Dallas Love Field (DAL) is a convenient alternative to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), especially for domestic flights. It is also the fourth busiest airport in Texas.
It is located much closer to Dallas, only 6 miles northwest of downtown.
DAL is a relatively small airport, best known for its efficiency and loved for its proximity to the city.
With the full repeal of the Wright Amendment in 2014, Love Field is once again an important interstate and international hub for Dallas and Texas as a whole.
In 2024, DAL served a record-breaking 18 million passengers.
Major Airlines - Southwest Airlines
Dallas Love Field is a major operating base for Southwest Airlines. It is the dominant carrier at the airport, accounting for over 96% of passenger traffic. 24 of every 25 flights are operated by Southwest.
It offers routes to many cities, big and mid-sized, in the USA.
The other airline using DAL as an operating base is JetSuiteX (JSX) - a point-to-point low-cost airline that connects Dallas to other destinations in the South and offers some international routes to and from Mexico.
Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines each operate one regular route within the USA. This wraps up the airlines that serve Love Field.
To see a list of destinations you can reach from DAL, click here.
Terminal Layout and Gates of DAL
Dallas Love Field has a main terminal with 20 gates, numbered 1 through 20. Southwest Airlines uses 18 of those gates on a daily basis, while the other 2 are leased to the remaining airlines based on demand.
The terminal is easy to navigate. All gates are accessible post-security.
A smaller private terminal on the north side of the airport is used exclusively by JSX.
Dining Options at Love Field Airport
Data shows that there are 27 dining venues in total at the airport, of which only 3 are before Security.
Most dining options in Love Field are situated in the Concession Village area. It is centrally located in the heart of the terminal - you really can’t miss it.
Some of the best restaurants, bars, bakeries, and cafes at the airport are:
Cantina Laredo: Mexican cuisine located near Gate 6.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Texas-style barbecue in the Concession Village.
Whataburger: A legendary Texas burger brand. Located in the Concession Village.
Manchu Wok: Asian-style stir-fry meals. Located in the Concession Village.
Bruegger's Bagels: Bagels and coffee, located in the main lobby, pre-security.
Jason’s Deli: The place to grab a sandwich or some snacks just before boarding. Located near Gate 13.
Starbucks: America’s favorite coffee chain. Two locations post-Security - near Gate 7 and near Gate 13.
Paciugo Gelato: Italian gelato, shakes, coffee, and more in the Concession Village.
Yes, Love Field is a small municipal airport, but that doesn’t mean you will go hungry! There is always some new venue to try too!
Wi-Fi at Dallas Love Field Airport
Dallas Love Field provides free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
To connect, select the "DAL Free WiFi" network. A welcome page will automatically open. Watch a short advertisement, and your device will connect.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of charging spots spread around the airport.
Lounges at DAL
The only lounge at Dallas Love Field is the USO Lounge, accessible to active military personnel and their families.
The lounge is located post-security near the Dallas Cowboys Club and operates daily from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Other Services at Love Field Airport
Some of the available facilities to help passengers include:
A small children's playground after Security, in the “Stem” area.
- Information counters in at least 3 locations in the airport:
In the baggage reclaim area
Near Bruegger’s Bagels, at the entrance of the terminal building
In the central area of Departures.
A nursing room next to the Sky Cannon restaurant after Security.
Three pet relief areas, including one after Security.
Smoking areas: actually none, so smoke outside at the designated area on the upper level before entering the airport.
ATMs: At least 3 before and 3 after Security.
Transport to and from Dallas Love Field
Ground transportation options at Dallas Love Field can be summarized as follows: either the DART Light Rail, a taxi /ridesharing app, or a shuttle.
Here is some practical information:
The DART's Love Link Route 55 bus connects the airport to the Inwood/Love Field Station with a frequency of 15-30 minutes, providing access to the DART Green and Orange rail lines. Using the DART, you can get to pretty much all places of interest in Dallas and Fort Worth, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). A local day pass for the DART is just 6 USD!
Shuttle Services: Available on the lower level of the terminal curb, near Parking Garage A, with providers such as Empire Shuttle and Aries Shuttle. Check for private shuttles from DAL.
Taxis are available on demand at the valet pavilion and Garage C, Level 1. A trip to Downtown Dallas normally costs around 20 USD before any tips.
Ride-Sharing: Several app-based companies operate at DAL, including Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Alto. Their pick-up location is at the Lower-Level Curb, whereas drop-offs are all at the Upper-Level Ticketing Hall. Follow the signs at the airport and in the app.
Also worth noting are the numerous rental car companies that have counters at the airport. These are located in the hallway leading to the baggage claim.
Parking
First things first - where to park for a little bit while waiting for someone to land? The Cell Phone Waiting Lot, of course! This is a free area on the NE Corner of Hawes & Herb Kelleher, where you can park for up to an hour, though you may not leave your vehicle.
If you must leave your vehicle, though, there are three parking garages at Dallas Love Field:
Garage A: Located a 5-minute walk from the ticketing hall, which is in turn right beside the terminal. All levels are 24 USD per day. The first 30 minutes are free; thereafter, the hourly rate is 5 USD and drops for each additional hour (for example, 3 hours of stay cost 12 USD).
Garage B: An 8-minute walk to the terminal; covered levels are 21 USD per day, roof uncovered is 18 USD per day. The first 30 minutes are free; thereafter, the hourly rate is 5 USD and drops for each additional hour (for example, 2 hours of stay cost 8 USD).
Garage C: A 4-minute walk to the ticketing hall; covered levels are $21 per day, roof uncovered is $20 per day, with premium parking at $30 per day. The first 59 minutes are free on all levels except Level 3. Each hour of parking costs 3-4 USD, depending on the total duration.
A Skybridge connects Garages A and B to the terminal. It is on level 3 of the respective garage.
In Garage C, the Skybridge bypasses the ticketing hall, making it perfect (and speedy) if you don’t need a printed boarded pass and have no luggage to check in.
Valet Parking is also available with contactless service connected to the ticketing hall. An hour of this service costs 10 USD but is capped at 35 USD for 5 to 24 hours.
All spaces are first-come, first-served. Payment can be made in cash, using a credit card, or with your NTTA TollTag.
Hotels near Love Field
The closest you can stay near Dallas Love Field is about 1 mile away from the terminal building in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas. It is a practical 3-star hotel with beautiful and spacious rooms, utilitarian conference rooms, and a good classy restaurant.
You will find more hotels the closer you get to the city. Most hotels in a 3-mile radius around DAL are between a 2 and 4-star rating. Notable hotels include the Element Dallas Love Field and the Staybridge Suites Dallas Market Center Love Field.
Discover more airport hotels near Dallas Love Field Airport.
Dallas, TX, USA
