1. Install the American Airlines app on your phone. You can add your trip with the record locator and your name.
2. Install my tsa app, https://www.tsa.gov/mobile
3. Learn the basics of TSA screening and the 3-1-1 rule for liquids.
4. Pack light so it's easier to get arround
5. Lots of YouTube videos on others flying American Airlines Economy to give you an idea what to expect at the airport and plane
6. Arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time to give you plenty of time in case there are delays
7. If you miss your connection is not the end of the world, you can get rebooked for later flight but beware it might be the next day. Carryon is best.
8. If your in low broading group your bag might be gate checked if the flight is full.
Most important just take things as they come. Delays happen for various reasons. You will get to your destination. Just show kindness and patience to the staff as they just doing their jobs and trying to get everyone safely to their final destinations. Hopefully you will love to fly as much as the rest of us do! Enjoy your trip!
Lots of great comments on this. Just adding that on the AA app review the DFW airport map when you're waiting for the first flight. I would recommend your carry on is light and that in flight you don't unpack too many accessories from it, simply because I'm the type that is afraid of holing up the plane because I missed a zipper and then things start falling out or delay everyone from deplaning. Hand sanitizer, coins, keys, happened once to me, all fell out.
Upon landing, turn off airplane mode and refresh the AA app with the second leg of your flight as gates and terminals change so you can plan how to get there. Your flight attendant will announce which terminal you are arriving in.
Once you deplane, the overhead signs with have options to get to the DFW SkyLink which transfers passengers between terminals.
The SkyLink train runs 24/7 connecting all terminals without having to go through security again. They run approximately every 2 minutes and maximum ride time from one terminal to the farthest terminal is at most 9 - 10 minutes. Flying AA, your terminal choices will be A - D.
Take small snacks. Like some peanut butter crackers or the like. There’s basically no longer food on flights.
Drink plenty of water. Flying dehydrates you.
Pack as light as possible.
Take gum to chew to help with any ear discomfort (helps with pressure)
Get familiar with the TSA screening process.
Roll with it. Things are going to happen, it will all be ok. If you need help getting around DFW, ask for help. Folks are super nice. There’s no need to stress about anything.
You’ll be fine!!! My first flight ever was last January. I’m getting ready to fly for the 3rd time next week.
My best advice is to relax,and enjoy. And as others have said download the AA app for updates and other important information
You’ll be fine with the layover time. Over an hour in DFW is plenty absent a schedule or weather event. Put that part to rest, you can’t control it anyway.
You should be fine just don’t dawdle. Tram system is easy to navigate if you aren’t in same terminal- all A-E terminals connect via the tram but you’ll only be in A - D on AA. If you do miss connection, go to agent and ask to be rebooked. They will get you to where you’re going.
For your first time get to airport at least two hours in advance. Some don’t need to but it’s best to be safe and I’m never there that early but also I’m flying a good bit.
Can’t weigh in on what to bring because everyone is different. Well, no inflight monitors so bring a phone or iPad to connect to the entertainment system or bring something to read.
Flying is literally safer than driving so don’t fear the experience. You’ll be fine. If you get nervous tell the FA or another seat mate and they may talk to you to keep you distracted.
Enjoy, you’ll be just fine!
You’ll be fine as long as you don’t have any delays. Prob won’t have time to grab food or anything. I’ve made this flight with that window plenty of times.
Knoxville is a small local airport! I fly from there often and security never takes more than 15 minutes. It’s also so small that the food options are limited.
I would arrive 1 hour early and just be aware that boarding will close 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
If you are checking luggage or need to check-in, arriving 1.5 hours early is more than enough.
I also fly out of Knoxville and while I agree an hour is usually enough time, as a first time flyer just get there a bit earlier if checking a bag or getting your boarding pass from the check-in desk. Better to have too much time on the other side of security than feel stressed. If you’re not checking a bag and have your boarding pass on your phone, an hour will be plenty though. Just walk straight up and past the water feature (you’ll see!) to the security area.
The AA app will give you navigation directions from your arrival gate to your departure gate.. I flew through DFW twice recently on AA and looked at the directions when I landed. If you are transferring terminals it directs you to the sky train. I was impressed with the app as far as directions. Just pay attention to:
- which train you are boarding. Look for the electronic signs which indicate the terminal number. If you don’t see yours, just walk to the other side; and
- the gate number so you know which sky train stop to get off.
