2026 layover guide
Dallas (DAL) connection time
At Dallas Love Field, plan on at least 45 min for a domestic connection. Here's why, step by step.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Comfortable: 1 h 15 min
No terminal changes
Quick answer
Plan on at least 45 min for a domestic connection at DAL. You stay inside security for domestic connections.
- Domestic, same terminal
- 45 min (comfortable: 1 h 15 min)
- Hub airlines
- Southwest Airlines
How long a layover do I need?
- Get off the plane and walk to your next gate15 min
- Be at the gate before boarding closes15 min
- Buffer for a small delay15 min
Our estimate, rounded up, not the airline's official minimum connection time. If both flights are on one ticket, the airline will rebook you if a delay makes you miss the second one. How we calculate this
Recommended layovers at DAL
Our estimates for common connections, rounded up. Comfortable times leave room for a late arrival.
| Connection | MinimumRecommended minimum |
|---|---|
Domestic to domestic, same terminal Checked bags transfer automatically | 45 min Comfortable: 1 h 15 min |
Separate tickets with checked bags No protection if you miss it | 1 h 45 min Comfortable: 2 h 30 min |
Airlines' official minimum connection times can be shorter: if you booked both flights on one ticket, the airline has already checked that the connection is legal and will rebook you if a delay makes you miss it.
Getting around DAL
Terminals
One terminal.
Changing terminals
All gates are in one secure area, so connections are short walks.
Customs and international arrivals
Love Field serves domestic flights only.
Tips for connecting at DAL
- •Southwest operates most flights here.
Plan your trip through DAL
The airport guide, and the bag rules for the airlines you're likely to connect on here.
DAL connection FAQ
Airlines set their own official minimums at DAL and only sell connections that meet them, so a one-ticket itinerary is always "legal". In practice we recommend at least 45 min for a domestic connection.
Other airports
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Terminals and connection rules change, so check your airline's connection instructions before a tight layover.
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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