Dallas Love Field Airport, KDAL, is an excellent airport choice for commercial fliers, along with general aviation pilots with the desire to fly into the Dallas, Texas, area. Dallas Love Field Airport is located within the Dallas metroplex, 9.9 nautical miles Southeast of KDFW.

Compared to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, KDFW, Dallas Love Field is smaller and more accessible to general aviation pilots. Low-hour general aviation pilots may wish to avoid this high-traffic area until they gain more experience, as it lies within class B airspace.

This airport is home to Southwest Airlines, with daily flights from Alaskan Airlines and Delta Airlines. With only 20 gates, Dallas Love Field hosts a smaller amount of commercial airline flights per day than KDFW. For this reason, it is preferable over Dallas- Fort Worth International Airport for quick travelers. 

Bottom Line Up Front

Whether flying commercially as a passenger or piloting your own general aviation aircraft, Dallas Love Airport is an excellent airport option to utilize within the Dallas, Texas, area. It may be preferable to some travelers over Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport as it is smaller and often less congested.

For passengers, it offers less distance to walk from the parking to the gate, as well as fewer crowds to contend with. For pilots, it provides a controlled environment that is friendly to general aviation alongside commercial operations.

It is important to note that Dallas Love Field, while welcoming to general aviation pilots, may not be the best choice for student pilots or those who are not seasoned pilots. In order to enter the airspace, student pilots, recreational pilots, and sport pilots must receive an endorsement from a certified flight instructor.

While this will allow them to enter the airspace legally, the flight environment may prove to be overwhelming and a challenge to less experienced pilots. This is due to the volume of commercial aircraft operations on the airfield.

Considerations Prior to Flight into Love Field as a Pilot

1. KDAL lies within class B airspace and is near KDFW. As they are busy airports, it is essential for unseasoned pilots to note the fast-paced environment with a high traffic volume and plan accordingly for their arrival.

2. Multiple FBOs are available on the field that offers both Jet-A and 100LL Fuel, and some a crew car:

• Atlantic Aviation
• Jet Aviation
• Signature Flight Support
• Business Jet Center

3. There are fees associated with landing and parking at this airport.  

4. There are multiple maintenance shops on the field should a mechanical issue arise.

5. No student solo flights are permitted on this airfield.

Considerations for Commercial Airline Passengers Flying into Dallas Love Field

1. Curbside check-in is only available for Southwest Airlines passengers.

2. The entire airport is within walking distance, with no trams, trains, or remote terminals.

3. Dallas Love Field Airports recommends passengers arrive 90 minutes prior to their departure time in order to check in with ticketing, check baggage and pass-through security.

4. The airport offers a children’s play area, a mother’s room, and an animal park onsite.

5. There are three parking garages available within walking distance of the terminal for those wishing to fly out of Dallas Love Field.

Dallas Love Field Airport Information

Dallas Love Field Airport is named after Lt. Moss L. Love. He was an Army Air Corps pilot who lost his life on a training flight in 1913. Though he has no connection to Dallas, TX, he was one of the first military pilots to lose his life. The airport was named to honor his sacrifice.

The airfield opened on October 19th, 1917, as a United States Air service training base. Post-World War I, the airfield transitioned to a commercial airport, with its first passenger service taking off in 1927.

With the outbreak of World War II, Love field transitioned back into an Army field for military service. During World War II, it hosted the headquarters of the United States Air Transport Command, as well as the Women Air force Service Pilots.

With the conclusion of World War II, Love field transitioned back into city service and quickly grew to become one of the most predominant airports in the Southwest in 1964. With the establishment of Dallas- Fort Worth International Airport, Love Field began to become secondary for commercial flights to the metroplex.  

ICAO Identifier: DAL

• Latitude/ Longitude: 32° 50′ 45.4″ N, 96° 51′ 3.2″ W estimated 
• Location: 5 miles North West of Dallas, TX
• Runways:

13R/31L:

           8,800 x 150 feet.

           Good Concrete

           ILS/DME

 13L/31R:

            7,752 x 150 feet.

           Good Concrete

                       ILS/DME

• Elevation: 487 Feet
• Control Tower Hours: 24 Hours
• Beacon: white-green as it is a lighted land airport
• Fees: Landing, Handling, Hangar, Ramp, Overnight
• Time zone: Central, CDT (UTC -0500)
• Customs: Customs landing rights airport available for international operations.
• Fuel available on the field: 100LL, Jet-A, Jet-A-Premix/Prist
• ARTCC: Forth Worth (ZFW)
• FSS: Fort Worth (FTW) 122.3
• ATIS: 120.15
• ASOS: 214-353-1551
• Clearance Delivery: 127.9
• Love Ground: 121.75, 348.6
• Love Tower: 121.75, 239.3, 118.7
• Regional Approach: 124.3 North, 125.2 South
• Regional Departure: 118.55 East, North Props 124.3, South 125.125, South Props 125.2, Turbojets 118.55 and 125.125

Recommended Procedure Prior to Arrival at Dallas Love Field for Pilots

Prior to your arrival at Dallas Love Field, there are a few things you should do.

1. Check for Notice to Air Missions, previously known as Notice to Airmen. NOTAMs may pertain to any area along your route to KDAL or to the airport environment itself. Not only can NOTAMs provide pilots with crucial information related to safety, such as obstacles near the runway ends, but they also notify them of any active TFRs. Temporary Flight Restrictions are used to impose legal restrictions on airspace for any reason the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) deems necessary. For instance, there are often two TFRs located near KDAL. One is intermittent and pertains to a sports stadium. You will find TFRs active over the stadium area when there are events in progress. In addition, there is a long-standing National Defense TFR to the North East of Dallas Love Field, which has been in effect since 2009.