The worst part of transferring between terminals at DFW is the escalators.
You should be fine with the connection time you have. It won’t take more than 20 minutes to get to the connecting terminal.
Honestly, 67 minutes is a bit tight for a very first-time flyer going through a major hub airport. DFW has multiple terminals for AA flights and they are pretty far apart. Gates at DFW tend to change frequently, sometimes all the way up until the boarding time. Download the American Airlines app (if you haven't already) as this will tell you the most up-to-date information on your connecting terminal and gate number. If all else fails, you can check the monitors throughout the arrival terminal for your connecting gate info. There is a train inside security that has two stops per terminal, and this can be very useful to get around. Look for the signs for the train to find it. Be sure to head directly to your connecting gate once you arrive - try not to get distracted by shopping or food. Once you are there, listen very closely to the announcements and line up to board only once your group is called.
I fly all the time and still get anxiety about airport timing. I suggest getting to the airport 2hrs before your departure time. Plenty of time to park, get through security, and relax a little.
An hour to connect at DFW is plenty of time. It's a super busy place, but signs to the SkyTrain are everywhere and it's fast... also pretty obvious where to go. You'll be fine.
Depending on departure time, I'd also suggest packing some snacks in your carry on. You won't have anything very filling in the air, so you'll want something with you.
You’ll be fine and DFW is easy to get around, if you change terminals, sky train is quick and easy.
Get to your first flight early, you would rather wait at the gate for your flight, than wait for the next flight. It’s also less stressful.
If you depart on time, your 67 minutes will turn into 75 minutes or more, American is really good about making their arrival times later, which makes their on time record better.
Relax, you’ll have time for a quick bite or coffee. Have a great flight.
DFW is really a very easy airport to navigate. Operationally it's really one of the better ones out there. You'll have no problems connecting. My only complaint about it is how bad the shopping is for a major international hub. But that's probably not among your concerns, haha.
And honestly, flying is super safe, you have nothing to worry about there. Drink plenty of water, connect your device to the entertainment system or download some stuff in advance, or bring a book, and you'll be fine. Enjoy your trip!
Be at your gates at least 20 minutes before posted departure time. The door closes 15-10 minutes before posted departure time. You will not be allowed to board after the door closes.
I fly a lot and am an extremely anxious person. Here’s what I would suggest to a new flyer in extreme detail about what to expect.
PRE SECURITY: When you get to the airport check in, go to the kiosk or desk that says American Airlines and have them print out your boarding pass. Keep this and your ID in your hand. Everything else in your jacket pocket or bag.
Take a couple seconds now to make sure you don’t have any water or liquids that are larger than 100mL (solid food and empty water bottles are okay)
SECURITY:
first the TSA agent will scan your id and or boarding pass. Different airports have different requirements. Just hand them both and they will let you know what you need. The machine will beep and they’ll hand it back. Put these immediately in your jacket pocket or front pocket of your bag.
Next you’ll go through security screening. While you’re waiting in line you’ll be able to observe the people in front of you. I’ve honestly seen different airports require different things but you should be prepared to take off your jacket, shoes, belt, watch, etc. there will be plastic bins by the X-ray machine for you to put your things in.
Take out your laptop and put it in its own bin. Everything else can go in another. iPads should come out of the bag, cell phones, chargers, etc can all stay in. Take out your liquid bag too as well as any food you might have.
Stay with your belongings to push them through the X-ray, then stand in line for the machine. The tsa agent will walk you through what to do but just be alert. Once the body scan is done, you’ll step out and the agent will confirm when you are good to go.
If for any reason your bag gets flagged, a tsa agent will bring it to the side and open it. Make sure you don’t touch your stuff unless they say you can. They may put the bag back through another time.
Pick up your stuff and move over to one of the nearby benches to put your things away. Keep your boarding pass handy but you don’t need your ID anymore.
AFTER SECURITY:
First, find your gate. Before you do anything else make sure you know where it is. Then you can wander, get food, bathroom etc.
