Dallas International Airport (DFW) guide

Dallas International Airport (DFW), which serves more than 69 million passengers each year, is larger than the island of Manhattan and actually has its own zip code.

With five terminals sending passengers to more than 200 destinations, Dallas International Airport (DFW) is a busy place — in fact, it’s the fourth busiest airport in the world, in terms of the number of airplanes flying in and out. Having this handy airport guide available — and a convenient airport map — will help you find what you need when you need it.

Airlines flying out of Dallas International Airport (DFW)

DFW Airport is home to five terminals, three of which (Terminals A, B, and C) are used primarily by American Airlines, which is headquartered in Dallas and calls DFW home. While Terminal D is often called the International Terminal, many international flights also operate out of Terminal E. Take a look at these lists to find your flight.

Terminals A, B, and C

• American Airlines (also operates out of Terminals D and E)

Terminal D

Terminal E

Dallas International Airport lounges (DFW) – relaxation and pampering

If you’re looking for an airport lounge for some relaxation while you wait for your flight, you’re in luck, because every terminal at Dallas International Airport (DFW) hosts at least one lounge. Most of the lounges are in the International Terminal, but American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines also take care of their passengers in the other terminals.

American Airlines Admirals Clubs – sit down and relax in four terminals

If you’re a member of American Airlines’ Admirals Club, the airline’s frequent flyer program, and you’re holding a same-day boarding pass for travel on the airline (or on Alaska Airlines or any oneworld partner), you’re eligible to visit any of the four Admirals Clubs at DFW Airport. Members’ immediate family and up to two guests may also enjoy access to the clubs, which you’ll find in Terminals A, B, C, and (after construction is finished) D. Day passes are also available for purchase when space permits.

The recently remodeled Admirals Club in Terminal A has business travelers in mind, offering a business center with more than 20 individual private workstations, as well as two rentable conference rooms equipped with projectors and whiteboards. A separate area for children is designed to let them play and make noise away from the rest of the lounge, and shower facilities are available. Throughout the lounge is a variety of seating with power outlets and Qi chargers everywhere you turn. The food consists primarily of snacks, but a server is on hand making fresh guacamole to spice things up a bit.

The Terminal B Admirals Club is smaller than the others throughout the airport, but it tends to be quiet and relaxing. In addition to the snack buffet, self-serve liquor, and guacamole bar, you can purchase meals. Showers are available, as are three well-equipped conference rooms if you need to hold a meeting with your colleagues before you fly.

In Terminal C’s Admirals Club, you’ll find plenty of varied seating with power outlets, as well as lots of natural light — but no views of the tarmac. You can order food for purchase at the bar, while international travelers receive a ticket for one free premium drink. Otherwise, food choices are mostly limited to snacks, coffee, and soup. With four conference rooms and plenty of private work cubicles available, this large lounge is also well-equipped to help you get some pre-flight work done. A dedicated children’s room, a TV area, and shower facilities are also available.

American Airlines recently took over the former Qantas lounge in Terminal D, remodeling it to create a large Flagship Lounge, open to premium international passengers of both airlines. A large hot buffet serves a wide variety of international foods, and chefs are on hand to prepare made-to-order omelets and pancakes. Two dedicated quiet rooms let you get away from the airport’s hustle and bustle, and eight shower suites make it easy to freshen up. First-class flyers have access to the Flagship First Dining area of the lounge, which offers complimentary table-service dining featuring elevated interpretations of Texas classics.

Just a couple of gates away, economy-class passengers who are members of the Admirals Club or Qantas Club have access to a newly opened Admirals Club lounge that features showers, a smaller buffet, and a selection of Texas craft beers.

Terminal D lounges – grouped together and easy to find

Most of the airport lounges in Dallas International Airport (DFW) Terminal are grouped together — just follow the signs to the “Airport Clubs.”

Lufthansa lounge

This lounge is open not just to Lufthansa travelers but also to Star Alliance members with gold status or higher. First-class passengers have access to a separate room, which offers greater food choices.

In the main lounge, you’ll find a snack buffet, and you can order drinks of all kinds through an attendant. A separate children’s play area offers toys and a dedicated TV, and you can store your luggage and charge up devices. Shower facilities and a meeting room are available, and the views of the tarmac are stunning.

The Club at DFW

This recently remodeled lounge is open to Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Lounge Club, and Diners Club members, and day passes may be available for purchase, space permitting. This smaller club is divided into five zones, the first being the “Replenish” zone, which offers a hot and cold buffet and small bar. The “Privacy” zone features high-walled chairs with power outlets, the “Productivity” zone has work chairs at a counter with power outlets, the “Relax” zone features traditional lounge seating, and the “Refresh” zone hosts a single shower and restroom.

