Skylink at Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW)

Today I return to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) which is one of the busiest and largest airports in the United States and is the main and largest hub for American Airlines. Thank goodness that DFW's five terminals, each with about 30 gates, are linked behind security check points through the efficient people mover system called Skylink.

The system opened in May 2005 to become the world's largest airport train system. It replaced the notoriously slow American Airlines TrAAin System which traveled at a top of speed of 17 miles per hour and were cramped in accommodating passengers in transit and their carry-on bags. Skylink travels up to 35 mph, is totally automated and runs every two minutes. The trains are bi-directional providing passengers the shortest route between any two terminals.

Skylink is free and accessed via escalators/elevators at two points within each terminal:
Terminal A: Between A13 and A16 and between A29 and A34 
Terminal B: Between B9 and B12 and between B28 and B31
Terminal C: Between C8 and C12 and between C27 and C32 
Terminal D: Between D11 and D20 and between D24 and D34 
Terminal E: Between E8 and E11 and between E31 and E32

Each Skylink station has a boarding area with entrances to the trains on each side that travel in opposite directions. Electronic signs indicate which train is the shortest route to each terminal.

The trains are roomy to accommodate passengers and their carry-on bags. Seating is very limited to a pair of seats located at each end of every train car. Otherwise passengers who stand should take a hold of the poles or overhead braces for safety.

For more information about Skylink and DFW visit dfwairport.com.