Discover Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL): Your Ultimate Traveler's Guide

Dallas Love Field is one of those airports that’s seen just about everything—birth, growth, wartime service, and a significant moment in American history. Established in 1917 as an Army flight-training base, the airport was born out of the U.S. military’s need for skilled pilots during World War I. (If you happen to be a history buff, you probably know that most airports in our nation came about because of a need during wartime.) Named after Army aviator Moss Love, who died in an early plane crash, the field was quickly a lively place, filled with recruits training on the latest aircraft.

Then came 1963, when the world changed forever. It was November 22, and President John F. Kennedy landed at Love Field on Air Force One. You see, DFW wasn’t yet the airport we now know, so Love Field was the most significant airport that served Dallas. Unfortunately, the excitement of the President’s arrival took a dark turn just hours later. You’ve seen the footage when JFK was tragically assassinated, breaking the hearts of millions of Americans. Soon afterward, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office. Notably, it was the only time someone took the oath of office at an airport.

In the 1970s, Dallas Love Field welcomed Southwest Airlines, and this spurred a clash with DFW, which was expanding. But SW and DAL held firm, and the airline still has the most gates at DAL, which may have just made the difference between Love Field flailing as an enterprise or becoming what it is today. With the Wright Amendment restricting long-haul flights to promote DFW, Love Field operated mainly as a regional airport for decades, though Southwest’s presence kept it vibrant. This restriction was lifted in 2014, finally allowing flights to more distant locations across the U.S., ushering in a new chapter for the airport. 

Terminal Map

Dallas Love Field (DAL) Airport is a single-terminal airport that is easy to navigate, even if you’ve never been there. The terminal is divided into two levels, serving domestic flights.

Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines share three concourses and 20 gates. The layout is ingenious; overhead, the terminal looks like a person standing with arms and legs outstretched, sans the head. The gates are in Concourse B (the arms), and the baggage claim and check-in areas are in each “leg.”

Parking and Transportation

DAL has three parking garages, depending on how far you want to walk or lug your bags.

Garage A - 5-minute walk

Garage B - 8-minute walk

Garage C - 4-minute walk

But even a 2-minute walk can feel like an eternity when you have your heavy bags and maybe a tired child in tow. You have other options.

Use The Parking Spot for the Most Convenient Parking Option

For the best, most convenient, and most cost-effective parking option, use The Parking Spot. Imagine the convenience of reserving your airport parking spot in advance! Avoid the stress of arriving at the airport only to find the parking garage full. Meanwhile, cars are backed up behind you, pressuring you to decide. So you end up circling the airport, checking the clock on your dashboard, hoping you don’t miss your flight as you try to figure out where to park. Forget all that. Use The Parking Spot, and parking is a breeze!

Get the lowest rates when you book your parking reservation and pre-pay on The Parking Spot app or TheParkingSpot.com to get:

• 24/7 on-call shuttle service
• Shuttle tracking through The Parking Spot app
• Luggage assistance
• Free bottled water
• Short and long-term parking options
• Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Express check-in and check-out through The Parking Spot app
• Covered/Uncovered parking options

Public Transportation to DAL

If you take public transportation, you might like DART's Love Link Bus, which you can find information about by looking up Route 55. Catch that bus via DART’s Green and Orange lines. You’ll be dropped off on the lower level, near baggage claim.

Hotels Near DAL

Most, but not all, of the nearby hotels listed below offer shuttle service to the airport. Call them or visit their websites to confirm details.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Love Field

3880 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75220

(214) 357-4500

Aloft Dallas Love Field

2333 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235

(214) 358-7575

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas - Love Field

3300 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235

(214) 357-8500

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas Market Ctr. - Love Field

7800 John W. Carpenter Fwy, Dallas, TX 75247

(214) 951-9198

Dallas Love Field Inn

1550 Empire Central Dr, Dallas, TX 75235

(214) 638-5151

Comfort Inn & Suites Dallas Medical-Market Center

1521 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75247

(214) 905-1400

Lounges and Clubs in DAL Love Field Airport

No matter how prepared you are for the logistics of an airport, traveling can be exhausting. There’s stress that can be alleviated a little by using services like The Parking Spot, but still, many travelers like to take a load off and escape the mayhem of the airport by visiting a lounge or club. While DAL Love Field Airport   provides all the actual travel services you need, it has only one private club area for adult passengers and one separate lounge area for families with little kiddos:

The Club at DAL

Location: Concourse A, near Gates 11 and 14.

Access: The airport is open to all travelers, regardless of airline, for a fee (usually around $50 for a day pass). It also accepts members of programs like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Lounge Club, so you may not have to pay separately for the day pass.

Amenities at The Club at DAL

Complimentary Food and Drinks - Including snacks, light meals, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Wi-Fi
• Workspaces and Charging Stations
• Shower Facilities
• Comfortable Seating
• Kids’ Area

This lounge is popular for passengers with longer layovers or anyone looking to escape the main concourse’s hustle and bustle. This is the closest experience to a traditional airline lounge if you're a Southwest Airlines traveler.

