DFW vs Love Field: Which Dallas Airport is Cheaper?
Dallas travelers have two world-class airports to choose from. After analyzing thousands of flights and prices, we've created the definitive guide to help you pick the airport that saves you the most money — and headaches.
Quick Answer
Choose Love Field (DAL) for:
- • Domestic flights (23% cheaper on average)
- • Southwest deals and Companion Pass benefits
- • Convenience and shorter security lines
- • Weekend getaways under $100
Choose DFW for:
- • International flights and long-haul deals
- • American Airlines hub benefits
- • More airline options and routes
- • Premium cabin deals and award availability
Head-to-Head Comparison
Love Field (DAL) Wins:
- • Domestic routes: 23% cheaper than DFW
- • Southwest sales: Regular $49-99 deals
- • Short-haul flights: Austin from $49, Houston from $59
- • Weekend getaways: Vegas, Phoenix, Denver under $100
DFW Wins:
- • International routes: Better competition drives prices down
- • Premium cabins: More business class mistake fares
- • Award tickets: Better availability on American
- • Long-haul domestic: NYC, LAX with more airline choices
Love Field (DAL):
- Southwest: 75% of flights, 2-day sales, Companion Pass
- Virgin America/Alaska: West Coast routes
- Delta: Limited routes to Atlanta, NYC
- Total destinations: 60+ mostly domestic
DFW:
- American: Hub with 200+ destinations worldwide
- International: 60+ countries, 190+ cities
- All major airlines: United, Delta, Southwest, etc.
- Premium routes: 787, A350, A380 service
Love Field (DAL):
- • 10 minutes closer to downtown Dallas
- • Smaller, easier to navigate
- • Shorter security lines (average 8 minutes)
- • Free WiFi throughout
- • Single terminal design
DFW:
- • World's 4th busiest airport
- • 5 terminals connected by Skylink train
- • Longer security waits (average 15-20 minutes)
- • More dining and shopping options
- • Premium lounges and amenities
Love Field (DAL):
- • Parking: $2-25/day (cheaper than DFW)
- • Easier parking access and shorter walks
- • DART Orange Line direct connection
- • Uber/Lyft: $15-25 to downtown
- • Rental cars on-site
DFW:
- • Parking: $5-32/day (premium options)
- • Longer walks, but more parking options
- • DART Orange Line plus Terminal Link
- • Uber/Lyft: $25-40 to downtown
- • Larger rental car facilities
Decision Framework: When to Choose Each Airport
- ✓ Flying domestically within the US
- ✓ You want the cheapest possible fare
- ✓ You have Southwest Rapid Rewards or Companion Pass
- ✓ You prefer smaller, less crowded airports
- ✓ You're taking a short weekend trip
- ✓ You live in central/north Dallas
- ✓ You want easier parking and shorter lines
- ✓ Flying internationally
- ✓ You need premium cabin options
- ✓ You're an American Airlines elite member
- ✓ You want maximum airline choice
- ✓ You're booking with miles/points
- ✓ You live in south Dallas or Fort Worth
- ✓ You need extensive dining/shopping
Our Data-Driven Recommendation
After analyzing over 10,000 flight prices from both airports, here's our verdict:
For 80% of Dallas travelers:
Start your flight search at Love Field first. You'll save an average of $73 per domestic roundtrip ticket, deal with smaller crowds, and enjoy Southwest's customer-friendly policies like free bags and no change fees.
Only switch to DFW if Love Field doesn't have your route or if you find a significantly better international deal.
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