Love Field vs DFW: Which Airport is Cheaper?
As Dallas-Fort Worth residents, we're lucky to have two major airports at our disposal. But when it comes to finding cheap flights, which airport actually saves you money? After monitoring fares from both airports, we've uncovered patterns that can help Dallas travelers save consistently.
The Quick Answer
For domestic flights: Love Field (DAL) usually wins with lower base fares and Southwest's competitive pricing.
For international flights: DFW International is your only option and offers better competition on overseas routes.
For total travel cost: Love Field often saves money on both flights and ground transportation due to its closer location to downtown Dallas.
Flight Price Comparison
Both airports serve different markets, which affects pricing strategies:
Love Field Advantages
- Southwest dominance: Controls 95% of Love Field gates, creating competitive pricing
- Lower airport fees: DAL charges airlines less than DFW, savings often passed to passengers
- Free bags: Southwest's two free checked bags can save $50-120 per trip
- Domestic focus: Optimized for U.S. routes where Southwest competes aggressively
DFW International Advantages
- International gateway: Your only Dallas option for overseas flights
- More airlines: American, Delta, United, Spirit, and international carriers
- Route variety: Direct flights to 200+ destinations worldwide
- Hub benefits: American's fortress hub creates competitive pricing on many routes
Hidden Costs: Parking and Transportation
Flight ticket prices only tell part of the story. Here's where the airports really differ:
Parking Costs (Updated 2025)
Love Field Parking Rates:
- Garage A: $24/day
- Garage B (uncovered): $18/day
- Garage B (covered): $21/day
- Garage C (uncovered): $20/day
- Garage C (covered): $21/day
- Garage C (premium): $30/day
- Valet: $35/day
DFW Parking Rates:
- Terminal parking: $32/day
- Express parking (uncovered): $18/day
- Express parking (covered): $21/day
- Remote parking: $14/day
- Valet parking: $45/day
Winner: Love Field saves $8/day on terminal parking ($24 vs $32) and $10/day on valet ($35 vs $45). Remote parking is the most affordable option at both airports.
Ground Transportation
From Downtown Dallas:
- To Love Field: $15-25 rideshare, 15-20 minutes
- To DFW: $35-60 rideshare, 30-45 minutes
- DART train: $3 to either airport (Love Field is more convenient)
Winner: Love Field saves $20-35 on rideshare and significant time due to proximity.
Why Monitor Both Airports?
The "best" airport depends on your specific trip. We track deals from both Love Field and DFW so you never miss savings regardless of which airport offers the better deal.
Time Efficiency Comparison
Love Field Advantages
- Smaller terminal: Security typically takes 15 minutes or less
- Quick pickup/drop-off: Single loop design, no terminal confusion
- Faster baggage: Usually appears within 10-15 minutes
DFW Advantages
- More amenities: Better dining, shopping, and lounge options
- Skylink train: Efficient connections between terminals
- International facilities: Customs, immigration, currency exchange
Which Airport for Your Neighborhood?
Choose Love Field If You Live In:
- Dallas (Downtown, Uptown, Oak Lawn, East Dallas)
- Park Cities (Highland Park, University Park)
- North Dallas areas
- Richardson
- Addison
- Anywhere within 20 minutes of downtown Dallas
Choose DFW If You Live In:
- Fort Worth and surrounding areas
- Arlington
- Irving/Las Colinas
- Southlake, Grapevine, Euless
- Plano, Frisco (depending on destination)
- Mid-Cities region
The Real-World Verdict
Based on our analysis and current market conditions:
- Domestic flights: Love Field typically offers 15-25% savings on base fares plus transportation savings
- International flights: DFW is your only option with competitive pricing through American's hub
- Total trip cost: Love Field usually wins due to lower parking, shorter rideshare distances, and competitive fares
Stop Choosing Airports — Get the Best of Both
Instead of limiting yourself to one airport, smart Dallas travelers monitor both for deals. When flash sales or mistake fares appear, you want to catch them regardless of which airport they're from.
Free Subscribers Get:
- Tuesday newsletter with deals from both airports
- Weekly recap of Love Field vs DFW pricing
- Airport-specific booking tips
Premium Members Get:
- Real-time alerts from both airports
- Mistake fare notifications (DAL & DFW)
- Flash sale alerts before they end
Get Cheap Flight Alerts from DFW & DAL
Join DFW's smartest travelers. Free subscribers get deals to 50 mainland US cities. Premium adds international, Hawaii, Florida + custom alerts by city, dates, and savings.
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