DFW Airport says Dec. 20 will be its busiest day of the year. How to prepare for holiday travel

Friday, Dec. 20 is expected to be the busiest day for holiday travel at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Based on Thanksgiving weekend traffic, travelers should plan ahead for more traffic and increased wait times at baggage counters and security checkpoints.

DFW Airport is the third-busiest airport in the world in terms of passengers, the airport said. Approximately 79.9 million passengers travel through annually.

A recent study by Palm Paradise Realty Group gathered data from the Federal Aviation Administration’s OPSNET portal and found that DFW ranks No. 6 for worst delays. They based the list on average delay times, total delay instances and delay percentages data.

Though high traffic during holidays is out of anyone’s control, what can be in your control is how you prepare. The Star-Telegram has gathered data and tips that you should know ahead of flying for the holidays.

DFW Airport holiday travel predictions

4.7 million passengers are expected to travel through DFW Airport from Dec. 20 to Jan. 7, according to a press release from the airport.

“The busiest travel days are projected to be the weekends before and after the Christmas holiday, with Friday, Dec. 20, anticipated to be the busiest day as DFW welcomes more than 265,000 customers,” according to the press release.

DFW Airport anticipates the worst traffic times will be in the evenings, specifically on weekends, between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Congestion is also anticipated to be the worst within Terminal C, which is dealing with ongoing construction and closures.

The airport is deploying extra traffic control officers, extra signage and barriers and overflow parking options to reduce curbside congestion in efforts to ease the pain of the high travel volume.

How to figure out DFW Airport security wait times

If you want to see the state of the airport before you arrive, DFW Airport displays online security checkpoints and parking wait times.

However, it is important to note that airport officials recommend arriving at the airport two to three hours before your departure time to ensure you make your flight.

To check the wait times, visit DFW Airport online or their app:

• To download the DFW app, click here.

• To see the DFW security check point, visit the airport’s website here.

How to navigate DFW Airport’s shuttle bus service and speed rail

DFW Airport has the Skylink, which operates inside the airport after you go through security and connects travelers from one terminal to another. Travelers can also use the Terminal Link, which operates outside security and transports travelers from one terminal to another. Both are free to use.

The Skylink has two entry points within each terminal. More info:

• Operates 24/7, 365 days a year

• Arrives every two minutes

• Maximum ride time of nine minutes (between farthest points, terminal A to E)

• No ticket or pass needed, just walk on

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The Terminal Links are orange shuttle buses that stop on the curbs outside each terminal. More info:

• Signage shows where pickup spots are (Upper level for A,B,C and E, lower level for D)

• Operates from 5 a.m. to midnight.

• Track each shuttle’s arrival time by scanning the QR code found on signage at bus stop

• For after hours pick up, passengers can call 972-574-5465

• All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible

• No ticket or pass needed, just walk on

Tips on how to navigate DFW Airport during the 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.