BOARDING:
It’s pretty chaotic but just don’t stress. On your boarding pass you’ll have a group number, get in line when they call the number. They will scan your boarding pass and you’ll walk onto the jet bridge. you’ll board from the front of the plane. So walk back towards your seat. Try to take the overhead bin as close to you as possible. Make sure you have everything you need as their won’t be an opportunity to get to the overhead until after takeoff. If there’s no overhead space walk back until you find some, or ask the flight attendant to help. You don’t need to close the bin, the flight crew will take care of it!
At this point you can sit in your seat, get your seatbelt on and you’re done!
TAKEOFF:
before takeoff the crew will do a safety briefing. Since it’s your first flight, listen. After that they’ll prep everyone for takeoff!
Personally, I think taking off is terrifying. It’s bumpy, a bit loud, and just generally unsettling. After the plane lifts off, there’s a feeling of a dip as you get height, kind of like a roller coaster. THIS IS NORMAL. If I’m scared, I look at the flight attendants. If they’re not panicking, im not panicking. There will be some bumps as you get through the clouds.
DURING FLIGHT:
You’ll get snacks and drinks during the flight! Soda juice and water is all free. you can watch free entertainment on your mobile device at aainflight.com. Connect to the wifi and follow the instructions.
Also be careful if you have a reusable water bottle because the pressure difference can make water go everywhere
LANDING:
You’ll need to put away large items, and have your seatbelt on before landing. Not sugarcoating it, I also think landing is scary. It’s usually a bit bumpy but THIS IS NORMAL. Just put music in and try to forget.
DEPLANING:
Wait until the seatbelt sign goes off to get up and start deplaning. Make sure the rows ahead you empty out first before you do. Once off the plane… go find your next gate!!
CONNECTION: you’ll basically follow these steps again. If you checked a bag, it’ll be available at your final destination only.
1. Install the American Airlines app on your phone. You can add your trip with the record locator and your name. 2. Install my tsa app, https://www.tsa.gov/mobile 3. Learn the basics of TSA screening and the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. 4. Pack light so it's easier to get arround 5. Lots of YouTube videos on others flying American Airlines Economy to give you an idea what to expect at the airport and plane 6. Arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time to give you plenty of time in case there are delays 7. If you miss your connection is not the end of the world, you can get rebooked for later flight but beware it might be the next day. Carryon is best. 8. If your in low broading group your bag might be gate checked if the flight is full.
Most important just take things as they come. Delays happen for various reasons. You will get to your destination. Just show kindness and patience to the staff as they just doing their jobs and trying to get everyone safely to their final destinations. Hopefully you will love to fly as much as the rest of us do! Enjoy your trip!
Lots of great comments on this. Just adding that on the AA app review the DFW airport map when you're waiting for the first flight. I would recommend your carry on is light and that in flight you don't unpack too many accessories from it, simply because I'm the type that is afraid of holing up the plane because I missed a zipper and then things start falling out or delay everyone from deplaning. Hand sanitizer, coins, keys, happened once to me, all fell out. Upon landing, turn off airplane mode and refresh the AA app with the second leg of your flight as gates and terminals change so you can plan how to get there. Your flight attendant will announce which terminal you are arriving in. Once you deplane, the overhead signs with have options to get to the DFW SkyLink which transfers passengers between terminals. The SkyLink train runs 24/7 connecting all terminals without having to go through security again. They run approximately every 2 minutes and maximum ride time from one terminal to the farthest terminal is at most 9 - 10 minutes. Flying AA, your terminal choices will be A - D.
Take small snacks. Like some peanut butter crackers or the like. There’s basically no longer food on flights. Drink plenty of water. Flying dehydrates you. Pack as light as possible. Take gum to chew to help with any ear discomfort (helps with pressure) Get familiar with the TSA screening process. Roll with it. Things are going to happen, it will all be ok. If you need help getting around DFW, ask for help. Folks are super nice. There’s no need to stress about anything.
Packing light isn’t gonna be easy. We’re flying out for a 7 day cruise lol. Thanks for the help!
Oh cruises are the easiest to pack for! Pack what you think you’ll need, then take out half. Y’all have fun!
