The holiday travel season officially kicked off Friday, as DFW Airport gears up for a record‑breaking stretch of travel that could see five million passengers pass through its terminals between now and January 1.
DFW Anticipates a Surge of Travelers
AAA has projected that a record number of Americans will fly and drive during the holiday period. DFW Airport has echoed that sentiment, estimating that five million travelers will pass through its gates and runways during the same timeframe.
Spokesperson Urges Extra Time
Rob Hemler, the airport’s spokesperson, warned visitors to plan ahead. “We are expecting busy roads, busy curbs, busy terminals for the next two weeks through the holidays,” he said. He added that travelers should allow 60 to 90 minutes over their usual travel time.
Practical Advice for Domestic and International Flights
Hemler also emphasized the importance of arriving early. “At minimum, we encourage customers to get here at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours if they’re flying internationally,” he advised.
Terminal A Lines Ease Up
While lines began to build in Terminal A, many passengers found the wait shorter than expected. Katie McEnry shared her experience: “We were kind of expecting it, but it’s not been bad at all. Especially in this terminal, because the traffic is always terrible, but honestly, it wasn’t that bad either.”
Mario Bazan’s Quick Turnaround
Mario Bazan, who had prepared by arriving extra early for his flight to Rio, reported a smooth experience. “I was expecting a lot more people to be very honest, so it was very easy. It took about 15 minutes,” he said.
Construction and New Exit Ahead of Schedule
Construction that has slowed Thanksgiving travel prompted the airport to open a new right‑hand exit to Terminal A more than 20 days ahead of schedule. The airport also rerouted traffic through Terminal C, although a line of vehicles still snaked onto International Parkway on Friday evening.
Drivers’ Frustration
Frank Oden, one of several travelers who chose to enter through Terminal A, described the congestion: “Cars were on top of each other. It was ridiculous.”
Encouraging Public Transit Use
To reduce curb congestion, DFW recommends that travelers use DART’s silver or orange lines or the Trinity Metro Texrail. This guidance aims to keep the airport’s approach roads clearer during the busy period.
Key Takeaways
- DFW Airport expects five million travelers between now and January 1.
- Passengers should add 60–90 minutes to their travel plans.
- A new right‑hand exit to Terminal A opened early, but traffic still remains a concern.
The airport’s proactive measures and clear communication aim to help travelers navigate a busy holiday season with fewer delays and more predictability.
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