DFW Airport Faces Record-Breaking Holiday Rush: Long Lines and Delays Expected

Published on December 28, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is experiencing one of its busiest holiday seasons yet, and travelers have been left stunned by the long lines at security checkpoints and ticket counters. While many had expected the airport to be crowded after Christmas, some were caught completely off guard by the sheer volume of people. With record-breaking warm temperatures in North Texas and minimal flight delays, DFW Airport has remained relatively calm compared to other major airports like New York City. However, with up to 265,000 people expected to fly in and out on busy days, travelers are being urged to arrive early.

Despite the minimal flight disruptions at DFW, travelers such as David Clayton and Bryce Chappell were shocked by the unexpectedly long lines. They were among the many passengers who arrived early, only to find themselves waiting in much longer lines than anticipated. DFW Airport officials have warned that this holiday season, with New Year’s Eve celebrations on the horizon, could bring even bigger crowds. Travelers heading to the airport should prepare for lengthy wait times and delays and adjust their travel plans accordingly. With construction ongoing at Terminal C, expect more disruptions and added confusion. Read on to find out everything you need to know about navigating DFW’s bustling terminals.

Long Lines, Short Expectations: How DFW Airport Caught Travelers Off Guard

The sheer volume of people at DFW Airport has left passengers stunned, especially as they face significantly longer wait times than expected. Many travelers, like David Clayton, arrived with an estimated three-hour window before their flight but quickly realized that arriving even earlier might have been necessary. “This is a little busier than I expected,” Clayton shared, noting that three hours may not have been enough to escape the long queues. Bryce Chappell echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The line is definitely a lot greater than I thought it would be.”

The issue isn’t just at the security checkpoints, where travelers expect delays, but also at the ticket counters where passengers are checking in. Song Li mentioned, “It’s pretty long, but we came pretty early, so we have plenty of time,” while Roberta Bergman remarked, “Tomorrow, it will be nutty.” Despite these observations, DFW remains relatively calm compared to airports affected by the snowstorm in New York City, which saw numerous flight cancellations and delays. DFW’s manageable weather means that passengers won’t have to deal with the same kind of disruptions caused by severe weather.

TSA’s Recommendations: Arrive Early to Avoid Stress at DFW Airport

TSA officials at DFW are advising passengers to arrive early to avoid unnecessary stress, particularly as crowds continue to grow throughout the holiday season. Domestic travelers are recommended to arrive at least two hours ahead of their scheduled departure, while international flyers should aim for three hours in advance. With 265,000 passengers expected to pass through DFW on peak days, the crowds at ticket counters and security lines can be overwhelming, especially during the busiest periods of the day.

Despite minimal flight delays in DFW, travelers heading to other major cities are not as fortunate. The New York City snowstorm has caused widespread cancellations and delays, with travelers advised to check flight statuses ahead of time to avoid further inconvenience. However, DFW’s warm weather has spared the airport from such drastic disruptions. If you’re planning to fly through DFW Airport this holiday season, TSA’s advice to arrive early is essential to ensure a smooth journey.

Terminal C Under Construction: Navigating DFW’s Construction Zone

Travelers heading to DFW Airport should also be aware that Terminal C is currently undergoing construction. The ongoing renovation work has led to traffic delays and difficulties accessing the terminal, which adds to the chaos already experienced by passengers at check-in and security. American Airlines passengers are particularly affected, as they are required to check in at Terminals A, B, or D before taking the SkyTrain to Terminal C.

The construction has further complicated what was already expected to be a high-traffic holiday season, with passengers navigating both the ongoing work and the crowds. Roberta Bergman, who had not anticipated the sheer volume of travelers at DFW, is now bracing for even more crowded terminals as the holiday rush intensifies. DFW Airport officials are urging travelers to plan their time accordingly, allowing extra time for potential delays caused by the construction.

DFW Airport’s Holiday Predictions: Up to 265,000 Passengers Expected

With the holiday season reaching its peak, DFW Airport is predicting that as many as 265,000 people will be flying in and out of the airport on Sunday, December 31. This is a staggering number, especially considering the additional construction-related delays at Terminal C. As travelers rush to catch their New Year’s Eve flights, DFW is bracing for a new wave of congestion, likely leading to even longer wait times at security and ticket counters. Bryce Chappell seemed to have a bit of foresight: “If tomorrow is going to be worse, good luck to those people.”

As the holiday rush reaches a climax, DFW’s management is reinforcing the importance of arriving early and being prepared for longer-than-expected delays. Whether you’re heading to the beaches or the ski slopes, it’s crucial to remember that DFW Airport can get unexpectedly busy, and delays are likely in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Travelers should not underestimate the growing crowds, especially with construction work further compounding the issue.

New Year’s Eve Travel Surge: The Final Push for Holiday Travelers at DFW

As DFW Airport wraps up the holiday season, the final surge of travelers heading home or to New Year’s Eve destinations is expected to make the airport even busier than before. With 265,000 passengers projected to pass through the airport on peak days, the final days of December promise to be a chaotic, yet manageable, time for those who are well-prepared. American Airlines, the major carrier at DFW, will handle the bulk of traffic, with many passengers traveling for end-of-year events, vacations, and family gatherings.

Travelers should be prepared for a long day of navigating crowded terminals and security lines, and DFW officials are urging passengers to expect the unexpected. While record-breaking warm temperatures have helped keep flight disruptions to a minimum, the crowds and construction zones will still be a challenge for many.

Conclusion: Prepare for Long Lines and Delays at DFW Airport

DFW Airport is experiencing one of the busiest holiday seasons in recent memory, with thousands of travelers passing through on their way to New Year’s Eve destinations. The lines at the security checkpoints and ticket counters are longer than expected, catching some passengers off guard and prompting calls for travelers to arrive early. With construction causing additional delays, travelers must be prepared for a chaotic journey, particularly if they are flying through Terminal C.

Despite the minimal flight delays at DFW, other major airports, including those in New York City, have faced widespread cancellations and delays due to inclement weather. As the holiday rush continues, travelers heading through DFW Airport should expect busy days ahead, and it’s essential to plan accordingly. Arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights will help reduce stress and ensure a smoother journey.