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AA Guide: DFW / Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc

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Old Sep 7, 2015, 10:18 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: controller1
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.

Check-in times Link for current information.

In most locations, you must be checked in:

At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States

At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States


If you’re beginning travel from any of several airports operating u Dee more restrictive check in times, follow the link above, as the check-in period is longer.
Link to DFW airport website

Link to aa.com DFW page

General Information

Despite it's size and five terminals, DFW is a fairly easy airport to navigate and connect though. If you have any difficulty, look around for kiosks / booths staffed by volunteer Ambassadors - they can usually be spotted wearing "ten gallon" cowboy hats. They offer maps and terminal guides (which include dining and shopping information).
.. ..
DFW Ambasadors - look for the "Ask Me" button

Peculiarities: DFW can be severely affected by rare winter ice or snow, and summer thunderstorms. Lightning effectively shuts the flight line down. This is AA's prime hub; over 80% of aircraft movements here are AA, so knock-on effects during lengthy OSO / IROPS can manifest themselves systemwide.

Note: DFW Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP): DFW is undergoing a fairly extensive terminals refurbishment program, and parts of terminals A, B and E have been under construction/ refurbishment, as are some parking garages, so changes in security screening, etc. are common. See here for further information and updates.

DFW all Terminals , SkyLink and DART Exit Map


Operating terminals and gates

AA operates flights out of terminals A, B, C, D; as of March 2016 AmericanEagle by ExpressJet use Terminal E with AA partner Alaska and others.
  • Terminal A is the ex-international terminal, used for domestic flights (see TRIP note)
  • Terminal B is usually used for regional (American Eagle branded) flights (see TRIP note)
  • Terminal C is usually used for domestic flights
  • Terminal D is the current international terminal; most AA international flights depart here, as well as all partner and Lufthansa international flights.
  • Terminal E is used by some AA regional and ExpressJet CRJ flights (E34-E38) as of 3 Mar 2016, AA partner Alaska (and others) (see TRIP note)
  • Terminal "V" or VIRT means an actual gate has not been assigned yet

* may always be subject to change

DFW American Airlines Terminals Map:
Ticket Counters and Hours of Operation Link
Please use link to check today's hours; below accurate 8 Mar 2016

Terminal AA8 - A15: full service and self-service check-in, Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
A16 - A23: full service and self-service check-in, Daily: 4:30 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.

Terminal BB6: Daily: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
B30: Daily: 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Terminal CC2 - C15: self-service check-in, Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
C16 - C25: Full service and self-service check-in, Daily: 3 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
C26 - C39: Self-service check-in, Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Terminal D D1 - D18: Self-service check-in, Daily: 4 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
D20 - D40: Full service and self-service check-in, Daily: 4 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Terminal E (American Eagle by ExpressJet CRJ flights) E34 – E38: Full service and self-service check-in, Daily: 5 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.

AA Headquarters CTO / City Ticketing Office 4333 Amon Carter Blvd? (at Sovereign Rd. across from USPS), Fort Worth, TX
Lobby, on left prior to security; free visitor parking. Weekdays, 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Alternative for ticketing, voucher use, etc.
Check-in and ticketing at DFW and check in times Link

Flagship Check-in: NO

Minimum time for checking in and arriving at the gate

To better ensure an on-time departure, our goal is to close the jetbridge door 10 minutes before departure time. This allows all customers to board and stow their belongings. (AA may release your seat if you show up at your gates less than fifteen minutes prior to scheduled departure.)

To retain your pre-reserved seat on a confirmed flight, make sure to follow the minimum check in and gate arrival times.*

For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:
  • Minimum check-in is at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure in most locations
  • Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure; gates close 10minutes prior to departure. Early boarding and departure are not unknown.




For flights originating outside the U.S. or flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:
  • Minimum check-in is at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure except in Buenos Aires, Dublin and Maracaibo, Venezuela
    • Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure Upgrades May be cleared prior to announced boarding times, regardless of your position on the list.


