A Genuine Guide to Airport Lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International

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With an estimated 80 million passengers in 2023, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas is the second busiest airport worldwide in terms of total passenger traffic, following Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The extensive airport features a total of 174 gates (as of press time), distributed across five semicircular terminals labeled A through E, all linked by the automated DFW Skylink light-rail system.

Thanks to its efficient layout and the Skylink connection, all terminals are accessible from the airside. Once you clear security in your assigned terminal, you can freely move to the others without having to go through TSA checkpoints again. This also allows you to reach any of the airport's 19 lounges, including exclusive credit card lounges from Capital One and American Express, as well as airline-specific lounges from American Airlines, Delta, and United, along with Priority Pass–affiliated lounges and alternatives.

Understanding DFW's Layout

While DFW Airport may appear vast, the Skylink people-mover and underground walkways (for those tracking their steps) simplify navigation. Lounges are present in all five terminals, with the highest concentration located in Terminal D. Here’s a map of the airport, along with a list of all 19 DFW airport lounges organized by terminal to help you get oriented.

Throughout the past year, I've experienced several layovers at Dallas, including a deliberately extended one in late January 2024 for this article. Here’s my candid and thorough guide to DFW’s airport lounges, highlighting how to access the best ones that are worth arriving early or making a long layover for, as well as those you might want to avoid.

Capital One Lounge

Launched in November 2021, the Capital One Lounge in Terminal D, near gate D22, is undoubtedly the premier choice at DFW. It operates daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Atmosphere

While many of the airport’s lounges fall somewhere between mediocre and underwhelming, this standout makes up for its less impressive counterparts. To begin with, it offers a genuine vibe (complete with lively background music and a friendly ambiance), welcoming staff, and a gourmet grab-and-go deli right by the entrance featuring an array of sandwiches, wraps, snacks, sodas, and even iced coffee on tap for those in a hurry. For guests with a bit more time, there are cozy seating areas to enjoy delightful food and drinks, including craft cocktails on tap (don’t miss the butter pecan Old-Fashioned) and a selection of seven wines, ranging from Studio by Miraval rosé to a local red blend showcasing lesser-known Texas wine country. All lunch and dinner options, such as Korean brisket bibimbap, mac-and-cheese, and roasted red pepper hummus with crudités, are served on individual small plates to eliminate the mess typically associated with buffets. Additionally, there’s a small fitness center and a designated area with relaxation pods.

Accessing the Capital One Lounge

All travelers (including those without a Capital One card) holding a boarding pass for a departing or connecting same-day flight can access the Capital One Lounge at DFW for $65 per person, up to three hours before their departure time, regardless of class or airline. Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business (including authorized users) enjoy free entry, along with two complimentary guests ($45 for each additional guest). Holders of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business receive two free visits to Capital One Lounges in 2024, with subsequent visits available at a reduced rate of $45 each. The lounge also collaborates with Air France, Finnair, Korean Air, and Lufthansa to welcome their business and first-class passengers at no charge.

The Centurion Lounge

In 2018, American Express relocated its highly sought-after Centurion Lounge at DFW from a 9,000-square-foot space to its current expansive 13,000-square-foot location in Terminal D. Now situated above the D15 security checkpoint (directly across from gate D12), it operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Atmosphere

Centurion’s recent expansions, including a new lounge in Atlanta set to open in 2024 and an upgraded Seattle lounge in 2023, showcase its innovative reputation. However, some of its more established lounges, like the one at DFW, don’t quite measure up to these newer offerings.

The compact interior of the Centurion Lounge at DFW overlooks the Terminal D ticketing lobby and can feel somewhat cramped, especially around the buffet and bar areas. Lines are often long for the Southwestern dishes created by chef Dean Fearing (from Fearing’s at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas), while staff hustle to clean up buffet spills. The wine selection, curated by wine expert Anthony Giglio, features 12 varietals and remains impressive, as does the cocktail menu crafted by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan. (Be sure to try the Tex Mex: a vibrant blend of Tito’s vodka, Cabeza Blanco tequila, corn, honey, lime, and jalapeño.) An Exhale spa offers complimentary 12-minute treatments (don’t forget to sign up at the lounge entrance), and the quieter seating areas at either end of the lounge provide the most peaceful spots. While the Centurion Lounge at DFW is still a reliable choice, it may not be the best option if you also hold a Capital One card.

Accessing the Centurion Lounge

Entry to the Centurion Lounge at DFW is complimentary on the day of travel for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, regardless of the airline or class of service. Guests accompanying an eligible cardholder will incur a fee of $50 each (or $30 for children aged 2 to 17, free for those under 2 with proof of age). Cardholders of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can access Centurion lounges at no charge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight, with a maximum of two guests allowed for $50 each.

