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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
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Last edit by: Prospero
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 blue and green 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 blue and greens 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 green 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
  • 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 Feb 4, 2017, 6:41 am
  #451  
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Originally Posted by fishball
whoa you guys are quick - guess I can safely proceed to book! Thanks so much.
Is it cheaper/more convenient to fly via DFW than LAX? With LA, you get a 3 hour buffer and bigger choice with multiple Cathay flights.
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Old Feb 9, 2017, 10:05 am
  #452  
 
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Hi I have a quick question. First time connecting Int'l to Int'l at DFW. I'm going to fly LHR-DFW-MEX all on 1 single PNR and with AA.

I presume my bag will be tagged ITI.

Will I be able to use the Carry E-Z immigration line as I'll only have my carry-on and won't need to collect my bag? or will I have to use the APC kiosk and pass custom before heading towards TSA? Thanks!
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Old Feb 20, 2017, 4:51 pm
  #453  
 
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Posts: 6,433
LGA-DFW-FAT in mid-May. Choice is between a 6:00a LGA flight with a 2:13 minute connection and a 7:30a flight with a 43 minute connection. If we miss the connection, the next flight is about 4 hours later.

43 minutes seems too tight to be sensible, even if MCT is 40 minutes. Am I being too conservative?
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Old Feb 20, 2017, 5:11 pm
  #454  
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Originally Posted by FCO36
Hi I have a quick question. First time connecting Int'l to Int'l at DFW. I'm going to fly LHR-DFW-MEX all on 1 single PNR and with AA.

I presume my bag will be tagged ITI.

Will I be able to use the Carry E-Z immigration line as I'll only have my carry-on and won't need to collect my bag? or will I have to use the APC kiosk and pass custom before heading towards TSA? Thanks!
Request they tag your bag for ITI. If they do, you won't need to collect your checked baggage at DFW. I'm guessing you'll be able to use Carry E-Z if so.


Originally Posted by richarddd
LGA-DFW-FAT in mid-May. Choice is between a 6:00a LGA flight with a 2:13 minute connection and a 7:30a flight with a 43 minute connection. If we miss the connection, the next flight is about 4 hours later.

43 minutes seems too tight to be sensible, even if MCT is 40 minutes. Am I being too conservative?
Even in good weather, stuff happens. I recently had an hour plus connection with arrival and departure at adjacent A gates and arrived a few minutes early. Dream, right? Trouble operating the jetway meant I just made my flight.

Personally, I'd opt for 2:13.
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Old Feb 20, 2017, 5:12 pm
  #455  
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Originally Posted by richarddd
LGA-DFW-FAT in mid-May. Choice is between a 6:00a LGA flight with a 2:13 minute connection and a 7:30a flight with a 43 minute connection. If we miss the connection, the next flight is about 4 hours later.

43 minutes seems too tight to be sensible, even if MCT is 40 minutes. Am I being too conservative?
Is the FAT flight mainline or eAAgle? If the latter, I'd definitely do the longer connection. Worst case you have time to grab a late breakfast or spend time in the lounge. LGA congestion probably won't be too bad that early, but that 43 mins could quickly turn into much less.
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Old Feb 20, 2017, 6:01 pm
  #456  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Posts: 6,433
Originally Posted by JDiver
Even in good weather, stuff happens. I recently had an hour plus connection with arrival and departure at adjacent A gates and arrived a few minutes early. Dream, right? Trouble operating the jetway meant I just made my flight.

Personally, I'd opt for 2:13.
That's the current plan. I just wanted to see if others thought I was being too conservative.

Originally Posted by FriendlySkies
Is the FAT flight mainline or eAAgle? If the latter, I'd definitely do the longer connection. Worst case you have time to grab a late breakfast or spend time in the lounge. LGA congestion probably won't be too bad that early, but that 43 mins could quickly turn into much less.
Both are mainline. No lounge access, but DFW has such lovely food at that hour :-)
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Old Feb 20, 2017, 6:10 pm
  #457  
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Originally Posted by richarddd
Both are mainline. No lounge access, but DFW has such lovely food at that hour :-)
You never really know then, if they're both mainline. When I fly AUS-DFW, it seemed like we always went to a gate in A. Except for the last time, when our gate was in D. It was a bit tough for those expecting a short walk for a connecting flight.