Minimum time to check baggage

To help us get your bag on the same flight with you, present your bag to an airline representative for check-in no later than the cutoff time.

For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:Check bags at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at DFW

For flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:Check bags at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure

Time to baggage delivery: minimum 20 minutes
Getting from concourse to concourse

Landside, one can use the terminal link orange vans (see below), but it's faster and easier to use Sky Link.

Airside elevated bidirectional Sky Link is the easiest way to get around
  • bi-directional system connects all five terminals and is the shortest route to your stop while inside of security.
  • Free service
  • Trains arrive every two minutes
  • Average ride time of five minutes
  • Maximum ride time of nine minutes between farthest points
  • Easy access to other terminals’ shops and restaurants


Station escalator/elevator locations:
  • Terminal A: Between A13 and A16 and between A29 and A34
  • Terminal B: Between B9 and B12 and between B28 and B31
  • Terminal C: Between C8 and C12 and between C27 and C32
  • Terminal D: Between D11 and D20 and between D24 and D34
  • Terminal E: Between E8 and E11 and between E31 and E32


Walking between terminals
  • Terminals A-C and B-D (international) are connected at the ends by departures level walkways; the people mover belts on these walkways have been out of service at least for years. Estimate at least a five to ten minute walk between A and C, B and D, more if gates are farther from the connector.
  • Terminals A and B are connected by overhead walkways (escalator or lift / elevator). This walkway is serviced by working people mover belts, all of which are out of service as of 7/18/19. Courtesy carts use this route by using lifts.
  • Terminals C and D (international) are connected by overhead walkways (escalator or lift / elevator). This walkway is serviced by working people mover belts.


There is no need to leave the secure area to move from one concourse to another. *Exceptions are arriving international flights. In such case one must normally clear immigration and customs, reclaim bags and proceed through security.

Landside free interterminal transportation

Terminal Link's orange vans arrive every 10 minutes and will transfer you between all terminals once outside of security.
  • Free service
  • No ticket or pass of any kind is needed to board
  • Service available between 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
  • To request van pick-up between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., call 972 574 LINK (5465)
  • All vans are wheelchair accessible


Two easy-to-locate orange pick-up/drop-off areas are located outside baggage claim areas of each terminal. Follow the Terminal Link signs to reach the nearest pick-up/drop-off area:Terminal AEntry A10 serving Gates A1-18
Entry A24 serving Gates A18-39

Terminal B Entry B12 serving Gates B12-B25
Entry B25 serving Gates B25-B49

Terminal C Entry C12 serving Gates 1-14
Entry C24 serving Gates 15-25

Terminal D Entry atLower Level D17 serving Gates D1-D22
Entry at Lower Level D24 serving Gates D23-D40

Terminal E Entry at E7 serving Gates E1-E10
Entry E31 serving Gates E31-34 (American Eagle by ExpressJet)
Security at DFW

Link to DFW Airport Security information (including checkpoints and hours)


Note: coming out from immigration and customs, you may find yourself near the D22 and possible lengthy queues through TSA security. As swag says in a post, "D has multiple checkpoints, all easily walkable, and any ticketed passenger can use any one of them. If you find yourself facing a long line at D22, it may be worthwhile to walk down to D18 or D30."

Note: D22 has PreCheck but may be closed; D30 PreCheck is open most of the time.

Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki DFW Security

Priority Access lines available at Terminals A, C and D.

PreCheck lines are available at A20, C20, D22, D30 and E18; none at Terminal B.
MCT: Minimum and reasonable connection times at DFW

Q. What is the Domestic to Domestic or Domestic to International Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?

The MCT for Domestic to Domestic or Domestic to International is 40 mins.

There are other MCT's for specific connections including:
-Connections from Terminal E to Terminal E 30 mins
-Connections to/from ERD/ER4 aircraft 50 mins
-Connections to/from Terminal E to other Terminals 50 mins
-Connections from a US Pre-Clearance airport 60 mins

Q . What is the MCT for International to Domestic?