American Airlines Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge

As the largest global hub for American Airlines, DFW features a Flagship Lounge located in Terminal D between gates D21 and D22 (operating from 5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.), along with an Admirals Club in every terminal.

Admirals Club locations and operating hours:

• Terminal A, directly across from gate A24 (5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.)
• Terminal B, situated between gates B3 and B4 (5:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.)
• Terminal C, located between gates C19 and C20 (4 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.)
• Terminal D, near gate D24 (5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.)
• Terminal E (Satellite Terminal), on the mezzanine level (5:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.)

The Atmosphere

If you're flying a specific American Airlines route that offers Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus (and are ticketed accordingly), take advantage of the American Airlines Flagship Lounge for a premium experience featuring chef-prepared sit-down dining, top-shelf drinks, and personalized service.

American Airlines is currently reimagining its Admirals Clubs to create a more contemporary and retreat-like atmosphere, with this new concept already implemented at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., and soon to arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), and Denver International Airport (DEN). Unfortunately, DFW is at the end of the renovation schedule. In the meantime, the Admirals Clubs at DFW are marked by uninspired decor, dim lighting, and mediocre, lukewarm food.

Overall, DFW's Admirals Clubs tend to be underwhelming. (Terminals A, B, and C are generally disappointing, while Terminal D improves slightly, and Terminal E, which opened in 2020, offers a better experience.) To be fair, the other two domestic airline-branded lounges at DFW, one operated by United and the other by Delta, are similarly lackluster. So, if you have access to an airline lounge but also hold credit cards granting entry to the Centurion or Capital One lounges, opt for the latter.

Accessing the Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge

Holders of the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® can access Admirals Clubs when traveling on the same day with an eligible American Airlines or oneworld Alliance airline, bringing along two guests for free. Passengers in first or business class on qualifying international, transcontinental, or certain domestic flights operated and marketed by American or a oneworld airline (including British Airways and Qatar) are also granted access, as are elite members with Platinum status or higher on select international flights. Additionally, AAdvantage members flying on qualifying same-day AA or oneworld flights can enter Admirals Clubs for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles.

To access the Flagship Lounge, travelers need to be ticketed on a specific route that offers Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus. Alternatively, AAdvantage members on qualifying same-day AA or oneworld flights can enter the Flagship Lounge for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles.

Priority Pass Lounges

Members of Priority Pass—the largest independent airport lounge network—can choose between two traditional airport lounges: the Club at DFW in Terminal D (operating from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily near gate D27) and the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal E (open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily near gate E31).

The Atmosphere

Between the two, we prefer the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal E. The interiors are more inviting and the food is of higher quality, making it worth the trip, though it's smaller, which may lead to overcrowding and potential entry refusals.

Accessing Priority Pass Lounges

Members of Priority Pass, through credit cards such as The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, can enjoy entry to either the Club at DFW or the Plaza Premium Lounge, bringing along up to two guests at no extra cost.

Passengers traveling in business class with Qantas will receive a lounge pass for the Club at DFW, while those flying business or first class with Emirates will be granted access to the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Alternative Options for Priority Pass Lounges

Priority Pass offers seven alternative options at DFW, though some may require an additional fee.

The Highlights

Every terminal at DFW, with the exception of Terminal C, features Priority Pass alternatives, including access to the following options:

• Minute Suites: Enjoy a one-hour stay in a private rest room (available in Terminals A and D)
• Gameway: One complimentary hour at a gaming station, along with a soda or water and a free snack (Terminals B and soon in Terminal E)
• Be Relax Spa: One free treatment from a selection of four, including a 30-minute lounge massage (Terminals B and D)
• Drew Pearson’s Sports 88: $56 discount on the bill for the cardholder and a guest (Terminal E)

Accessing Priority Pass Lounge Alternatives

For those holding Priority Pass through credit cards such as The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the $56 bill credit at Drew Pearson’s Sports 88 is exclusive to memberships linked with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Similarly, Be Relax Spa treatments are not accessible to those with Priority Pass via Amex. Access to Minute Suites and Gameway should be complimentary for holders of Priority Pass from all three premium travel credit cards mentioned. However, always confirm your card's eligibility for complimentary services to prevent unexpected charges.

If you’re contemplating your options, here’s my advice: If you have Priority Pass through Chase Sapphire Reserve and some time to spare, visit Terminal E for snacks and drinks at Drew Pearson’s Sports 88, followed by a stop at the Plaza Premium Lounge. If you have Priority Pass via Capital One or American Express, bypass the Priority Pass options and head straight to the exclusive lounges offered by those credit cards.

While the information provided above is accurate at the time of writing, it is subject to change and may have been updated or discontinued since.