I'd definitely suggest the longer connection. I don't have a lounge membership either, but do get to use it while I'm traveling internationally.
So long as you're able, I'd suggest walking between flights; I like the bridges between A-B or C-D.
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Old Mar 29, 2017, 9:51 am
  #458  
 
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2 hours 43 minutes sufficient connection at DFW for separate tickets?

Here's my story,

I booked an award ticket DFW-EZE leaving at 645 PM from DFW. I booked a separate United ticket IAH-DFW arriving at 1135 AM. However at some point AA changed the schedule to 750 PM, so I changed the United ticket to arrive (nice agent) to 402 PM. However, now the AA ticket changed back to 645 PM (no notification this time), so I only have a 2 hour 43 minute layover in DFW. I have no status on AA but do have precheck so if everything goes well I think it should be okay, but just a little concerned. I don't think United will change the ticket back to the original time and AA definitely won't change me to a different flight like DFW-SCL for my peace of mind since there is no award availability (thought I've heard it can be forced if you're lucky). From looking at flight history it looks like usually IAH-DFW is 20 minutes early so I should be okay, but with all these recent computer crashes you never know. Do you think the 163 minute layover is sufficient with checked bags?
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Old Mar 29, 2017, 9:57 am
  #459  
 
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I am a natural worrier, and I would worry about this one, even though it will likely be fine.
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Old Mar 29, 2017, 9:58 am
  #460  
 
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If everything goes according to plan, it will be fine.

I would probably have stayed on the earlier UA flight just to be safe though. Do you have status with UA or AA? If UA, could always use the free (for golds and up) SDC feature; With AA, with Plat and above there would be lounge access, so I wouldn't (but just me) mind having 5 hours to kill in DFW.
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Old Mar 29, 2017, 10:26 am
  #461  
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Aspen, CO
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Yes, you should be more than fine. Everything's connected via people mover so switching terminals should be quick and easy. I got off a United flight and was checked into a Qatar flight in less than 20 minutes.
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Old Mar 29, 2017, 10:29 am
  #462  
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Originally Posted by BThumme
If everything goes according to plan, it will be fine.
And if no, not. That will always be the case, no matter how much of a gap you leave.

It's a matter of personal risk tolerance, probabilities, and the impact of missing the flight. Be aware that neither airline will have sympathy for problems you had on another airline/ticket - you were just a no-show.

I did this once, connecting to a flight that only flew once a week on a family vacation, and I traveled in the night before.
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Old Mar 29, 2017, 10:33 am
  #463  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DFW
Posts: 96
DFW is excellent for moving between terminals. You risk has nothing to do with DFW airport but rather with a delay of your first flight. If you arrive anywhere within an hour of your scheduled arrival time you will be fine. As prior poster mentioned once you are off your first plane your will be at any gate within less than 30 minutes.

Of course if you can't thru-check your luggage you may add 30 minutes for collecting that.
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Old Mar 29, 2017, 10:42 am
  #464  
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The OP would have been protected in the event of IRROPS if he had booked IAH-DFW on AA rather than on UA. Was the UA flight that much cheaper?
guv1976 is offline  
Old Mar 29, 2017, 10:50 am
  #465  
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
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I don't know how baggage claim is on United, but even if your inbound is an hour late you should be able to manage.

Here is my thoughts on your timeframe:

1. Park at gate
2. Get baggage (assume 25 minutes from parking at the gate - DFW is bad)
3. Check-in at Terminal E AA counter (no status, plus walk time - maybe 20 minutes)
4. Get through security with Pre-Check (15 minutes)
5. SkyLink to Terminal D (10 minutes)
6. Walk to gate in D (10 minutes)

So probably you "need" 80 minutes plus they like to shut the door earlier on International flights. I would add probably 45 of that could be eliminated if you didn't check a bag because you wouldn't need to leave security. Plus that eliminates issue if they lose your bag somehow on the inbound (unlikely but...)
badkneeski is offline  


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