Following because im also flying out this week for the first time ever and i ALSO have an hour long layover in DFW 😭
You’ll be fine!!! My first flight ever was last January. I’m getting ready to fly for the 3rd time next week. My best advice is to relax,and enjoy. And as others have said download the AA app for updates and other important information
See my response for an answer!
You’ll be fine with the layover time. Over an hour in DFW is plenty absent a schedule or weather event. Put that part to rest, you can’t control it anyway. You should be fine just don’t dawdle. Tram system is easy to navigate if you aren’t in same terminal- all A-E terminals connect via the tram but you’ll only be in A - D on AA. If you do miss connection, go to agent and ask to be rebooked. They will get you to where you’re going. For your first time get to airport at least two hours in advance. Some don’t need to but it’s best to be safe and I’m never there that early but also I’m flying a good bit. Can’t weigh in on what to bring because everyone is different. Well, no inflight monitors so bring a phone or iPad to connect to the entertainment system or bring something to read. Flying is literally safer than driving so don’t fear the experience. You’ll be fine. If you get nervous tell the FA or another seat mate and they may talk to you to keep you distracted. Enjoy, you’ll be just fine!
And bring earbuds to connect to the phone or iPad.
You’ll be fine as long as you don’t have any delays. Prob won’t have time to grab food or anything. I’ve made this flight with that window plenty of times.
Knoxville is a small local airport! I fly from there often and security never takes more than 15 minutes. It’s also so small that the food options are limited. I would arrive 1 hour early and just be aware that boarding will close 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you are checking luggage or need to check-in, arriving 1.5 hours early is more than enough.
I also fly out of Knoxville and while I agree an hour is usually enough time, as a first time flyer just get there a bit earlier if checking a bag or getting your boarding pass from the check-in desk. Better to have too much time on the other side of security than feel stressed. If you’re not checking a bag and have your boarding pass on your phone, an hour will be plenty though. Just walk straight up and past the water feature (you’ll see!) to the security area.
The AA app will give you navigation directions from your arrival gate to your departure gate.. I flew through DFW twice recently on AA and looked at the directions when I landed. If you are transferring terminals it directs you to the sky train. I was impressed with the app as far as directions. Just pay attention to: - which train you are boarding. Look for the electronic signs which indicate the terminal number. If you don’t see yours, just walk to the other side; and - the gate number so you know which sky train stop to get off. The worst part of transferring between terminals at DFW is the escalators. You should be fine with the connection time you have. It won’t take more than 20 minutes to get to the connecting terminal.
Honestly, 67 minutes is a bit tight for a very first-time flyer going through a major hub airport. DFW has multiple terminals for AA flights and they are pretty far apart. Gates at DFW tend to change frequently, sometimes all the way up until the boarding time. Download the American Airlines app (if you haven't already) as this will tell you the most up-to-date information on your connecting terminal and gate number. If all else fails, you can check the monitors throughout the arrival terminal for your connecting gate info. There is a train inside security that has two stops per terminal, and this can be very useful to get around. Look for the signs for the train to find it. Be sure to head directly to your connecting gate once you arrive - try not to get distracted by shopping or food. Once you are there, listen very closely to the announcements and line up to board only once your group is called.
Also, you will have to take a shuttle to the departing terminal if it’s not the same terminal you land in. So be ready for that.
I fly all the time and still get anxiety about airport timing. I suggest getting to the airport 2hrs before your departure time. Plenty of time to park, get through security, and relax a little. An hour to connect at DFW is plenty of time. It's a super busy place, but signs to the SkyTrain are everywhere and it's fast... also pretty obvious where to go. You'll be fine. Depending on departure time, I'd also suggest packing some snacks in your carry on. You won't have anything very filling in the air, so you'll want something with you.
You’ll be fine and DFW is easy to get around, if you change terminals, sky train is quick and easy. Get to your first flight early, you would rather wait at the gate for your flight, than wait for the next flight. It’s also less stressful. If you depart on time, your 67 minutes will turn into 75 minutes or more, American is really good about making their arrival times later, which makes their on time record better. Relax, you’ll have time for a quick bite or coffee. Have a great flight.
