Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is gearing up for a significant influx of travelers during this holiday season. Between December 14th and January 2nd, the airport anticipates welcoming approximately 4.5 million customers, marking an increase of 4.8% compared to last year’s winter holiday break. Notably, the peak travel days are expected to be December 22nd, 15th, and 21st, with customer counts exceeding 240,000 on each of these days.
In light of the increased holiday traffic, DFW advises travelers to arrive at least two hours before their flight. This recommendation aims to allow sufficient time for parking, check-in, security clearance, and reaching the departure gates. To streamline the process of picking up or dropping off passengers, DFW offers 1- or 2-hour parking spots near the terminals’ curbs. Additionally, the airport has two free cell phone lots, located on its north and south sides, where drivers can wait for their arriving passengers.
DFW’s busy period is not unprecedented, as evidenced by the preliminary Thanksgiving figures, which showed that nearly 3 million customers passed through the airport from November 16th to 28th, a substantial 15.8% increase from 2022.
Amidst this bustling travel period, DFW is also undertaking several construction projects. These are part of a broader initiative to modernize Terminal C and enhance the infrastructure in the Central Terminal Area. Travelers should be mindful of the ongoing work at Terminals C and D. A notable change is the temporary relocation of check-in counters for some international airlines in Terminal D, due to an upgrade in checked baggage equipment. Additionally, a project initiated on December 4th is affecting the lower-level roadway at Terminal C, with part of the curb closed to prepare for further construction at Terminal C and its garage. Travelers using the lower level parking at Terminal C are advised to follow signage for guidance into the terminal.