British Airways Executive Lounge

This lounge is reserved for elite members of British Airways frequent flyer programs as well as for those holding premium same-day tickets on BA flights. The seating areas tend to be quiet and comfortable, with pull-out tray tables at many of the armchairs to make snacking or working on your laptop easy. Power outlets are plentiful, and the hot and cold buffet is kept stocked throughout the day.

Korean Air lounge

This lounge for premium passengers on Korean Air provides a real respite for long-haul flyers. A self-service cold buffet keeps you well-fed, and the lounge offers free Wi-Fi and plenty of international reading material. Enjoy the stunning views over the tarmac from the comfortable seating.

American Express Centurion Lounge

The recent renovation and expansion of this lounge help ease the overcrowding that the Centurion Lounge has experienced in past years. This lounge, which is open to American Express Platinum cardholders and their guests, is known for its good food, with celebrity chefs contributing to the menu offerings, and fun, creative drinks on the bar menu. American Express takes relaxation seriously, offering free spa treatments that include various chair massages, facial cleansings, and manicures. Shower suites are available, as is a nap area, a conference room, and a dedicated kids’ room.

Terminal E lounges – the other domestic airlines

Delta Sky Club

This airport lounge, open to members of Delta Airlines’ Sky Club, caters to business travelers with several cubicle workstations, a conference room with a view, and a business center with a printer and a shoeshine machine. Food options include a self-service buffet offering soups and a small salad bar.

United Club

This recently remodeled club welcomes United Club members and premium and elite passengers traveling on Star Alliance airlines. The sleek bar pours beer, wine, and house drinks for free, and the cold buffet provides salads, snacks, and a soup of the day. A single phone room provides privacy and a desk. Elsewhere through the club, comfortable seating abounds, and every chair features power outlets and USB plugs.

Hotels near Dallas International Airport (DFW) – stay overnight without leaving the airport

At Dallas Airport, you can check in to your four-star hotel right inside your arrival terminal. Take a look at these choices for an overnight airport stay.

Grand Hyatt DFW

Walk right into this four-star hotel from Terminal D, or take the Skylink high-speed train from any other terminal to check in. The upscale Grand Hyatt features a rooftop fitness center and spa, a saltwater pool to help you relax and unwind after your flight, and three major dining options in-house that treat you to everything from coffee to martinis to globally inspired cuisine.

In your room, enjoy the oversized bathroom and the bedside touch panel that lets you control all the rooms functions before your feet hit the floor. Flexible meeting spaces are also available if you need to hold meetings while in town.

Hyatt Regency DFW

Located inside DFW just adjacent to Terminal C, the Hyatt Regency DFW recently completed a renovation, resulting in a sleek, contemporary look that has been winning the hotel several design awards. Four restaurants and bars, including one that’s open 24/7, make it easy to grab a bite to eat no matter when your plane lands, and you can work through the stiffness from the flight in the hotel’s full gym and horizon pool.

If you need to focus on business during your stay, ask about the Executive Conference Level, where guest rooms and meeting rooms are placed conveniently on the same floor. A full business center that’s open around the clock and 70 meeting rooms of varying sizes are also on hand to help you focus on your work, and the in-house dry cleaning service helps you look your best for your big presentation.

Dallas Airport shopping and services – fill your carry-on with treasures

If you feel a need to purchase some Dallas Cowboys gear before you head home, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll also find a wide variety of shops to help you pick up necessities for your trip, finish off your travel outfits, or make your journey more pleasurable.

Terminal A

If you couldn’t get all the skin care products or cosmetics you need through security, stop at Benefit, Kiehl’s or MAC to fill out your toiletries kit. Reading material for your flight is available at Hudson, CNBC News, or Southwest News, and travel gadgets (new headphones, anyone?) await you at InMotion Entertainment or tech paradise Brookstone. Men can update their travel wardrobes at Johnston & Murphy, and luggage upgrades are available at Tumi. Stop in at GNC to pick up the vitamins and supplements you need to stay healthy and focused through your journey. You can also get your hair done before your big meeting at XpresSpa.

Terminal B

Grab the missing cable you need or upgrade your tech at the Best Buy kiosk in this terminal, or keep yourself occupied during your journey with magazines, newspapers, and books available at Sierra News, Hudson, and Texas Monthly News. Terminal B is a great source for the Texas mementos you’ve promised to bring home, with Texas Territories and Texas Marketplace selling a wide range of souvenirs and Brighton Collectibles delivering on silver and leather accessories that stand out. Natalie’s Sweet Gourmet lets you pick up on some treats for your flight.

If you’ve got some time to spare before your flight, spend it in comfort getting a massage or pedicure at Be Relax Spa.

Terminal C

If you’ve been to Terminals A or B, the shopping options at Terminal C should look familiar: Benefit, Best Buy Express, Brighton Collectibles, InMotion Entertainment, MAC, and Natalie’s Candy Jar all make repeat appearances here. You can get even more specific with your Texas football love at Emmitt Smith Sports, and plenty of reading material awaits you at Daily News Express, Hudson, Sierra News, and Wall Street News. Stop in at Spa Here for a massage, hair styling, or a spa treatment.

