DAL Airport Insights & Guide
Key DAL Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know DAL Airport
Welcome to your comprehensive online guide for Dallas Love Field Airport . Serving millions of passengers annually, DAL is known for its two terminals and its unique history dating back to 1917. With a variety of services and amenities, including an interactive airport map and a plethora of dining and shopping options, DAL ensures a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Whether you're visiting Dallas or exploring other destinations around the globe, our guide to navigating airports can provide you with essential information for a seamless journey.
WATCH VIDEO: Join us on a journey through Dallas Love Field with a complete airport tour highlighting its layout, history, and airlines:
Airport News
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) has recently implemented several noteworthy enhancements for travelers. The airport is introducing new technology to streamline the passenger experience, including advanced security screening systems and improved baggage handling. Additionally, DAL is making strides toward sustainability, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2024, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility. These developments are set to significantly improve both the efficiency and eco-friendliness of the airport. (sources: NBCDFW, Axios)
Navigating DAL's Terminals
DAL Airport has two terminals: the Main Terminal and the Legend Terminal. The Main Terminal has 20 gates and is used by Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Seaport Airlines. The Legend Terminal, which opened in 2015, has 8 gates and is used exclusively by Southwest Airlines.
When arriving at DAL, passengers will enter the Main Terminal. If you are flying with Southwest Airlines and departing from the Legend Terminal, you can take the complimentary shuttle bus located outside of the Main Terminal. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and takes about 5 minutes to get to the Legend Terminal.
Both terminals offer a variety of food and beverage options, including Starbucks, Whataburger, and Cinnabon. There are also several shops and services available, such as newsstands, gift shops, and currency exchange. Restrooms and charging stations are located throughout both terminals.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
At the airport, there is only one terminal, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. All gates, shops, and restaurants are located within the same building, making it easy to navigate and find everything you need.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from DAL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Dallas Love Field has a single terminal with 20 gates, making it relatively easy to navigate. If you’re flying Southwest, you’ll find most of their gates clustered together, which is convenient for connecting flights." — James T., Richardson, TX, August 2023
"The terminal layout is straightforward, but it can get crowded during peak hours. Arrive early to avoid the rush and give yourself extra time to get through security." — Maria G., Irving, TX, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The DART bus route 524 connects the airport to the Inwood/Love Field Station, making it easy to get into downtown Dallas. It's a cost-effective option if you’re looking to save on transportation." — Kevin L., Plano, TX, September 2023
"Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up zones at Love Field. Follow the signs to the lower level for quick access." — Emily R., Carrollton, TX, October 2023
Parking
"The on-site parking garages at DAL can fill up quickly, especially during holidays. Consider using the Valet Parking service for a more convenient experience." — Ahmed K., Garland, TX, November 2023
"For long-term parking, the Love Connection Remote Parking lot is a great option. It’s cheaper, and the shuttle service to the terminal is frequent and reliable." — Linda S., Mesquite, TX, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"If you’re looking for a good meal, check out Sky Canyon by Stephan Pyles. It’s a local favorite and offers a taste of Texas cuisine right in the terminal." — Carlos M., Grand Prairie, TX, January 2024
"The airport has plenty of shopping options, from travel essentials to unique gifts. Don’t miss the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop if you’re a sports fan." — Hannah W., Frisco, TX, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Check the TSA wait times online before you head to the airport. DAL can get busy, and knowing the wait time can help you plan accordingly." — Michael B., McKinney, TX, March 2024
"If you’re traveling with kids, the play area near Gate 14 is a lifesaver. It keeps them entertained while you wait for your flight." — Jessica P., Allen, TX, April 2024
iFly Tip: Access a curated selection of travel advice and resources on our Flying Info and Tips page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At DAL, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are limited to a maximum of two minutes at the curb. Violators may be ticketed or towed, so it is important to adhere to these rules.
If you need to wait for a passenger to arrive, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up. This is a convenient option that helps to alleviate traffic congestion at the curbside. Once your passenger is ready to be picked up, you can proceed to the curbside to pick them up.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're flying out of DAL Airport, you'll have several parking options to choose from. The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking in its garages and lots, with over 6,000 spaces available. The garages are located near the terminal, making them a convenient option for travelers who want to be just steps away from their gate. The lots are a bit further away, but still within walking distance of the terminal.
If you're picking up a passenger, the airport also has a cell phone waiting area where you can park for free while you wait for your loved one to arrive. This area is located just a few minutes away from the terminal, so you can easily pull in and wait until your passenger is ready to be picked up.
For travelers with disabilities, the airport offers designated handicapped parking spaces in all of its parking facilities. These spaces are located close to the terminal, making it easy for passengers with disabilities to access the airport.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport. These lots typically offer lower rates than the airport's parking facilities, and many provide shuttle service to and from the terminal. While you may have to factor in a bit of extra time for the shuttle ride, off-airport parking can be a great way to save money on your trip.
Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Love Field offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. If you prefer to rent a car, you can choose from several car rental companies located near the baggage claim area, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can also book a rental car in advance to ensure availability.
If you prefer to take a taxi, you can find them outside the baggage claim area. The fares are metered and vary depending on your destination. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, which have designated pickup areas outside the terminal.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can try shared ride services like SuperShuttle or ExecuCar. These services offer door-to-door transportation and can be booked in advance or on the spot. However, keep in mind that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage.
For those who prefer to use public transportation, Dallas Love is served by DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) bus routes 524 and 525. These buses provide connections to downtown Dallas and other areas of the city. The bus stop is located outside the terminal, near the baggage claim area.
iFly Tip: Learn how to book the best flights with our overweight travelers guide.
Airport Hotels
Traveling can be a breeze when you have the right accommodation. Whether you're in town for business, pleasure, or just passing through, we have a wide variety of hotel options to suit your needs. From chic homes just minutes from downtown, to modern hotels complete with complimentary airport shuttles, there's something for everyone. Our guide to airport hotels offers a range of options including luxury houses, pet-friendly inns, and comfortable motels, all conveniently located within a short distance of the airport. Discover the best accommodations available by checking out our Dallas Love Field Hotels page.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Love Field offers a variety of dining and shopping options to its passengers. For a quick bite, head to Whataburger located in the Main Terminal near the baggage claim or Dunkin' Donuts in the West Concourse. If you have more time to spare, visit Love Shack in the Main Terminal for their famous burgers or Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina in the West Concourse for Latin-inspired cuisine.
When it comes to shopping, Dallas Love has plenty of options to choose from. Visit Texas Marketplace in the Main Terminal for souvenirs and gifts that represent the Lone Star State or InMotion Entertainment in the West Concourse for electronics and gadgets. For luxury brands, head to Michael Kors in the Main Terminal or Tumi in the West Concourse.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Dallas Love Field Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, plan your visit using this guide.
Passenger Services
Dallas Love Field Airport is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient experience for all passengers. Here are some of the services available:
Wifi access is available throughout the airport for free. Simply connect to the "DAL Free Wifi" network.
If you have lost or found an item, visit the Lost and Found office located in the baggage claim area of the terminal. You can also call them at (214) 670-5683.
For families traveling with children, there are several children's play areas located throughout the airport. These areas are designed to keep children entertained and engaged while waiting for their flight.
Dallas Love Field offers special-needs services to passengers with disabilities. These services include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. If you require special assistance, please contact your airline in advance.
Banking services are available at the airport through ATMs located in the terminal. There are also currency exchange services available for international travelers.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport is equipped to provide necessary assistance. There is a medical clinic located in the terminal staffed by medical professionals ready to handle a variety of medical issues.
Flight Status Info
When traveling by air, it is important to stay informed about your flight status. Fortunately, there are several ways to get real-time updates on your flight at DAL.
One way to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide up-to-date information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines offer mobile apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about their flight status.
In addition to airline apps, passengers can also sign up for flight status alerts through third-party apps like FlightAware or TripIt. These apps provide real-time updates on flight status and can send alerts directly to your phone or email.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at DAL Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Make the most of TSA PreCheck with our step-by-step application guide.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) is located in Dallas, Texas, United States.
- Terminals: The airport has two terminals connected by a covered walkway. Terminal 1 serves Southwest Airlines, while Terminal 2 serves Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the DAL Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Dallas Love Field handles approximately 30,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 200 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from DAL are Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
- Hub Status: Dallas Love Field is a hub for Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of the airport's daily flights.
Airport History
Dallas Love Field, located in Dallas, Texas, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1917. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1917 - DAL is established as a training base for World War I pilots.
- 1927 - The first passenger terminal is built, and the airport begins commercial passenger service.
- 1930s - Love Field becomes a hub for Braniff Airways and other airlines, making it a major aviation center in the Southwest.
- 1941 - During World War II, Love Field is used as a training center for military pilots.
- 1958 - The iconic Love Field terminal building, designed by architect William Pereira, is completed.
- 1963 - President John F. Kennedy arrives at Love Field on November 22, 1963, just hours before his assassination in downtown Dallas.
- 1974 - The Wright Amendment is passed, restricting flights from Love Field to destinations within Texas and neighboring states.
- 1997 - The Wright Amendment is modified, allowing for nonstop flights from Love Field to other states.
- 2014 - The Wright Amendment is fully repealed, allowing for unrestricted flights from Love Field to any destination in the United States.
Today, DAL Airport serves over 16 million passengers annually and continues to play a vital role in the aviation industry.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Dallas Love Field Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: DAL
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 214-670-5683
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Dallas Love Field Airport, 8008 Herb Kelleher Way, LB 16, Dallas, TX 75235, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Dallas Love Field Airport Q&A
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