Flying out of DFW Airport for Christmas? Get there at least 3 hours early
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport anticipates a little more than 7 million travelers this December, a 2.4 percent increase from 2023.
Though summer is the busiest travel season, travelers experienced some traffic jams getting into and out of the airport over Thanksgiving weekend. An official statement from the airport on X said that the holdup was due to holiday travel traffic.
Heads up: There’s extremely high traffic today due to holiday travel. Please plan for delays and allow extra time during your trip to the airport.
— DFW Airport (@DFWAirport) December 2, 2024
After travelers experienced so much traffic over Thanksgiving, what can they expect during Christmas and New Year’s?
How much busier does the airport actually get during holiday months?
A DFW Airport spokesperson told the Star Telegram that between Dec. 20 and Jan 7., there will be an estimated 4.7 million travelers passing through.
The airport expects Friday, Dec. 20 to be one of the busiest days of travel. However, during the holiday season, the airport also anticipates a high volume of travelers before or after Christmas and New Year’s.
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How can travelers prepare for a busy holiday season?
“The best thing travelers can do is plan ahead,” a DFW Airport spokesperson said. “On a normal travel day, travelers should arrive at least two hours for a domestic or international flight. On holidays, where airport traffic is at its heaviest, it’s a good idea to arrive at least three hours early.”
The airport also recommends the following:
Book your parking ahead for cheaper rates and to ensure a spot.
Download the DFW Mobile App. This will show security checkpoint wait times, detailed terminal maps, parking availability and line times.
If you do not want to worry about traffic or parking, DFW airport is connected to Trinity Metro’s TEXRail and DART’s Orange Line for a ride straight into the airport.
Construction at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
DFW Airport suggests that travelers sign up for live construction updates. You can sign up by the link here, or by visiting DFW construction update’s webpage.
It is important to note that Terminal C is undergoing construction projects, so travelers through there may want to arrive at least three hours before their departure. Additionally, the south parking garage is closed for reconstruction, but the north and central garages remain open.
The inside remodel has begun in gates C28 to C33, closing down C30 security checkpoints and a few American Airline counters. Terminal C mainly serves American Airlines and hosts the American Admirals Club.
However, gates C10 through C21 will remain open with their check-in counters and security checkpoints, as well as access to all gates that are operating through there. C35 through C39 will also remain open throughout the duration of the construction project.
The two Skylink stations — the shuttle connecting other terminals — will remain open in Terminal C.