The MCT for International to Domestic is 80 mins, or 85 mins if arriving off a widebody aircraft. 85 mins is applicable for most all long haul destinations in Europe, Asia, South America, etc.

There are other MCT's for specific connections including:
-Connections to Terminal E 90 mins
-Connections to/from ERD/ER4 aircraft 90 mins

Q. If I am making an international to international connection, what is the process?

There is no international transit process in most U.S.A. airports, but (DFW and MIA have a ITI baggage exception for international to international if arriving from some "approved" international origins). Arriving internationally, unless you have been pre-cleared or are excused by meeting ITI requirements as described here, you must proceed through U. S. immigration (there are kiosks and a fast channel for Global Entry approved passengers, and a "green line" for those with no checked bags), recover your baggage from the baggage carousel and proceed through U. S. Customs. There is a "green line" shortcut for passengers traveling only with carry-on baggage (no checked luggage) and there are Global Entry kiosks and a short cut to Global Entry queues.

Upon exiting Customs there is a bag drop facility; drop your checked connecting baggage, exit to the landside arrivals area.

NOTE: if your connection exceeds 11 hours or entails remaining overnight, you will normally be required to take your baggage with you and re-check it within ~four hours of departure.

NOTE: Any liquids in excess of security allowance will have to either be packed in checked baggage or, in the case of duty free purchases at your origin (or in air from other airlines), presented in STEB (Secure, Tamper Evident Bags) with receipts to TSA

Proceed to the kiosks to get boarding passes for your ongoing travel, or check in and re-check your baggage, then proceed through TSA security to airside (see the "DFW Security" section). Your international departure will be from Terminal D, also your international arrival terminal.

See DFW / Dallas Ft. Worth Connection & Times - Domestic & International (consolidated)
DFW dining, services and shopping

Lounges: please see the Lounge Dashboard "sticky" for further lounges information at DFW

Admirals Clubs and Lounges:
  • Terminal A: Admirals Club across from gate A-24
  • Terminal B: Admirals Club Service Center across from gates B-5 and -6
  • Terminal C: Admirals Club across from gates C-19 and -20
  • Terminal D: Admirals Club, and coming Premium lounge near gate D-23;NOTE: offers new Flagship Dining
  • Terminal E: Admirals Club at top of escalator on Mezzanine level
  • American Express Centurion Lounge take lift opposite gate D-17
  • BA, LH, QF and QR have their own lounges between D-21 and D-22
  • The Club at DFW (Pay, Diners, Priority Pass) between D-21 and D-22
  • Terminal E: Delta Sky Club
  • DFW Airport Travel Lounges are free, offer warm lighting, comfortable lounge and workstation seating, and power outlets at every seat; near gates A29, B8, B28, C8, C27, E8, E31


Dining, Shopping Link to DFW services, dining guide and interactive map

See here for shopping and dining changes.

AA Employee Store: Link: (open to the public) Shop for AA ware, baggage, memorabilia, etc. at Gate C-2

Currency exchange: Travelex at D11, D22 (Outside Security), D24, D36, E8, Intl Re-Check.

WiFi / wireless service: Free AT&T Wireless Hot Spot throughout airport

Device Power Charging: DFW Airport Travel Lounge - B28, C8, C27, E8
Free Power Stations - A10, C6, C20, C27, C35, D21, D23, D30, D40, E10, E37 (also see DFW Travel Lounges above)
Guest Services Center - B14

Disabled and VIP Services

For disability assistance contact AA Special Assistance services (no fee) (link)

For VIP gate to gate connections (fee), see AA Five Star Service (link)

Smoking: No smoking in terminalsTerminal A Admirals Club and D Club smoking rooms are closed)

Rental cars: The Rental Car Center is located at 2424 E. 38th St, DFW Airport, TX, near the south entrance of the Airport and is served by 10 companies. Link. Arriving Passengers: After collecting your baggage, follow the Rental Car signs to the designated pick-up area on the lower level of the terminal. From there, board the Rental Car shuttle bus. Buses run 24 hours a day, depart (theoretically) every five minutes and reach the Rental Car Center in approximately 10 minutes.