Terminal D

The International Terminal is where to come for high-end fashion, with choices that include Jo Malone London, Hugo Boss, Coach, Kate Space, Longchamp, and Michael Kors. If duty-free shopping is your thing, head to the three Duty-Free by TRG shops dotted throughout the terminal to save on customs when you take liquor, fragrances, cosmetics and more to your home country, or pick up fine duty-free whiskeys and cigars at Whiskey Flight. Those Texas souvenirs await you at The Range and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, and you’ll find all the tech you need at iStore, InMotion, and Best Buy Express. Stop in at Southwest News, Wall Street Journal, Univision, or World News and Gifts for reading material and travel necessities.

Also in Terminal D, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax, including an XpresSpa to pamper you, a yoga studio that provides mats, and a children’s play area. In the case of travel illness or emergency, an urgent care facility and pharmacy are also available.

Terminal E

Shopping choices are minimal in this terminal, but you can still grab those souvenirs at Lone Star Attitude and Texas Marketplace. Pick up candy for your sweet tooth at Lick Candy Store, and augment your travel tech at Sound Balance, Best Buy Express, and InMotion. Reading material? You’ll find it at NBC-5 Travel Store, Hudson, Southwest News, and CNBC News. XpresSpa is ready to help you relax, and a second outpost of Gameway lets you while away your downtime playing video games.

Dallas International Airport (DFW) restaurants – Tex-Mex, barbecue, and more

You can have a delightful meal if you stick to the barbecue and Tex-Mex options that are abundant at Dallas International Airport (DFW), but you’ll also find a wide selection of other quick-serve spots and more than a few table-service and fine dining restaurants.

Terminal A

Yes, you can grab a bite at Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Popeye’s in this terminal, but you have more than fast food available. Check out these other options:

• Salt Lick Bar-B-Que: Locals all know and appreciate this Hill Country establishment serving up tasty barbecue.
• Lorena Garcia Tapas Y Cocina: Tapas and global Latin specialties are on the menu at this table-service restaurant with a menu by celebrity chef Lorena Garcia.
• Twisted Root Burger Co.: Popular in Dallas since 2006, this burger joint piles the locally sourced ingredients so high on its burgers, it’ll be tough to figure out how to actually eat them.
• Dallas Cowboys Club: Yes, it’s a restaurant as well as a souvenir shop, with Tex-Mex on the menu, strong drinks at the bar, and football on the TVs.

Terminal B

Casual food predominates in Terminal B, where Panda Express, Subway, and Wing Stop all vie for your attention. Check out these quick-serve and sit-down options as well:

• Cantina Laredo: Tex-Mex made with Angus beef and other high-end ingredients — and those margaritas pack a punch.
• Cousins Bar-B-Q: This family-owned restaurant, renowned for its blissfully smoky meats, has two outposts in the terminal to make it easy to get your ‘cue on.
• UFood Grill: Burgers and fries that aren’t fried? That’s right. This healthy spot grills, steams, and bakes all its dishes, so you can enjoy comfort food without any guilt.

Terminal C

Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy are popular chain restaurants with a presence in this terminal, and Chick-fil-A and Pizza Hut keep fast food fans happy. In addition, check out these welcoming spots to grab a bite:

• Shake Shack: The NYC favorite has made its way to DFW with its popular burgers, hot dogs, and frozen custards.
• Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen: Fresh seafood with a kick is on the menu at this Texas favorite serving up Cajun specialties.
• Pappasito’s Cantina: It wouldn’t be a DFW terminal without the requisite Tex-Mex, and Pappasito’s has been keeping Texans (and margarita lovers) happy for 30 years.

Terminal D

The DFW International Terminal is your destination for global cuisines and a wide selection of sit-down restaurants.

• Whitetail Bistro: Noted chef Kent Rathbun takes his inspiration from France at this fine-dining restaurant that relies on local ingredients including quail, salmon, and duck and adds a Texas spin to every dish.
• Banh Shop: This Vietnamese quick-serve spot is ideal if you don’t have much time but want something out of the ordinary (try the elotes made with coconut milk or Vietnamese chicken soup).
• The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck: Celebrity chef Puck returns to his roots with hand-stretched pizzas and signature Italian dishes that elevate your airport dining experience.

Terminal E

You’ll find some intriguing options at Terminal E if you want to step beyond the chains.

• Love Shack: Texan celebrity chef Tim Love is behind the menu at this gourmet burger joint, a Fort Worth favorite.
• Cereality: Breakfast goes wild at this spot where you can pair your choice of cereals with a variety of toppings (served by staff wearing pajamas).
• Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse: If you’re craving barbecue, head for this Dallas institution for smoked meats and fluffy rolls that satisfy.

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