Dallas Fort Worth Airport has 5 passenger terminals. Each building is built in a semicircle shape, minimizing the distance from parking lots and public transportation stations to check-in.
A highway runs through the middle of the facility, around which the terminals and parking periods are built.
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The terminals are divided by airline, however some major airlines use multiple terminals. The letter of your departure terminal will always be marked on your ticket.
All international arrivals take place exclusively at Terminal D, which is the only one with immigration control.
Terminal distribution
Which terminal can I expect to depart from at DFW Airport?
- Terminal A: American Airlines
- Terminal B: American Airlines
- Terminal C: American Airlines
- Terminal D: AeroMexico, Air France, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Japan Air Lines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Sun Country Airlines, VivaAerobus, Volaris
- Terminal E: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, jetBlue, Spirit Airlines, United
Airport map
An interactive map of the entire airport and each terminal can be found on the airport's official website: dfwairport.com/map.
Transfer between flights
How do I transfer between connecting flights?
Due to the enormous number of American Airlines flights, American Airlines uses all terminals, so transferring between terminals is very common during layovers in Dallas.
Even so, transferring at DFW is quick and easy because all terminals are connected by the automated SkyLink train (inside security) or TerminalLink buses (outside).
What checks do I go through when I change planes?
What are the exact procedures for each type of transfer?
- International -> International: immigration and security check
- International -> domestic: immigration and security check
- Domestic -> International: no check
- National -> national: no check
Do I have to leave the transit zone when transferring between terminals?
If you arrive in Dallas on an international flight, you must always exit the transit area, go through immigration, move outside between terminals, and check in again.
If you are arriving from another destination within the U.S., you can proceed directly to the connecting departure gate.
If you need to move to another terminal, follow the "SkyLink" signage that will lead you to the automated train.
Do I need to pick up my luggage?
If you are arriving at DFW from abroad, you must always collect your baggage and re-deliver it at the check-in counter.
If you are flying from a destination within the U.S. and you have a layover of no more than 8 hours, your bag will be automatically transferred. It does not matter whether you continue on an international or domestic flight.
Do I need to apply for ESTA?
Every time you transfer from an international flight, you must collect your baggage and exit the transit area.
Therefore, you must have an electronic ESTA to enter the United States (for 21 usd online processing at the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov).
How long does the immigration check take?
If you arrive during off-peak hours, you can be in the public section in 20 minutes, however, especially during the afternoon rush hour for arrivals from Europe and Latin America, the immigration line can be as long as 2 hours.
If you have less than 1.5 hours to transfer, it is advisable to tell the informants that you have a tight transfer before you get in the queue. In this case, you may be sent to the priority queue.
If you do not make your guaranteed connection due to the length of the immigration check, the airline will arrange the next flight free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline's expense will not be provided in these cases.
Do I go through passport control on departure?
No. There is no immigration check on departure from the USA.
SkyLink and Terminal Link
There are two modes of transportation between terminals.
Skylink
A free automated train connects all terminals through the transit area. It is therefore only accessible to passengers who have already passed through security.
- Frequency 2-4 minutes
- Operating hours 24/7
- Travel time between adjacent terminals - 5 minutes
- Travel time between the outermost terminals - 15 minutes
Terminal Link
The outdoor public area is served by free Terminal Link shuttle buses between terminals
- Frequency 5-10 minutes
- Opening hours: 5:00-0:00
- Travel time between adjacent terminals - 5 minutes
- Travel time between the furthest terminals - 10 minutes
