DFW - long layover
 

I booked my flights a month ago for this coming July - with a one hour late afternoon layover in DFW. A couple days ago I received a notice that the schedules have changed - and now I have a FIVE HOUR into the evening layover. After calling the airline and finding out there's nothing I can do, I am stuck.

Is there anything to do at DFW for five hours? I'll have a carry-on, so probably won't be considering leaving the airport. Just wondering if there is anything available that would be interesting. Of course I'll have a meal and something to read, but geesh - FIVE HOURS.

The sad news, too, is that once I get to my home airport MUCH LATER THAN I WAS PLANNING, I will have to drive an hour, so I guess the cocktail lounge is not in the cards for me.

The international terminal (D) has some nice food options, and there is a variety of choices between the terminals A-E. But no, not much to do unfortunately.

There are also a few clothing shops in Terminal D but between those and the restaurants there's not much else "to do" inside the DFW terminals - it's going to be a long 5 hours. FYI - you can use the SkyLink Tram to travel between the different terminals WITHOUT going outside the secure area.

Go here for information about the shops/restaurants in each terminal: www.dfwairport.com

With 5 hours you might consider purchasing a Day Pass for one of the Airline "clubs" where you can be a bit more comfortable while you pass the time.

For an airport, DFW really does have a lot of nice sit-down restaurants. There's fast food too. You won't go hungry at least. :)

Shop, Eat & Services:

http://www.dfwairport.com/shops/index.php

Missed your post, RoamsAround. :)

Another consideration: If I had to choose between the two extremes, a 1-hour or a 5-hour connection at DFW that time of year, I'd take the five. That area can be notoriously stormy on summer afternoons.

A good book helps me pass the time happily.

We had a 6 hour layoverat DFW a couple of years ago and asked the greeter at the entrance what we could do. She directed us to a shuttle bus that went on a loop into the city and could drop us off at a mall or a historic area (Grapevine?). The beauty of it was that the bus ran on a hourly schedule, so we knew exactly when we would be picked up for the return and could count on being in time for our flight. We chose the historic area, spent a relaxed time wandering around, were picked up at the bus stop exactly two hours later and got back in plenty of time. It was the last leg of a 30+ hour trip from Australia so the chance to get out of the airport was very welcome. I'd certainly recommend it and do it again it if is still in operation.

Historic...Grapevine?

Wouldn't waste your time with that.

As Jeff said, there's a shockingly good chance your flight will be delayed- I'd bring a book and an appetite!

Yes, I am just resigning myself to a long time in the airport. Luckily I like to read and I like to people-watch. Maybe I'll get to see some of that famous Dallas big hair.

Unfortunately (can't believe I am saying "unfortunately" - haha) I am flying first class (with air-miles), so there's a good chance that my initial flight will include a meal that may actually be edible. I hope I will be hungry enough at some point to spend some time in a restaurant during the layover.

I checked with AA to see if I could use their first class lounge and they said "NO" because I am using Alaska Air partner miles. Yeah, that's definitely a good way to get me to consider being a future American customer.

If you walk around Terminal D you will see some great mosaics on the floor. I know that won't kill 5 hours but if you like art I think you will appreciate these mosaics.

Good luck on seeing the big hair. That was a lot more common in the early 90's but you might catch someone in a time warp. :-P

... and going to Grapevine is NOT a waste. It's a nice little downtown are with some cute little shops.