DFW International Airport Forecasts Record Summer Travel

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (May 26, 2004) – Exceeding the pace of recovery of all U.S. airports for six straight months, DFW is forecasting more than 16.6 million passengers will travel through the Airport from June to August, a 12 percent increase from 2003, and exceeds the 16.4 million figure of Summer 2001.

DFW kicks off its summer season today with a number of travel tips and promotions aimed at keeping passengers moving quickly and securely to their destinations. 

DOUBLE DIGIT INCREASE IN SUMMER TRAVEL

DFW's summer travel forecast predicts double-digit growth at the Airport, with passenger figures exceeding 2001 levels. During the first quarter of 2004, DFW handled 13.9 million passengers, equaling figures of the first quarter of 2001. In the latest monthly tallies from March, more than 5.1 million passengers flew through DFW, a 14.5 percent increase over March of 2003 and the best March since 2001. Also in March, DFW served more than 427,000 international passengers, a 13.9 percent increase from March of last year. DFW's strong performance has outpaced the aviation industry each month since November 2003. The industry average for March of 2004 was 5.5 percent. 

“DFW’s strong passenger growth is leading the nation,” says Joe Lopano, DFW’s executive vice president of marketing and revenue management. “Our growth is coming in all categories with both international and domestic growth rates in the double digits versus last year. We believe we will exceed pre-9/11 summer levels this year.” 

PATRIOTIC PROMOTION

As part of the kick-off to summer travel, the Airport is using Memorial Day weekend as a chance to honor U.S. reserve and active-duty soldiers for a second straight year, offering free parking in Express South with valid military identification from Thursday, May 27 through Wednesday, June 2.

"We believe honoring the military men and women who are serving our country so bravely is the right thing to do," says Jeff Fegan, DFW CEO. "Express Parking is extremely popular with our travelers, especially families. They get trunk-to-terminal service right here at the Airport, so its very convenient on a Memorial Day weekend when you have children and luggage to manage. It's a small token of our appreciation for a job well done." 

SECURITY TIPS FOR QUICK CHECK-IN

DFW will be working closely with the Transportation Security Administration to keep checkpoint security lines moving quickly. Surveys have found DFW's lines among the quickest in the country, and the Airport's terminal managers and Airport Ambassadors along with the TSA will be monitoring lines closely to keep wait times to a minimum. DFW's 20 points of entry across the four terminals also cuts down on congestion. For access to the latest TSA Air Travel Tips visit http://www.dfwairport.com under the Resources section. 

TIPS FOR TRAVELERS NAVIGATING DFW’S SERVICES

DFW is also offering a number of summer travel tips to make that vacation or business trip convenient and easy. It's also a good reminder for DFW's frequent fliers during this busy season. For access to the latest DFW Summer Travel Tips visit http://www.dfwairport.com under the Resources section.

PARKING - With more than 30,000 on-Airport parking spaces at DFW Airport, summer parking can be a breeze. Here are the options: 

Terminal Parking

DFW's closest parking option Short walk away from terminal gate Garages located directly adjacent to each terminal $16/day 

Infield Parking

Infield Parking is across the street from Terminal Parking, at $13/day Still short walk from the terminal gates 

Terminal and Infield Parking are especially desirable during the hot summer months in Texas – passengers can get from their parked car to the terminal in a matter of minutes.

Express Parking

Luggage assistance from courteous shuttle drivers Complimentary bottled water – a refreshing treat during the summer Complimentary USA Today newspaper Flight information Shuttle service from your car to the terminal Drop-off and pickup areas located at the lower level of each terminal Covered parking available at Express North - keeping your car shaded will make your return drive home more comfortable! $10/day covered, $9/day uncovered 

Remote Parking

DFW's most economical parking option Continuous bus service to all terminals Luggage assistance from courteous shuttle drivers Flight information monitors Drop-off and pickup areas at the lower level of each terminal $6/day

Passengers should note that the Remote Parking lots fill up quickly during the summer months, and should keep this in mind when making travel plans. 

TOLLTAGS AT DFW

TollTag is an easy and convenient way to pay for Terminal Parking or passthrough fees. Transactions less than $10 are deducted from your account's initial $40 balance. Any transaction $10 or more will automatically be charged to your credit card. TollTag signs are located above DFW Airport entry and exit lanes DFW requires that your TollTag account be secured with a credit card

HOW TO CONNECT AT DFW

Connecting From One American Airlines or American Eagle Flight to Another Take the American Airlines TrAAin, located inside security on the lower levels of Terminals A, B and C Quick, free and near arrival gates No need to exit and reenter through security

Connecting Between Two Different Airlines/Terminal Parkers Who Arrive Back at a Different Terminal From the One They Departed

Terminal Link green shuttle vans are for passengers connecting to a flight on another airline in a different terminal, or needing transportation to a car parked at another terminal. Fast, easy and FREE! Green curbside pickup areas are located outside security on all terminal upper levels; pickup is within 10 minutes from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. 

CUSTOMER SERVICES

High-Speed Wireless Internet Available in All Terminals - DFW Airport Named #1 "Unwired Airport" in U.S. by Intel: *T-Mobile HotSpot and Wayport provide the wireless broadband Internet connection in DFW's terminals, with speeds 50 times faster than an ordinary dial-up Internet connection. Travelers must have an account with T-Mobile HotSpot or Wayport, which can be easily initiated when their Web browser is launched from anywhere in the Airport's terminals. 

Ambassador Volunteers Are Available for Help in All Terminals

*Ambassadors provide customer assistance services to passengers and guests. They meet travelers as they deplane and direct them to connecting flights, baggage claim and other Airport facilities. They provide accurate, upto-date information to customers and furnish information on area attractions, hotels and other amenities. Bilingual Ambassadors provide much-needed translation services to international visitors. 

Chaplaincy

This is a Pastoral Care center serving guests of all religious traditions with concern and confidentiality. The Chaplain is accessible at any terminal or Airport facility, night or day, every day of the week. 

Guest Services Center

Located at Terminal B, Gate B14, this center provides passengers with stateof-the-art private business work stations with Internet access and desktop telephones; comfortable lounge and seating area; ATM, postage machine, postal drop, FedEx drop, phonecard machine and payphones; and fax services 

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world’s third busiest, serving 57 million passengers a year. Offering nearly 2,000 flights daily, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 136 domestic and 31 international destinations worldwide. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com.

To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972-574-NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com.