Can someone help me with DFW airport???

[shari2shop]

Help!!! DH and I are flying out of DFW (Dallas) and I am scared to death!!!! We are flying on Delta. I have looked at the DFW guide on their website. I *THINK* Delta flys out of termianl E but I'm not sure!! How do I know what terminal to go to? Also, what about parking? If we don't know the treminal before we get there how do we know where to park? Do we just park anywhere and start hunting for a sign that says Delta??

I have flown several times with my Mom but she always knows where we are going and doesn't worry about getting lost. It is still 36 days til our trip and DH is already asking if I know where to go at the airport ~ he does not want to get lost!

Also, Once I get into the right terminal do we find the counter and exchange our etickets for paper ones? Now, this counter is where we check our bags, right?? I think once I get inside of the airport it will all look familiar and I will remember everything!

Just so you know, I'm not worried about what to do once we land! I figure we will just follow everyone else on the plane! *L*

Thanks for the help!

Shari

 

[Chuck S]

I've only changed planes at DFW. But why not drive out to the airport and locate the Delta terminal, then (assuming you're leaving your car) locate the long term parking area. Most large airports with long term parking have a shuttle to and from the terminals. In San Antonio, there is a privately run covered parking area across the freeway from the airport that is about $7 per day, they run shuttles to the terminal area, too.

If you and DH are off work tomorrow, why not drive out to the airport for lunch and familiarize yourself with the area.

With Delta there is no need to exchange E-tickets for paper tickets. You will be given boarding passes when you check your baggage. If all your luggage is carry-on, then just go to the gate for your flight an check in there.

 

[jfap]

I live about 10 minutes from DFW and have flown out of there a few times. There are all kinds of signs that tell you which airlines flies out of each terminal. If someone is driving you to the airport than you just park at which ever terminal your airline is at. If you're driving yourselves you'll need to park in Long Term Parking and hop the shuttle bus to your terminal. (If you're doing this - I stress allowing lots of extra time ). Actually when driving into Dallas - ALWAYS ALLOW LOTS OF EXTRA TIME. Traffic can be horrendous depending on time of day.

With etickets you can check your bags at the curb and then go on to the gate where you will check in. No need to go to the ticket counter.

Hope that helps some.

 

[jtryan]

We just flew into and out of DFW this past weekend. When we were driving into DFW to the Delta terminal, there were plenty of signs to tell you which terminal to go to. I think the terminal was "E". My DH dropped us off at curbside check-in where we received our seat assignment cards which we gave to the attendant at the gate. He then returned the car to the rental car center but there looked to be ample parking at the Delta terminal. I think the idea of taking a practice ride doing a very low traffic period would be a good thing if you are really stressed about it. Have a great trip - I am envious of your mere 36 days but at least as of today I have hit the double digit mark. Only 99 more days to Disney!!

 

[lovepuzzles]

I think you'll find that DFW is very easy to get around. There are signs everywhere leading you in the right direction making it almost impossible to get lost. I've always flown on American, but I would think it would be the same for all the airlines. At American's parking there is a small terminal. You can go inside and check your bags from there and get your tickets, or find out where to go. From there they have a shuttle that will take you to the terminal where your gate is located. I've seen many times a 'Park and Fly' place. I believe it is off of Hwy 121. I've never used it, but you park there and they will shuttle you to the airport. I'm sure the rates are cheaper than parking at the airport. If you go that route at least you wouldn't have to find your way around the airport yourself...they would take you right where you need to go.
Also, if you do decide to take a trip through the airport before you leave on vacation. Be aware that they now charge you just to drive through. It was either $1.50 or $3.00 just to drive straight thru. When I lived there, if you just drove through they didn't charge you.

 

[lady400]

in my opinion, this airport is easy.

First of all, here's the airports website. Lots of good info and maps there.