Departing Passengers: Before your departing flight, please return your vehicle at the Rental Car Center. For transportation from the facility to your terminal, board the Rental Car Shuttle. The Rental Car Shuttle runs 24 hours a day and departs every five minutes from the facility.

Animal Relief Areas: (all land side)Terminal A: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal B: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal C: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal D: Lower level, outside the D30/D31 baggage claim area by the parking garage and at D18.

Terminal E: Lower level grassy areas.
DFW Parking

There are Valet, Terminal, Express and Remote parking options. See here for options, pricing and interactive guides.

Disability Parking: see Link

Cell phone lot (none)
DFW transportation

Public transport

Metro DART Orangle Line to Dallas. Take from entry near Terminal A, A-10. Take the elevator to the lower level, then walk to the right and follow the signs.

TRE / Trinity Rail Express to Dallas and Ct. Worth. NO SERVICE SUNDAYS. Take free bus to Remote south Parking; take connecting bus to CentrePort/DFW Airport station.

Shared Vans: City Shuttle, L.L.C. shared van service 1.240.760.1998

Go Yellow Checker Airport Shuttle shared vans to Ft. Worth hotels. Board at upper level roadway marked areas.

Taxi: at every terminal; see DFW Taxi Guide for prices, etc.

App Based Transportation (Uber and Lyft)
When using these services for pick-up, exit the terminal and proceed to the Shared Ride sign.
Airport and Area hotels

DFW has many hotels, most served by shuttles, many nearby options.

There are two hotels at DFW, both connected to terminals. They tend to be rather pricey and fill up quickly.Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport Hotel at Terminal C (link)

Grand Hyatt DFW Hotel at Terminal D (international terminal) (link

There is a "Minute Suites" cubicle hotel (with rental showers) that rent by the hour or eight hour period near gate D-23 at Terminal D. (link. (Terminal A has a Minute Suites planned for 2016.)

There are several lower priced hotels with shuttles. These and "alternative" sleeping or rest opportunities are listed hereon sleepinginairports.net. This page includes many helpful listings - baggage storage, lounges, where to sleep in the airport, etc.

During Off Schedule Operations / Irregular Operations, cots with blankets and pillows are available for affected passengers.

During OSO / IROPS, AA will generally not offer hotel and meal vouchers for disruptions from causes not directly under the airline's control (such as weather). You may be able to at least get "distressed traveler" certificates for lower rates from AA, or you may be able to request distressed traveler rates from reservations center's or properties.
Is there anything to do at DFW?

See DFW / Dallas-Ft. Worth Layover Questions (consolidated) ...

You can visit the

C. R. Smith Museum (AA history, DC-3 Flagship Detroit, gift shop)
4601 Texas HWY 360 at FAA Rd
Fort Worth, Texas 76155
817-967-1560
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00-5:00, Sunday 1:00 - 5:00; Closed Monday
Cost: $7.00, $4.00 seniors 65 or +, students w/ ID, children 2-17, military
Getting there: taxi; (unofficial: take crew shuttle if space available to Conference and Training Center, get dropped at the Museum).

See FT DFW and the AA / C. R. Smith Museum in Dallas (consolidated)

Do I have time to go to Dallas?

A minimum of six hours would be suggested for "going to town".
Other resources
  • Link to AA FAQ: Will I make my connection?

  • Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki: Minimum Connecting Times

  • Link to AA Lounge Dashboard (guide to AA and other lounges)

  • Link: to DFW connection guide in Texas forum

  • Link: to DFW layover guide in Texas Forum

  • Link: to DFW Employee Store (open to the public) Shop for AA ware, baggage, memorabilia, etc. at Gate C-2
Contributors to this thread include: aamilesslave;

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AA Guide: DFW / Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc

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Old Oct 28, 2023, 12:21 pm
  #1711  
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NYC
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,092
Originally Posted by serfty
I am not sure this is correct. The carts can certainly navigate between A & C and B & D.

I could be wrong, but ISTR that I have seen them using the elevators to navigate between C & D.
This is correct, the elevators for the elevated connectors can fit a cart and they do utilize them to cut across the terminals.
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Old Oct 30, 2023, 6:47 am
  #1712  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 585
Can anyone offer me a bit of DFW knowledge.

Landing at 1350 on the AA flight from LHR. Does anyone know what terminal that should be? I think D? I then need to get my bags and go to the Global Entry Office in the terminal to get my new Visa added to my Global Entry before that closes at 3. It'll be tight, but in theory it could be do-able right?

Then recheck bags to another AA flight, but I can just do that at any check in, in Term D before going through TSA pre-check and back airside right?
mediamonkey is offline  
Old Oct 30, 2023, 6:59 am
  #1713  
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,944
Originally Posted by mediamonkey
Can anyone offer me a bit of DFW knowledge.

Landing at 1350 on the AA flight from LHR. Does anyone know what terminal that should be? I think D? I then need to get my bags and go to the Global Entry Office in the terminal to get my new Visa added to my Global Entry before that closes at 3. It'll be tight, but in theory it could be do-able right?

Then recheck bags to another AA flight, but I can just do that at any check in, in Term D before going through TSA pre-check and back airside right?
You will arrive at Term D. After customs, veer to the left and drop off your checked bag (If already tagged, won't take more than a second or two). Then, instead of continuing on around the corner to the escalator upstairs, go back and to the exit doors to the right of where you exited customs. On the other side of the public arrivals area there will be a hallway that will take you to the Global Entry office. Biggest thing will be the wait for bags, but DFW tends to be efficient on international arrivals. If you still need to check your bags, walk down to the AA counters in D and check there, then use the checkpoint there to clear security. It's faster than the one at D22 above the exit from customs.
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Old Nov 6, 2023, 7:39 pm
  #1714  
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: LA
Programs: AA Plat Pro, SPG/Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,198
Deleted - NVM

Last edited by chenalex; Nov 6, 2023 at 8:19 pm
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Old Nov 12, 2023, 8:33 pm
  #1715  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: GRB
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 329
Will be landing at DFW on a weekend morning. Which has better showers - the AA Flagship, AMEX Centurion, or the Capital One lounge? (In terms of water pressure, ventilation, towels provided, likelihood of wait).

Last edited by kamadzu4; Nov 12, 2023 at 8:55 pm
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Old Nov 13, 2023, 6:06 pm
  #1716  
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NYC
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,092
Originally Posted by kamadzu4
Will be landing at DFW on a weekend morning. Which has better showers - the AA Flagship, AMEX Centurion, or the Capital One lounge? (In terms of water pressure, ventilation, towels provided, likelihood of wait).
I would argue FL, solely because the AX and CO have had substantial lines when I was there this week compared to the ease of the FL. Overall, I don't think you'll go wrong, but have always found the AA showers pretty top notch.
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Old Nov 20, 2023, 4:59 pm
  #1717  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8
29-min Connection at DFW?