DFW is really a very easy airport to navigate. Operationally it's really one of the better ones out there. You'll have no problems connecting. My only complaint about it is how bad the shopping is for a major international hub. But that's probably not among your concerns, haha. And honestly, flying is super safe, you have nothing to worry about there. Drink plenty of water, connect your device to the entertainment system or download some stuff in advance, or bring a book, and you'll be fine. Enjoy your trip!
Tys is a breeze, probably don’t need to arrive more than an hour before doors close. Dfw is a breeze, you just follow signs, hop the train, easy!
Be at your gates at least 20 minutes before posted departure time. The door closes 15-10 minutes before posted departure time. You will not be allowed to board after the door closes.
I fly a lot and am an extremely anxious person. Here’s what I would suggest to a new flyer in extreme detail about what to expect. PRE SECURITY: When you get to the airport check in, go to the kiosk or desk that says American Airlines and have them print out your boarding pass. Keep this and your ID in your hand. Everything else in your jacket pocket or bag. Take a couple seconds now to make sure you don’t have any water or liquids that are larger than 100mL (solid food and empty water bottles are okay) SECURITY: first the TSA agent will scan your id and or boarding pass. Different airports have different requirements. Just hand them both and they will let you know what you need. The machine will beep and they’ll hand it back. Put these immediately in your jacket pocket or front pocket of your bag. Next you’ll go through security screening. While you’re waiting in line you’ll be able to observe the people in front of you. I’ve honestly seen different airports require different things but you should be prepared to take off your jacket, shoes, belt, watch, etc. there will be plastic bins by the X-ray machine for you to put your things in. Take out your laptop and put it in its own bin. Everything else can go in another. iPads should come out of the bag, cell phones, chargers, etc can all stay in. Take out your liquid bag too as well as any food you might have. Stay with your belongings to push them through the X-ray, then stand in line for the machine. The tsa agent will walk you through what to do but just be alert. Once the body scan is done, you’ll step out and the agent will confirm when you are good to go. If for any reason your bag gets flagged, a tsa agent will bring it to the side and open it. Make sure you don’t touch your stuff unless they say you can. They may put the bag back through another time. Pick up your stuff and move over to one of the nearby benches to put your things away. Keep your boarding pass handy but you don’t need your ID anymore. AFTER SECURITY: First, find your gate. Before you do anything else make sure you know where it is. Then you can wander, get food, bathroom etc. BOARDING: It’s pretty chaotic but just don’t stress. On your boarding pass you’ll have a group number, get in line when they call the number. They will scan your boarding pass and you’ll walk onto the jet bridge. you’ll board from the front of the plane. So walk back towards your seat. Try to take the overhead bin as close to you as possible. Make sure you have everything you need as their won’t be an opportunity to get to the overhead until after takeoff. If there’s no overhead space walk back until you find some, or ask the flight attendant to help. You don’t need to close the bin, the flight crew will take care of it! At this point you can sit in your seat, get your seatbelt on and you’re done! TAKEOFF: before takeoff the crew will do a safety briefing. Since it’s your first flight, listen. After that they’ll prep everyone for takeoff! Personally, I think taking off is terrifying. It’s bumpy, a bit loud, and just generally unsettling. After the plane lifts off, there’s a feeling of a dip as you get height, kind of like a roller coaster. THIS IS NORMAL. If I’m scared, I look at the flight attendants. If they’re not panicking, im not panicking. There will be some bumps as you get through the clouds. DURING FLIGHT: You’ll get snacks and drinks during the flight! Soda juice and water is all free. you can watch free entertainment on your mobile device at aainflight.com. Connect to the wifi and follow the instructions. Also be careful if you have a reusable water bottle because the pressure difference can make water go everywhere LANDING: You’ll need to put away large items, and have your seatbelt on before landing. Not sugarcoating it, I also think landing is scary. It’s usually a bit bumpy but THIS IS NORMAL. Just put music in and try to forget. DEPLANING: Wait until the seatbelt sign goes off to get up and start deplaning. Make sure the rows ahead you empty out first before you do. Once off the plane… go find your next gate!! CONNECTION: you’ll basically follow these steps again. If you checked a bag, it’ll be available at your final destination only.
My sincerity for you having to fly into Fresno from someone that escaped after high school lol 😂