 (03:30-23:30)
• Terminal E – E8 (03:45-20:45) • E18 (03:45-23:30) • E33 (04:00-20:30)

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Four complimentary Travel Lounges offer soft seating, workstations and USB / AC power. Locations: B28 • C8 • C26 • E8. Terminal D’s mini-cinema (near D8) screens short films all day.

Cots & Emergency Bedding

Since 2019 DFW no longer stocks folding cots. During mass delays airlines distribute biodegradable blankets and pillows (usually after 22:00) around gates A23 and D18.

Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods

Minute Suites (Airside)

Private day-rooms with a trundle daybed for two, HDTV, sound-masking and Alexa concierge. Rate: US $65/hour, overnight special US $215 (21:00-05:00). Showers available only at D23 (US $20-30).

Terminal-Connected Hotels (Landside)

• Grand Hyatt DFW – inside Terminal D, rooftop pool, day-rates.
• Hyatt Regency DFW – adjacent to Terminal C with 24 h shuttle.

Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles

More than 25 properties within 5 mi – Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, La Quinta, etc. Book through Travel Code for best flexible rates.

Airport Lounges

Below is an at-a-glance list of the most popular pay-per-use and membership lounges. Day-pass prices are walk-in rates unless noted.

Military Lounge: USO at B47 (08:00-22:30 weekdays, 08:00-19:00 weekends).

Drinking Water

Filtered bottle-fill stations landside at Car Rental Center Levels 1 & 2; airside at most gate clusters including A23, B41, C27, D23 & E21.

Food & Beverages

Roughly 200 outlets across the airport. 24-hour choices are limited to:

• Panera Bread – Terminal A, Gate A34 (Mon-Fri).
• Subway – Terminal B, Gate B24.
• Several 7-Eleven convenience stores in C & D.

Luggage Storage

No lockers or staffed storage due to TSA regulations. Oversized items may be accommodated by selected hotels for registered guests.

Mobile Charging

Seat-side AC + USB available at virtually every gate plus dedicated power bars in Travel Lounges.

Showers

Paid showers are located at Minute Suites (D23), Capital One Lounge (D22), Centurion Lounge (D12) and Plaza Premium Lounge (E31).

Wi-Fi / Internet

Unlimited, free and fast. Select “DFW Airport Free WiFi” and accept the terms page.

Security & Safety Tips

• Stick to well-lit areas; keep valuables out of sight.
• Use a small cable lock to secure your bag to your seat if you are a deep sleeper.
• If sleeping landside, expect a polite wake-up sweep by security around 05:00.
• Report suspicious activity to Airport DPS via any white courtesy phone.

Facilities, Services & Things To Do

Essential Services

• ATMs: every terminal, pre- & post-security.
• Currency exchange by Travelex at A29, D11, D24, D36.
• Interfaith chapels: A23, B25, C15, D40, E4.
• Traveller’s Aid: Terminal E14 baggage claim (09:00-18:00).

Family & Wellness

• Nursing rooms airside at A18, B40, C14, C36, D2, D36, E14, E26.
• Children’s play zone at D8 (next to McDonald’s).
• Yoga Room – E31.
• Spa services: Be Relax (B28, D21); XpresSpa (A24); Spa Here (C12).

Pets

• Paradise 4 Paws pet resort (north entrance, 24 h).
• Relief areas airside at A29, B28, D18, E31 plus landside locations.

Entertainment

• Art Program: 30+ installations throughout all terminals.
• Founders’ Plaza: outdoor observation deck (07:00-19:00).
• Walking Path: 0.7 mi loop in Terminal D with optional 55-ft stairs.

Getting To / From the Airport

Car Rentals

All majors – Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty – operate from the Rental Car Center. 24 h shuttle every 10 min from lower-level curbside.

Ride-Share & Taxis

• Uber & Lyft pick-up zones on the upper level of each terminal; Downtown Dallas USD 25-40.
• Metered taxis lower-level; flat-fare options to Dallas CBD (approx. USD 45).

Trains & Public Transit

• DART Orange Line: Terminal A to downtown Dallas, 04:00-01:00, USD 3.
• TEXRail / TRE: Terminal B to Fort Worth, USD 2.50; TRE not Sunday.

Airlines Serving DFW

Aeroméxico • Air Canada • Air France • Alaska • American • Avianca • British Airways • Delta • Emirates • Finnair • Frontier • Iberia • Japan Airlines • Korean Air • Lufthansa • Qantas • Qatar • Spirit • Turkish • United • Viva Aerobus • Volaris.

Disclaimer & Updates

This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Prices, schedules and services can change without notice. If you spot an error or an update, please let the Travel Code team know via the contact form on our homepage.

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