Why flights get delayed at DFW
Spring and summer storms
North Texas thunderstorms bring lightning, hail and strong winds that can close the ramp and force ground stops, often in the late afternoon.
Winter ice
Ice is rare but disruptive here. A single ice event can cancel a large share of the day because de-icing capacity is limited compared with northern hubs.
American's largest hub
Delays at DFW spread quickly through American's network, and a late inbound aircraft is one of the most common reasons for a late departure.
Flying through DFW soon? How to prepare
- Time it well.
- Know your airline's commitments. Check what American Airlines or your own airline has promised for delays and cancellations in our airline policy guides, or see how to check it yourself.
- Line up a backup. Note the next couple of flights on your route and the alternate airports below before you leave home.
- Connecting here? Keep both flights on one ticket and choose a layover with room to spare above the minimum connection time.
The full list is in our pre-trip checklist.
Airlines most affected
Dallas Fort Worth is a hub or major base for American Airlines. When the airport slows down, that airline has the most flights to re-plan, but it also has the most later departures to rebook you onto. What you are offered during a delay depends on the carrier.
Check the live status
- The FAA shows current ground stops and delay programs for DFW at nasstatus.faa.gov.
- Departure boards, terminal and security information are on the official Dallas Fort Worth website.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled at DFW
- Find the real cause. Ask the gate agent, then compare it with the FAA status above. The cause decides what the airline owes you: see is it really a weather delay?
- Know your refund right. If the flight is cancelled, or delayed three hours or more (six for international), you can decline to travel and get your money back.
- Line up alternatives first. Look at later flights, other airlines and the alternate airports below before you reach the desk.
- Ask for what the airline has committed to. For delays within its control, that usually means a meal after three hours and a hotel overnight. Here is what to say.
The full walkthrough is in what to do when your flight is delayed.
Alternate airports near DFW
If flights out of Dallas Fort Worth are sold out or cancelled, these airports are within a realistic drive. Distances are approximate road miles. See how to switch airports without losing your booking.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Love Field | DAL | about 20 miles |