Lil' Luv Lounge

Not to be confused with the kids’ area in The Club at DAL, the free-to-use Lil’ Luv Lounge at Dallas Love Field is located in the STEM area next to the Creative Kids Stuff store. It offers a play area for children to enjoy while everyone’s waiting for flights, allowing kids to let off some steam before being strapped into their airplane seats for long periods.

Accessibility

As an ADA-compliant airport, DAL Love Field Airport is proud to offer several accessibility services to those who need them. Each of their parking garages has designated accessible parking spaces.

• Wheelchair services are available upon arrival. You can either inform your gate agent or note the need when booking your flight.
• All restrooms, including the family restroom, are wheelchair accessible. All restrooms are equipped with oversized changing stations to accommodate wheelchair users.
• DAL Love Field Airport participates in TSA Cares. It’s a service where people with disabilities can call up to 72 hours in advance. If you do this, a TSA agent helps you prepare for a smooth screening process, including letting you know what’s expected and what you can and cannot bring through the security area.
• DAL Love Field Airport offers AIRA, an on-demand visual assistance tool accessible to the visually impaired.
• A special area at the ground-level pickup area is signed with an “ADA pickup area” sign.
• The airport has partnered with the Sunflower Hidden Disability Initiative. You can pick up a lanyard and tag at the designated information booth near the TSA checkpoint.
• Finally, all signs and buttons (like elevator buttons) inside the terminal have Braille.

Amenities at DAL Love Field Airport

No one can say that DAL Love Field Airport lacks in amenities:

• Pet lovers rejoice! There are three pet relief areas, which, when you consider the modest size of this airport, is quite impressive. Two are located outside before you reach the security checkpoints. And the third is inside, on the secure side.
• Dallas Love Field offers free WiFi for passengers, which is provided by Boingo. You can connect without needing a password. Select the "Free Wi-Fi" option from your device's network list, and you'll be good to roam the internet!
• Powering up is a snap with multiple charging stations throughout, specifically next to or near all seating areas.
• There are multiple drinking fountains and restrooms, so you never have to walk far for either one.

Places to Eat at DAL Love Field

If you want great food, skip the fast food offerings and go for these unique delights instead:

Cool River Café

Cool River Café is an upscale steakhouse with a lounge atmosphere. It specializes in well-prepared steaks, seafood, and American dishes, all featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Sky Canyon by Stephan Pyles

Carnivores should flock to this place, which serves Texas and Southwestern cuisine. The menu often highlights regional ingredients, including smoked meats and bold spices, providing a memorable Texas dining experience in the airport.

La Madeleine

Longing for culture while you’re waiting for your flight? Finding a decent French restaurant in an airport is unusual, but La Madeleine fits the bill. It’s known for its cozy and inviting ambiance, where passengers can enjoy fresh baguettes, quiche, and French onion soup—perfect for a comforting meal with European flair.

Things to do During a Long Layover at DAL Love Field

For those with time to spare at Dallas Love Field, there are several engaging activities beyond dining options to keep you entertained.

Frontiers of Flight Museum

The Frontiers of Flight Museum is a must-visit if you're into aviation history. You’ll find an impressive range of exhibits, from early aircraft models to space exploration displays. This museum provides insight into Love Field's role in aviation, with over 30,000 artifacts on display, including World War I-era planes and Apollo mission relics.

Art Installations and Exhibits

Dallas Love Field is adorned with numerous art installations reflecting Texas culture and history. The Blueprint of Flight, a massive glass mural by Martin Donlin, celebrates aviator Moss Lee Love, for whom the airport is named. Other unique works include the vibrant Sky installation, which brings the Texas sky indoors with colorful and modern visuals. Take a stroll around and just see what you can see!

Relaxation and Quiet Spaces

While there isn’t a formal, quiet lounge, Love Field offers spaces with comfortable seating and a calm atmosphere. The Love Landing Lounge, known for its coziness, is ideal for reading or relaxing.

Founder’s Plaza Observation Area

Founder’s Plaza is a fancy name for an outdoor observation spot for watching aircraft. Plane spotters, anyone? You don’t have to be a data collector to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. It’s a great place to take a break from the noise and crowds.

Dallas Love Field Podcast

For a uniquely local experience, check out Love Field’s podcast, "Love Field Stories." Available on most streaming platforms, this podcast features interviews with local personalities and aviation experts discussing the airport’s history, art, and Dallas culture.

The Parking Spot Airport Parking Reservations

The Parking Spot at Dallas Love Field feels like an airport convenience wrapped up in a bow, ideal for those who want to zip in and out of the airport without the usual parking headaches. With features like a shuttle service that runs with the regularity of a heartbeat and perks like app-enabled reservations and complimentary bottled water, The Parking Spot offers a seamless experience that stands out in the world of airport parking. Download the app to learn more!