DFW terminals getting around - terminal link buses

[Quickstatus]

DFW has 5 terminals:
A,B,C,D,E
The transportation at DFW are:
Inside security (and therefore carryon luggage only) Skytrain which travels in both directions:
A>C>E>D>B>A
or
A>B>D>E>C>A

Outside security there is a Terminal Link Van Shuttle.
1st Question:
Which direction does the Terminal Link Shuttle travel? A>C>E>D>B>A or A>B>D>E>C>A ??

Reason for question:
I am departing DFW-LAX on AA from terminals A,C or D.
But at the same time 2x QS boys flying out on QF8 DFW-SYD from D.
And the next day Mrs QS is flying DL DFW-ATL from Terminal E.
Planning to stay at either Grand Hyatt (terminal D) or Hyatt Regency (terminal C) depending on the travel direction of the Terminal Link Shuttle.

2nd question:
I suspect also that Grand Hyatt in Terminal D is easiest because only need Terminal link Shuttle to travel between terminals whereas Hyatt Regency near Terminal C requires hotel shuttle to/from Terminal C then Terminal link Shuttle to travel between terminals. Is this correct??

https://www.dfwairport.com/dfwucm1prd/groups/public/documents/webasset/p1_007097.pdf

 

[Daver6]

Outside security there is a Terminal Link Van Shuttle.
1st Question:
Which direction does the Terminal Link Shuttle travel? A>C>E>D>B>A or A>B>D>E>C>A ??

Reason for question:
I am departing DFW-LAX on AA from terminals A,C or D.
But at the same time 2x QS boys flying out on QF8 DFW-SYD from D.
And the next day Mrs QS is flying DL DFW-ATL from Terminal E.
Planning to stay at either Grand Hyatt (terminal D) or Hyatt Regency (terminal C) depending on the travel direction of the Terminal Link Shuttle.

From memory the shuttles don't go to all terminals. I recall arriving at one of the AA terminals and needing to get to D. Certain shuttles went to certain terminals and I couldn't tell you the order It wasn't one per terminal. I think it was split into two groups. I do recall D being the last stop for me of course. Thankfully I wasn't in a rush.

If you're taking the shuttles, give yourself time. Nothing prompt of fast about them.

 

[DC3]

I found it easy when staying at the Grand Hyatt (great runway-view rooms available), on hotel check-out, to take baggage down the escalator (or lift) from the hotel lobby, bag-drop at AA, then go through security, then upstairs (escalator) to the (internal) Skylink 'train' with carry-on to the terminal flying out from (if not departing from Terminal D, where the Grand Hyatt is located).

The only external shuttle transfer that I've used is to/from the car rental area from outside of the terminal.

Also, there is a stop for the Hyatt Regency on the Skylink service.

With QF8 check-in/bag-drop last month, the QF counters in T4 did not open until almost 4.30pm for my 8.00pm flight (lots of faffing around while they set-up). I recall the website said four hours, but it was less than that.

I can't help with DL bag-drop.

 

[serfty]

Ive used DL from DFW but did not check luggage.

However using the landside interterminal shuttles at DFW represents a special version of penance.

These are the terminal link orange and green vans (see below), but it's faster and easier to use Sky Link if possible.

Terminal Link signposts are outside baggage claim areas pointing to the nearest pick-up/drop-off area.

They run from 5am to 12am, out that timeframe you need to call.

More here (select Terminal Link):

dfwairport.com - Connect/Transfer at DFW Airport

 

[Quickstatus]

Ive used DL from DFW but did not check luggage.

However using the landside interterminal shuttles at DFW represents a special version of penance.

Can you elaborate?.

We will have Lots of luggage - 9 pieces between 4 pax.

We have 2 options : stay at Grand Hyatt or at an off airport Hotel which has complimentary airport shuttle.

We arrive into T-A with 9 pieces of luggage
Then 2 days later have to check in at T-D with 8 pieces
Then 1 day after that check in at T-E with 1 checkin piece.

Also generally speaking how much time for J checkin and security for QF8?

What’s the T-E checkin/security experience with DL?

 

[serfty]

Penance? It was June and HOT with little breeze - waiting outside for the bus in that environment was not fun ...

There is also the Hyatt Regency - which can be walked with carryon type luggage from T8; but not relevant here.

You'll find QF8 check in won't open earlier than the 4 hours prior stated on the website.

Terminal E check-in/security is little different from the rest of DFW.

 

[Quickstatus]

In the end we stayed offsite at one of the several “airport hotels” with comp airport shuttles as there was no benefit with the in-airport Grand Hyatt (more pricey as well) - we have checkins at C, D and E.

AA has checkin at all the terminals at DFW
Can I checkin at D when my gate is in C?

 

[serfty]

Can I checkin at D when my gate is in C?

yes!

Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

 

[Himeno]

In the end we stayed offsite at one of the several “airport hotels” with comp airport shuttles as there was no benefit with the in-airport Grand Hyatt (more pricey as well) - we have checkins at C, D and E.

AA has checkin at all the terminals at DFW
Can I checkin at D when my gate is in C?

If you are on an AA flight, you can check in at any AA desk at DFW. For many flights, the terminal being used often isn't even known until the inbound aircraft is on the way.

 

[Quickstatus]

There are no Flagship Lounges in DFW (at the moment). Admirals clubs only though D has the AA admirals International first class dining lounge. Is this worth visiting?

 

[DC3]

There are no Flagship Lounges in DFW (at the moment). Admirals clubs only though D has the AA admirals International first class dining lounge. Is this worth visiting?

I tried this lounge last month (breakfast). Very small with very limited food offerings. No views at all, as it's wholly contained within the Admirals Club area.

Contrary to some reviews, I found the Qantas First and Business lounge to be better. And runway views. It's not large and there were not many passengers waiting for the QF8 departure. Limited hours, but it was open when I arrived at about 5.00pm.

Maybe you could try both as they are both in Terminal D, if it fits in with your flights.

 

[Quickstatus]

It’s an associated lounge I think. Apprently only opens from 1800 hrs.
My flight departs from A at 1730 (currently) but may change.

 

[DC3]

It’s an associated lounge I think. Apprently only opens from 1800 hrs.
My flight departs from A at 1730 (currently) but may change.

There's something wrong with the opening times on the QF web-page for that lounge. The published hours of 6:00pm to 10.00pm are not correct. It was already open, with other passengers present, when I arrived at about 5.00pm. In any case, QF8 departs at 8:00pm, at which time the lounge would presumably close.

Edit: That lounge is one of a number of associated lounges in a "complex" of associated lounges. Each lounge that I walked past in that area had only one airline name on each lounge entry door. The lounge that I was in was only for QF.

Might be worth contacting QF, or phoning the lounge contact number, +1 (972) 973 5030

 

[Quickstatus]

There's something wrong with the opening times on the QF web-page for that lounge. The published hours of 6:00pm to 10.00pm are not correct. It was already open, with other passengers present, when I arrived at about 5.00pm. In any case, QF8 departs at 8:00pm, at which time the lounge would presumably close.

I suspect thats because it’s an associated lounge operated by third party and admits not only QF but other airline’s passengers?

 

[serfty]

The DFW QF lounge is in a complex of rooms.

I believe they can be all opened out to form one or two larger lounges.

I'm not sure non QF pax can access the ones set up for Qantas.

My use has has been for food - showering at the better ones in the D A/C.

 

[serfty]

Lounge access - over 600 lounges , multi destination flights