A classic monument to the growth in North American air travel. In a little over 20 years Dallas-Fort Worth, which serves two major cities in the State of Texas, achieved international status and is now the country's fourth busiest airport and fifth in the world.
It has four terminals and seven runways. Future plans include a new international terminal and an eighth runway. DFW is the home of American Airlines.
Like many international hubs the sheer size of the place can be time consuming for travelers but there is an automated shuttle train which helps ease the strain and the airport scores pretty well on creature comforts. There is plenty of shopping and with over 100 food and beverage outlets you need never be without a coffee, a burger, or a beer if you prefer.
An instant plus point is the multi-lingual signs, a thoughtful facility still sadly absent in some airports which should know better. DFW also claims its Passenger Service Agents are fluent in 21 languages.
The Hyatt Regency provides a hotel facility on the airport but with 1400 rooms don't look for an intimate atmosphere. With the centers of Dallas and Fort Worth only 17 miles away and good ground transportation there are plenty of other options.
DFW has also developed into an important cargo center and has its own Foreign Trade zone.
Airport publicity describes DFW as "a stunning testament to the foresight of its founding partners Dallas and Fort Worth." History tells us a slightly murkier tale but whatever its origins Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has come a long way in a relatively short time.
