DFW Airport, Texas, Dec. 19, 2023
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is expecting 4.5 million customers to travel through the airport between Dec. 14 and Jan. 2. The busiest days are projected to be Friday, Dec. 22, with more than 246,000 customers, Friday, Dec. 15, with more than 244,000 people, and Thursday, Dec. 21, with more than 243,000 travelers. This is 4.8% higher than last year’s winter holiday break, potentially continuing to set holiday travel records. DFW reminds customers to prepare not only for their travel but also for those picking up or dropping off family members as they travel in and out of DFW.
With the increase in holiday traffic, customers should arrive at least two hours before their flight to provide ample time to park, check in, clear security, and get to their gate. If drivers are picking up or dropping off someone at DFW, they can utilize the 1- or 2-hour parking spots located near the curbs of each terminal. This will help free up traffic that is passing through on the roadways. Additionally, DFW has two free cell phone lots: one on the north and one on the south side of the airport, which can be used to wait until a loved one is at the curb. As a reminder, the curb at DFW is for immediate drop-off and pick-up only.
DFW will surprise and delight customers so they can enjoy holiday entertainment while awaiting their flights. Each Friday in December will be Festive Fridays, which will feature live local musical groups and local artists inside the terminals. Travelers can find detailed performance times and locations on DFW’s official social media channels. On Thursday, Dec. 21, DFW Airport’s K9 Crew of therapy dogs will host a holiday-themed Paw Parade in Terminal D at 11:30 a.m.
DFW is in the midst of one of the busiest holiday travel periods. Preliminary Thanksgiving customer numbers show 2.96 million customers traveled through DFW Airport from Nov. 16 through Nov. 28. This is 15.8% higher than the same period in 2022.
The best tools to navigate DFW Airport are the airport’s app and website. From the website, customers can view parking lot occupancy levels to determine the best parking option to use, and can pre-book parking as well. Travelers are encouraged to make their parking plans early as pre-booked parking is expected to sell out quickly, especially for peak travel dates. When it comes to parking, the garages at Terminals C and D tend to fill up faster than other garages. If C and D garages are full, those flying American Airlines can park, check in, check their bags, and go through security in either Terminals A or B to expedite their time at DFW. Once past security, the Skylink train can connect customers to all five terminals so they can get to their departure gate within minutes. The mobile app also lets you view TSA wait times. This will show you how long it will take to clear through TSA, and where the TSA Checkpoints and TSA PreCheck are located.
DFW is beginning a number of construction projects as part of its modernization of Terminal C and improved infrastructure throughout the Central Terminal Area. Guests should be aware of ongoing work at Terminals C and D. A project to upgrade checked baggage equipment in the Terminal D south lobby has temporarily relocated the check-in counters for some of DFW’s international airlines. For more information on this project, please click here. Another project that began Dec. 4 will impact part of the lower-level roadway at Terminal C, as a portion of the curb will be closed in preparation for construction work at Terminal C and in the Terminal C garage. Customers who park in the lower level of Terminal C should follow signage that will help navigate into the terminal.
Finally, customers should always check with their airline on the latest status of their flight before beginning their journey to DFW.
About Dallas Fort Worth International Airport:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the most connected airports in the world. Centered between owner cities Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major job generator for the North Texas region by connecting people through business and leisure travel. For more information, visit the DFW website or download the DFW Mobile App for iOS and Android devices.
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