Everything You Need to Know About the Texas Giant

If you’ve ever looked at a flight map of the United States, you’ve probably noticed a massive hub sitting right in the center of the country marked by three bold letters: DFW.

But what airport is DFW, exactly? Is it in Dallas? Is it in Fort Worth? And why is it famous for being “larger than an island”? Whether you’re a first-time flyer or a seasoned traveler planning a layover, here is the ultimate guide to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The Basics: Where is DFW Located?

The most interesting thing about DFW is its location. It isn’t strictly in Dallas, and it isn’t strictly in Fort Worth. Instead, it was built right in the middle of the two cities to serve the entire North Texas Metroplex.

• Distance to Dallas: About 20 miles northwest of Downtown Dallas.
• Distance to Fort Worth: About 24 miles northeast of Downtown Fort Worth.
• Size: It covers over 27 square miles. To put that in perspective, the airport is physically larger than the island of Manhattan! It is so big that it actually has its own zip code, its own police force, and its own fire department.

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Why is DFW a Big Deal?

DFW is more than just a place to catch a plane; it is a global gateway. As of 2025, it consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic.

The Home of American Airlines

If you see a lot of silver planes with red, white, and blue tails, there’s a reason. DFW is the primary hub for American Airlines. In fact, American Airlines operates its second-largest hub in the world here, which means if you’re flying anywhere in the U.S. or South America, there’s a good chance you’ll be connecting through North Texas.

Non-Stop to the World

DFW connects you to over 250 destinations across five continents. Whether you want to fly to London, Tokyo, Sydney, or a small town in West Texas, you can probably get there from DFW.

Navigating the Terminals: A, B, C, D, and E

DFW is shaped like a series of half-circles. There are five main terminals, and knowing which one you’re in is key:

• Terminal A, B, and C: Primarily used for domestic American Airlines flights.
• Terminal D: The International Terminal. This is the “fancy” terminal, featuring high-end shopping, international dining, and beautiful public art.
• Terminal E: Serves other major domestic carriers like Delta, United, Spirit, and Frontier.

The Secret Weapon: Skylink If you have to switch terminals, don’t panic. DFW has a free high-speed train called Skylink that runs inside security. It arrives every 2 minutes and can get you to any other terminal in under 9 minutes. Plus, it offers a great view of the runways!

3 Things to Do on a DFW Layover

Because DFW is a major connection hub, many travelers find themselves with 2 or 3 hours to kill. Luckily, this airport is built for comfort.

1. Eat Like a Texan: Skip the standard fast food and look for Cousins BBQ or Pappasito’s Cantina (Tex-Mex). You haven’t truly visited Texas until you’ve had some brisket or a breakfast taco.
2. Visit the Yoga Studio: Need to stretch after a long flight? There are free yoga studios in Terminal D (Gate D40) and Terminal E (Gate E31), complete with mats and a quiet atmosphere.
3. Founders’ Plaza: If you have a very long layover and want some fresh air, take a taxi to Founders’ Plaza. It’s an observation area just outside the airport where you can watch massive jets take off while listening to live air traffic control broadcasts.

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Quick Comparison: DFW vs. Dallas Love Field (DAL)

New travelers often get confused because Dallas has two airports.

Feature	DFW International	Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Location	Between Dallas & Fort Worth	Close to Downtown Dallas
Primary Airline	American Airlines	Southwest Airlines
Best For…	International & Long-haul	Short domestic hops
Size	Massive (27 sq miles)	Small and easy to walk

Pro-Tips for Your Trip

• Download the DFW App: It has a “wayfinding” feature that works like GPS inside the terminal to lead you to your gate.
• Check Security Wait Times: DFW’s website provides live updates for every checkpoint. If the line at your gate is long, you can often enter through a different checkpoint in the same terminal.
• Arrive Early: Because the airport is so large, it can take longer than you think to park, shuttle, and get to your gate. Stick to the 2-hour rule for domestic flights!