I would first decide how much you want to pay for parking (price vs. convenience, considering the length of your trip). You will see at the website that there are options. Parking at the terminal is the most expensive...$12 per day. Personally, I don't recommended this expenditure for a trip of any length. "Reduced Rate" parking is $7 per day, and "shuttle" parking is $5 per day. Shuttle parking is what we always use. Also, either call Delta or get online at www.delta.com and find your gate number before you leave the house.

There is a shuttle parking lot at both ends of the airport, north and south. What entrance you come in will, of course, be determined by where you live and your route to the airport. If you decide to go with shuttle, look for the signs leading you these lots as you approach the airport proper (these exits will be before the entrance booths to the airport). When you enter the lot, you will go through one of those "take a ticket" type lanes. Save this ticket (we usually store it in the car). Head for the small building in the middle of the lot and wait in front of it. Shuttles will either be waiting or will arrive shortly. Read the signs on the front of the shuttle which terminal(s) it's heading to, you'll want terminal E.

Relax for the ride into the terminals. Upon arrival in terminal E, the shuttle will make several stops, and the driver will make announcements with regard to airline and gate numbers. You can also see this for yourself, there are signs everywhere. You will be arriving on the lower level.

There will be skycaps available right there. If you have e-tickets, have your id ready. The skycap will check your luggage, check your id, and issue your boarding passes. It's customary to tip him, somewhere around $1 per bag.

Now, go upstairs, through security, and locate your gate. You're done!! No need to go to the ticket counter, or even check with the gate agent. You're already checked in. You need only wait for the boarding announcements.

Another alternative, and one we do often, is to go ahead and bypass shuttle parking, and drive directly to the terminal. You will go through the main entrance booths, and receive a ticket. Just follow the signs for Delta and Terminal E. Once in terminal E, follow the signs for "Departing Flights". This will take you to the same lower level area that the shuttle will stop, just watch the signs for the range of gate numbers applicable to you. You can pull right up to the skycap. Go ahead and check your bags and get your boarding passes. Then exit the terminal, and exit the main airport entrance. They will need the little ticket you received upon entering, but as long no more than 1/2 hour has passed, there will be no charge. Now follow the signs for shuttle parking, park, and ride the shuttle back. No luggage to schlep around!!

Hope this helps.

 

[shari2shop]

~*~ ThAnK YoU ~*~ I am feeling A LOT better right now!!!

I think I am going to make a practice run next weekend. We are leaving on a Saturday afternoon so I think I'll go on that same day/time so I will know about what to expect in the way of traffic.

Now, I really think we will be okay! I know this is a dumb question but, does Delta fly out of only one terminal? Also, how do I know which gate? I know my flight number but my ticket does not say a thing about a gate number! Gosh! we might not be okay! *L* I'm going to print out all the advice and study it so when I make my practice run next week I will be able to make sure everything is done!

One more question, if I do the shuttle to the terminal, what do I do at the end of our trip to get the shuttle to pick us back up??

Thank so much!!!!

Shari

 

[lady400]

To find your gate number, go to www.delta.com. It's right there on the home page, a little box labelled "Arrival/Departure Info". You put in a flight number, and it will give you the gate. While you can do this now to test it out, don't assume that will be your gate. The website will only have info for yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You should check it last thing before leaving. Be aware that gate numbers are sometimes changed at late notice. Don't worry about it, just double check when you arrive at your gate that the flight number and destination you expect is posted. If it's not, ask a Delta representative or check the overhead screens for the gate, and proceed there.

Delta is only in one terminal. American, being the larger carrier in this market, is in two.

When you return, collect your luggage and proceed back downstairs to the lower level (where you came in). Look for the signs that say "Airport Bus", and wait on the sidewalk in that area. Watch for the bus marked "North Shuttle", or "South Shuttle", whatever applies to you, and off you go. You will be charged for the parking when you leave, and they do accept credit cards.

Have a great trip!!

 

[shari2shop]

WOW!!!

My husband is going to be so impressed when I march in there like I know exactly what to do!

I have studied the dfw map again and I really think if my DH drives and I look for parking and signs that we will be just fine!!!

35 more days!!!!


Shari