Hello,

Wondering if there are any DFW vets out there who could assess my chances of successfully making a 29-minute connection? Not legal, of course. I'm flying LAX-DFW, scheduled arrival 2:05pm. I'm ticketed on the 4:36pm to SDF. But I am noticing there is a 2:34p departure from DFW- I'd love to be able to get on that flight, which would get me into Louisville early enough to make a 7pm event. I'm just wondering what people think my chances are of making that earlier (2:34p) flight? Or if anyone has any hacks specific to DFW which might help. On my first leg (LAX-DFW) I am seat 13D on a 777, meaning I should be able to disembark fairly quickly. And I have flown through DFW a handful of times so I'm familiar with the AirTrain. I'm travelling Christmas-time (Dec 20) so that probably won't help.
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Old Nov 20, 2023, 5:03 pm
  #1718  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
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Posts: 3,378
Oh boy. It’s possible but a lot has to go right for you to make this. Inbound can’t be late at all, jetway has to come up to the plane quickly, you need to be close to an AirTran stop if you need to change terminals, the AirTran needs to come just as you walk up, you then need to be close to the next gate after getting off the AirTran, the gate agent of the next flight can’t close the door early, etc. etc.

I’ve done this a few times at DFW when the inbound has been late, but it wasn’t easy and once the gate agent had to reopen the door for me (after she had literally just closed it two seconds before I got there).
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Old Nov 20, 2023, 5:23 pm
  #1719  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8
Thanks for the reply.
Yes, I'd probably need a lot of things to break right for me.
But I'm also thinking, perhaps the time of year will help- ie increase the chances that the 2:34p flight doesn't leave on time. You'd at least think there's a higher chance the 2:34p from DFW would be delayed than a 9am out of LAX, where the 777 arrived the night before.
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Old Nov 21, 2023, 8:46 pm
  #1720  
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by hombre
Hello,

Wondering if there are any DFW vets out there who could assess my chances of successfully making a 29-minute connection? Not legal, of course. I'm flying LAX-DFW, scheduled arrival 2:05pm. I'm ticketed on the 4:36pm to SDF. But I am noticing there is a 2:34p departure from DFW- I'd love to be able to get on that flight, which would get me into Louisville early enough to make a 7pm event. I'm just wondering what people think my chances are of making that earlier (2:34p) flight? Or if anyone has any hacks specific to DFW which might help. On my first leg (LAX-DFW) I am seat 13D on a 777, meaning I should be able to disembark fairly quickly. And I have flown through DFW a handful of times so I'm familiar with the AirTrain. I'm travelling Christmas-time (Dec 20) so that probably won't help.
Last Friday, it took 20+ mins from when the plane touched down to the Terminal (C)... Runway construction slows down taxi time..... ahhgghh. hell wit it... take a gamble.. lol.
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Old Nov 21, 2023, 10:28 pm
  #1721  
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Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Airport Lounges (Usually in ORD and LHR)
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Posts: 1,559
Originally Posted by hombre
Hello,

Wondering if there are any DFW vets out there who could assess my chances of successfully making a 29-minute connection? Not legal, of course. I'm flying LAX-DFW, scheduled arrival 2:05pm. I'm ticketed on the 4:36pm to SDF. But I am noticing there is a 2:34p departure from DFW- I'd love to be able to get on that flight, which would get me into Louisville early enough to make a 7pm event. I'm just wondering what people think my chances are of making that earlier (2:34p) flight? Or if anyone has any hacks specific to DFW which might help. On my first leg (LAX-DFW) I am seat 13D on a 777, meaning I should be able to disembark fairly quickly. And I have flown through DFW a handful of times so I'm familiar with the AirTrain. I'm travelling Christmas-time (Dec 20) so that probably won't help.
Echoing what has been said above - AA won't give you this as an option given the connect time (as you mentioned, it's not legal), the shortest that is possible is 30 minutes (and that's Terminal E to Terminal E, which probably isn't a valid possibility now that the ERJs are gone and regionals use either E or B, but I digress), otherwise it's 40 minutes, so you're not going to be able to change to it before you get to DFW (you might be able to find a helpful agent that will add you to the standby list before, but I don't have experience with that so I cannot say the likelyhood). As such, you'd most likely be asking the agent at the gate to add you and clear you from the standby list, at the gate in DFW, and standbys are usually all cleared before boarding, so you'd have to get to the gate, have the agent add you, and then hope that someone misconnects. With AA's push for D0 (door closed on time), agents will likely not be willing to add someone to the list at the last minute (I've been told the cutoff is 15 minutes before). If you are able to get added before getting to DFW, there's also the issue of agents not clearing standbys that aren't present. I've noticed lately that standby pax are being called up to the gate in order as shown on the list before they show as cleared on the app, aka the agent is making sure standbys are present before clearing them (so they don't have to remove them if they aren't at the gate for whatever reason), and as you won't be at the gate before boarding starts, you may get skipped over (if the agent does this ofc).