2. Check the current weather at your destination, KDAL. This should be done prior to entering the airspace if radio transmission permits. Do this by using the ATIS frequency 120.15.

3. Be prepared to talk to approach, tower, and ground controllers. As Dallas Love Field is a controlled airport, it is required for you to abide by the directions given to you by Air Traffic Control, safety permitting.

Dallas Love Field Airport Statistics

Aircraft based on field:

• Singe engine- 9 aircraft
• Multi-engine- 67 aircraft
•  Jet- 198 aircraft
• Helicopters- 4 aircraft

Aircraft Operations per day as of July 2021, per AirNav.com:

• 505 average per day
• 54 % commercial
• 23% air taxi
• 22% general aviation
• Less than 1% military

Top Dallas Attractions for After Your Arrival

Dallas is full of excellent entertainment options for a variety of occasions. Here are the top recommendations:

• For Pilots: Frontiers of Flight Museum
  • Located at: 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, TX 75209
  • This flight museum will delight any pilot or aviation enthusiast. It is located on Dallas Love Field and is a perfect stop after landing at DAL.
  • It features aircraft spanning the history of aviation, from the 1920s to post-World War II, and even includes modern aircraft.
• For Families: Perot Museum of Nature and Science
  • Located at: 2201 N Field St., Dallas, TX 75201
  • This Natural Science Museum boasts exhibits that range from dinosaurs to space. It is an excellent stop for anyone traveling with young children, as it hosts many interactive exhibits.
• For Events: AT&T Stadium
  • Located at: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
  • Known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys, this stadium is an excellent stop for any Cowboys football fan as they offer stadium tours. Keep in mind, when not hosting the Cowboys, this stadium is a great place to attend events such as Monster Truck Jams or Texas BBQ cook-offs!
• For Nature Lovers: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
  • Located at: 8525 Garland Rd. Dallas, TX 75218
  • The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens feature a 66-acre getaway from the bustle of the city. In addition to the multitude of blooming flowers, it plays host to multiple festivals and concerts throughout the year. In the fall, be sure to check out their great pumpkin patch!
• For Dallas Views: Reunion Tower
  • Located at: 300 Reunion Boulevard East, Dallas, TX 75207.
  • Standing at 561 feet tall, Reunion Tower is the perfect place to get a glimpse of downtown Dallas. Be sure to visit the observation deck of this attraction to get 360-degree views of the cityscape as the platform slowly turns.
• For Nightlife: Deep Ellum
  • It is located at approximately 6 miles South East of Dallas Love Field.
  • Deep Ellum is the revamped warehouse district of Dallas and is an excellent spot for enjoying vibrant nightlife and live music. Be sure to try out many of the casual eateries.

Best Hotels Near Dallas Love Field Airport

While there are a variety of other accommodation options, sometimes staying in a hotel near the airport is preferable for shorter trips. Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Dallas Love Field Airport:

• Best for an Overnight: Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Love Field
  • Located 0.9 miles from KDAL at 3380 W Northwest HWY, Dallas, TX 75220
• Best for a Romantic Getaway: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
  • Located 3.75 miles from KDAL at 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219
• Best for Business Trips: Aloft Dallas Love Field
  • Located 1.5 miles from KDAL at 2333 W Mockingbird Lane, Dallas 75235
• Best for families: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas Love Field
  • Located 1.3 miles from KDAL at 3300 W Mockingbird Lane, Dallas 75235
• Best Budget Option: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Love Field
  • Located 2.6 miles from KDAL at 8300 john W. Carpenter Fwy, Dallas, TX 75247
• Best Historical Hotel Downtown: The Adolphus
  • Located 5.3 miles from KDAL at 1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202
  • Travel Tip: If you stay at the Adolphus, be sure to make a reservation for Afternoon Tea in the French Room. It does not disappoint!

Car Rental Companies Servicing Dallas Love Field Airport

There are multiple car rental companies offering rentals from Dallas Love Field Airport. They include:

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar Rent-a-car
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Thrifty Car Rental

FAQ’s

Visit Dallas Through Dallas Love Field

Ultimately, Dallas Love Field Airport is an excellent travel choice for commercial passengers, as well as general aviation pilots. It offers a less congested option than Dallas Ft. Worth International airport and is located in a preferable location for the best entertainment Dallas has to offer. Due to its smaller size, it is often a faster option for passengers looking to spend a minimal amount of time at the airport.

For pilots, it is an excellent option for a fly into the DFW metroplex as it offers a multitude of services and is more accessible to general aviation pilots than its competition, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. With an abundance of live music, amazing restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, a trip to Dallas via Dallas Love Field is a perfect getaway for anyone! No matter your destination, I wish you blue skies and tailwinds for your next flying adventure! 

Further Reading:

• Santa Barbara Airport Guide
• The Eastern Iowa Airport: (Formerly Cedar Rapids) Airport Guide
• Santa Barbara Airport Guide
• Embraer 195 Guide and Specs: The Biggest Brazil Has to Offer
• Boeing 767 Guide and Specs: Is It Wide Enough?
• Best Flight Simulator Software Guide

Sources

• AirNav- Dallas Love Field Airport
• Dallas Love Field Airport Website
• AOPA Destinations- Dallas Love Field Airport
• Dallas City Hall- Love Field Information

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Kendra Gerken

Kendra obtained her Private Pilot Certificate in 2014 and followed that certificate with an instrument rating. After many flight hours in various single-engine aircraft, she obtained her Remote Pilot certificate. She now uses her knowledge of various aircraft within the aviation industry to fuel her writing here at Aviator Insider!

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