A quick guide for a smooth trip home
Leaving from DFW Airport
Getting home from North Texas is easy when you plan ahead. Use this guide for check-in, security, terminal navigation, food, shopping, and boarding at DFW Airport.
Leaving from DFW Airport
Getting home from North Texas is easy when you plan ahead. Use this guide for check-in, security, terminal navigation, food, shopping, and boarding at DFW Airport.
A quick guide for a smooth trip home
Leaving from DFW Airport
Getting home from North Texas is easy when you plan ahead. Use this guide for check-in, security, terminal navigation, food, shopping, and boarding at DFW Airport.
Leaving from DFW Airport
Getting home from North Texas is easy when you plan ahead. Use this guide for check-in, security, terminal navigation, food, shopping, and boarding at DFW Airport.
What should I do before leaving for DFW Airport?
Before heading to the airport:
- Check your flight information here or on your airline's website or app
- Review traffic and weather conditions
- Allow extra time on busy travel days
- If someone is dropping you off, use the upper-level curbside at your terminal
- If you're taking public transit, review the best option and route
Returning a Rental Car at DFW Airport
If returning a rental car:
- Allow extra time to return the vehicle
- Take the shuttle to your terminal
- Clear security
- Arrive at your gate on time
What do I do when I arrive at DFW Airport?
Check-In at DFW Airport
Follow signs to your airline’s check-in area.
- If checking bags, visit your airline counter first
- If you already have a boarding pass and no checked bags, go directly to security
International Departures from DFW
If flying internationally:
- Check with your airline for recommended arrival times
- Document checks may take longer than domestic departures
American Airlines Travelers at DFW
If flying American Airlines:
Other Airlines at DFW
If flying another airline:
- Confirm your correct terminal before entering security
- Use Terminal Link if you are dropped off at the wrong terminal and need to check bags at your departure terminal
How do I find the fastest TSA line at DFW?
Security at DFW Airport
- Follow signs to the nearest TSA checkpoint
- Check live security wait times on the DFW Airport website or mobile app before choosing an entry point
Security at DFW Airport
- Follow signs to the nearest TSA checkpoint
- Check live security wait times on the DFW Airport website or mobile app before choosing an entry point
How do I find the fastest TSA line at DFW?
Security at DFW Airport
- Follow signs to the nearest TSA checkpoint
- Check live security wait times on the DFW Airport website or mobile app before choosing an entry point
Security at DFW Airport
- Follow signs to the nearest TSA checkpoint
- Check live security wait times on the DFW Airport website or mobile app before choosing an entry point
Food, Shopping, and Lounges at DFW Airport
If you have extra time before your flight, DFW offers dining, shopping, and lounge options across the airport.
Food at DFW Airport
Choose from:
- Quick meals
- Sit-down restaurants
- Coffee and snacks
- Local North Texas favorites
Shopping at DFW Airport
Find:
- Travel essentials
- Gifts
- Souvenirs
- Texas-themed items
Lounges at DFW Airport
DFW offers one of the most diverse lounge lineups in the country, including:
- Airline lounges
- Premium credit card lounges
If you have access, check our interactive map for the nearest lounge.
Explore Everything DFW Has to Offer
Discover the full range of dining, shopping and traveler services available across all terminals on our Shop/Dine/Services page.
Move Easily Between Terminals
Want to visit a restaurant, shop or lounge in another terminal? Take Skylink to get there fast without going through security again. The longest ride is just 9 minutes.
Navigate and discover DFW Airport
Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to explore DFW Airport’s shops, restaurants, services, and amenities. Get turn‑by‑turn directions to help you find your way quickly and confidently.
Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to explore DFW Airport’s shops, restaurants, services, and amenities. Get turn‑by‑turn directions to help you find your way quickly and confidently.
Navigate and discover DFW Airport
Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to explore DFW Airport’s shops, restaurants, services, and amenities. Get turn‑by‑turn directions to help you find your way quickly and confidently.
Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to explore DFW Airport’s shops, restaurants, services, and amenities. Get turn‑by‑turn directions to help you find your way quickly and confidently.
Travel Tip
Before you leave, grab something Texas-shaped or locally inspired from a terminal shop. It’s an easy way to take a little piece of North Texas home with you. Enjoy your final moments here, have a safe trip home, and we hope to welcome you back soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most domestic travelers arrive at least 2 hours early. International travelers often allow 3 hours.
If flying American Airlines, yes. Other airlines should confirm their terminal first.
Use Skylink after security.
- Connects all five terminals
- Fastest way to move between terminals
- Helpful if your gate changes or you cleared security in another terminal
Use Terminal Link before going through security.
- Connects all five terminals
- Easily track your shuttle's arrival here or by scanning the QR code found at each stop
- Helpful if you’re taking public transit or were dropped off at the wrong terminal and need to check bags at your departure terminal
View security wait times here on on the DFW Airport mobile app.