If you were trying to make a connection where you have a confirmed seat, I'd say give it a shot if you really want to, but as you would be standby, your chances are pretty much one in a million, and I'd look now at changing your flight out of LAX if you really want to be in SDF by a certain time.
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Old Nov 22, 2023, 7:07 am
  #1722  
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil and Porto, Portugal
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, LH FTL, FB Gold, LATAM Black Signature
Posts: 558
Hey guys! I have never originated in DFW before, so I wanted to make sure I will be doing things right.

I bought a GRU-DFW-PVG flight, though the price dropped significantly if I were willing to spend a day in Dallas (27 hours connection time), so that is what I decided to do.

Seeing how massive of a hub for AA DFW is, I am aware they have check in counters spread accross most of the terminals. So my question is: upon returning to DFW to check in for my DFW-PVG flight, in which terminal should I check in? I will be flying J class and I am an EXP, in case that makes any difference.


Thanks in advance!
GRUflyer is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2023, 7:11 am
  #1723  
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Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Airport Lounges (Usually in ORD and LHR)
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,559
Originally Posted by GRUflyer
Hey guys! I have never originated in DFW before, so I wanted to make sure I will be doing things right.

I bought a GRU-DFW-PVG flight, though the price dropped significantly if I were willing to spend a day in Dallas (27 hours connection time), so that is what I decided to do.

Seeing how massive of a hub for AA DFW is, I am aware they have check in counters spread accross most of the terminals. So my question is: upon returning to DFW to check in for my DFW-PVG flight, in which terminal should I check in? I will be flying J class and I am an EXP, in case that makes any difference.


Thanks in advance!
Check in at Terminal D, that is the one with the Flagship lounge which you have access to. Your flight will most likely depart from D as well (but could also depart from A, which is accessible via the skytrain).
GRUflyer and LCSinTexas like this.
S80 is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2023, 9:26 am
  #1724  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: DFW
Posts: 271
Originally Posted by S80
Check in at Terminal D, that is the one with the Flagship lounge which you have access to. Your flight will most likely depart from D as well (but could also depart from A, which is accessible via the skytrain).
Mostly agree except for 1 caveat. If checking luggage you are better served to check in at departure terminal. Only because I’ve had them not get my luggage to correct terminal a few times. If flight is not in D just take sky train to Flagship.
shaddie is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2023, 10:15 am
  #1725  
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SoCal,
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro
Posts: 784
Originally Posted by hombre
Hello,

Wondering if there are any DFW vets out there who could assess my chances of successfully making a 29-minute connection? Not legal, of course. I'm flying LAX-DFW, scheduled arrival 2:05pm. I'm ticketed on the 4:36pm to SDF. But I am noticing there is a 2:34p departure from DFW- I'd love to be able to get on that flight, which would get me into Louisville early enough to make a 7pm event. I'm just wondering what people think my chances are of making that earlier (2:34p) flight? Or if anyone has any hacks specific to DFW which might help. On my first leg (LAX-DFW) I am seat 13D on a 777, meaning I should be able to disembark fairly quickly. And I have flown through DFW a handful of times so I'm familiar with the AirTrain. I'm travelling Christmas-time (Dec 20) so that probably won't help.
I’ll second the poster that’s warning of long construction related taxi times. Sitting on 3990, just landed on rwy 13-31 next to FedEx and it’s the longest taxi in good weather that I’ve had here in 5 years. Good luck to ya.
Tack is offline  


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