Before you show up at DFW Airport with your boogie board or passport, check out the travel tips below. DFW would like to help make your summer vacation fun-filled and relaxing!

Please click on the question to reveal the travel tip…

If I am traveling with children, does DFW offer additional tips?

• We recommend that you and your family stay together in the security screening line and make restroom stops before getting in line.
  
  
• Children must be removed from their strollers, carriers, etc. so these items can be inspected.
  
  
• If your children can walk, it is best that they go through the metal detector on their own.
  
  
• If you are carrying an infant through security, do not pass the child to anyone else. Instead, hold your baby with one arm while a security officer conducts screening procedures.
  
  
• All carry-on items, including strollers, childseats, diaper bags, blankets and toys, must go through security inspection.
  
  
• If a carry-on item does not fit through the scanner, it will undergo manual inspection.
  
  
• No sharp or pointed toys such as toy guns or knives are allowed in carry-on items. These items are allowed in checked baggage.
  
  
• If your family is bringing any type of electronic games or CD players, you may be asked by security to prove that the devices are working.
  

Does DFW offer packing tips?
To avoid potential delays and possible embarrassment at security checkpoints, DFW recommends the following:

• Reduce the number of carry-on items and plan to check most of your luggage if possible. The FAA limits each traveler to one carry-on bag and one personal bag (i.e., purse or briefcase).
  
  
• Inform the security worker at your checkpoint about unusual items in your luggage before the search begins.
  
  
• Keep important personal items such as medicine in your carry-on luggage so that it is always accessible.
  
  
• Leave gifts unwrapped. If a security worker cannot determine what is in the package via the X-ray machine, it will be opened.
  
  
• Always declare a firearm before the search begins and ensure that weapon is not loaded. Firearms can only be packed in checked luggage under certain conditions.
  
  
• Consider washing dirty clothes before traveling to avoid having any smelly clothes searched.
  
  
• Label your bags with tags or special markings. Do not leave bags unattended, and report unattended items to the nearest airport or airline personnel. You may also want to lock your luggage to prevent anything from being taken out or put inside.
  
  
• Check each airline's luggage rules as they vary among airlines, including the maximum size and weight for carry-on items.

How can I avoid the common health hazards of travel (jet lag, fatigue, colds, etc.)?
Taking a few simple steps can help you maintain your health and fitness while on the road…

• The day before you fly, be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat well and drink plenty of water to better prepare your body for the rigors of travel.
  
  
• You may consider taking immune-boosting supplements and herbs starting a few days before you travel, but be sure to check with your doctor first.
  
  
• While on your flight, drink plenty of water and eat lightly to offset fatigue and weight gain. Eight ounces of water every 30 minutes is the recommended amount to stay well-hydrated. It may help to pack your own foods in your carry-on item such as fruits and vegetables so you can decide what to eat and when.
  
  
• If possible, try to get out of your seat and stretch while on your flight. If confined to your seat, be sure to practice deep breathing exercises to increase the flow of oxygen through your body.
  
  
• Many hotels provide their guests with free use of fitness facilities. Also check with your hotel concierge for a safe area for you to walk, run, swim or hike. Be sure to take advantage of what your destination has to offer to stay fit while on the road.
  

How far in advance should I arrive at DFW for my flight?
DFW recommends that you check in at least one and one-half to two hours ahead of your scheduled departure time in order to allow ample time for security screening. Be sure to contact your airline the day of your travel for check-in times for your flight.

How do I determine the status of my flight?
Click on Flight Information to check the real-time status of your flight and gate location. Have the status and any gate changes emailed to your computer, wireless telephone, pager or personal digital assistant (PDA).

Is curbside baggage check available?
This service is available at DFW for most airlines. Please call your airline in advance to determine the availability of terminal curbside baggage check.

Where can I find parking?
DFW has 16,000 close in terminal spaces and almost 30,000 total spots right on Airport property to make parking a breeze. Available for any DFW airline. Click on Parking Recommendations for complete details.

Can I still drop off someone for a flight?
Those dropping off passengers may continue to do so at terminal curbsides as long as someone remains in the vehicle at all times. The vehicle should be parked in designated loading and unloading areas. Unattended vehicles at terminal curbsides and other illegally parked vehicles will be towed immediately.

What should I expect when I check-in for my flight?

• Have U.S. government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport ready when you approach the ticket counter. In addition, you may be asked to show this ID at subsequent points, such as at the gate, along with your boarding passes.
  
  
• Automated check-in kiosks are available for some DFW airlines. Please check with your airline for additional information.
  
  
• e-ticket travelers should check with your airline to make sure you have proper documentation. Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required.
  
  
• Please be patient and answer ticket agents' questions completely and truthfully. In addition, airlines are randomly selecting passengers for additional security checks at the ticket counters, security checkpoints, and gates.

What security measures should I expect at the security checkpoints?

• Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the security checkpoints. Persons with disabilities and unaccompanied minors will be able to have a person assist them to their gate. Please contact your airline for additional information.
  
  
• Reduce the number of carry-on items. The FAA limits each traveler to one carry-on bag and one personal bag (i.e., purse or briefcase).
  
  
• All electronic items, such as laptops and cellular phones, are subject to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately. You may want to label your laptop to avoid mix-ups when several laptops that look alike move through X-ray machines in succession.
  
  
• Label your bags with tags or special markings. Do not leave bags unattended, and report unattended items to the nearest airport or airline personnel. You may also want to lock your luggage to prevent anything from being taken out or put inside.
  
  
• Limit metal objects worn on person. Travelers should remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process.
  
  
• No sharp or pointed items will be permitted through the security checkpoints either on your person or in carry-on bags. These items are allowed in checked baggage. Please visit the TSA's Prohibited Items List for a complete list of items that you can and cannot carry onto aircraft.
  
  
• DFW Airport offers disposal containers at each of its security checkpoints in order to self-declare and dispose of FAA-banned items before passing through security screening.

After I pass through security, what should I do while I wait for my flight to depart?
Be sure to visit one of DFW's numerous concessionaires while waiting for your flight. DFW provides great locally- and nationally-branded food and beverage concessions as well as gift stores offering Texas-themed souvenirs and nationally recognized retailers. The Airport also provides such services as duty free shopping and currency exchange for international passengers, ATM access, Internet access, barber shops and shoe shine services. Visit Shops & Restaurants before arriving at the Airport to view the concessionaires in your terminal.

How do I meet arriving passengers at their flight?

• Since only ticketed passengers are allowed on the secure side of the terminals, be sure to find out the baggage claim area in which to meet your arriving passengers by visiting DFW's Flight Information page. Check the real-time status of your passenger's flight and have the status and baggage claim changes emailed to your computer, mobile telephone, pager or personal digital assistant (PDA).
  
  
• Terminal Parking garages are conveniently located directly adjacent to each terminal, offering 16,000 close-in spaces that are within easy walking distance of the terminals. Terminal Parking is DFW's most popular parking option and is available for short visits to the Airport such as to drop off or meet passengers!
  
  
• Those picking up passengers may continue to do so at terminal curbsides as long as someone remains in the vehicle at all times. The vehicle should be parked in designated loading and unloading areas. Unattended vehicles at terminal curbsides and other illegally parked vehicles will be towed immediately.
  
  
• If you need assistance with locating your arriving passengers or have additional questions on terminal wayfinding, be sure to ask one of DFW Airport's many Ambassadors and they will be happy to help!