Complete travel information for your December journey
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) follows standard TSA security screening with recommended arrival times of 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. In December, expect longer lines during holiday peak days (mid-December and the week between Christmas and New Year). Use TSA PreCheck when possible and check your airline's mobile check-in to speed up the process.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is accessible by car, rideshare, shuttle, and DART+TRE connections with onward shuttles; travel times vary from 20 to 60 minutes depending on your starting point. In December, allow extra time for holiday traffic and potential weather delays around major corridors serving Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Plano. Pre-book airport parking or a rideshare pickup zone to avoid delays at curbside.
Airlines may add capacity on popular holiday dates between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to meet demand, but schedules can change with short notice. Check airline and DFW flight status pages for real-time updates; flexibility is key during December peaks and during inclement winter weather.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offers a range of parking options: terminal garages, surface lots, and economy long-term parking with shuttle service. During December holidays, book parking in advance to secure covered or close-in spaces; off-airport lots and pre-paid parking often sell out on peak days. Consider off-site park-and-ride deals near Dallas, Fort Worth, or Arlington for savings.
Monitor weather forecasts and airline alerts, fly early-morning nonstop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to reduce risk of cascading delays, and secure refundable or flexible fares if you’re traveling in December. Enroll in airline alerts, arrive early for longer security lines, and keep essential items in carry-on luggage in case of cancellations.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) typically offers seasonal amenities like extra customer service desks, extended retail hours, and holiday-themed displays in December. Airport concessions and lounges may run seasonal menus and promotions; check the DFW website for holiday hours and special events. Consider arriving earlier to enjoy holiday shopping or airport dining.
December in the Baltimore / Washington region is typically cold with daytime highs often between 35°F and 45°F (2°C–7°C) and a chance of rain, sleet, or light snow. Allow extra time for ground transport if winter weather is in the forecast and check local weather advisories before landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is connected to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Annapolis via shuttle buses, MARC/Amtrak rail services, and rideshare or rental cars. In December, public transit schedules may have limited holiday hours; pre-book shuttle services or check MARC/Amtrak timetables for connections to Washington and BWI’s shuttle options for Annapolis.
As of December, standard health screening protocols may vary; most domestic travel has lifted strict COVID testing requirements, but travelers should confirm airline and destination rules before flying to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Check the airline's guidance and local health department advisories for the latest travel requirements.
December brings vibrant holiday events in both the Dallas/Fort Worth area and the Baltimore/Washington region. From Dallas' seasonal light displays, holiday markets and performances to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor festivities and the famed neighborhood holiday lights, travelers can combine city sightseeing with cultural events. Washington, D.C.’s National Christmas Tree and seasonal museum exhibits are also easily reachable from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
For the best balance of price and convenience on DFW to BWI routes in December, fly during the first two weeks of the month or midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and aim for early-morning flights. Avoid peak travel windows around Dec 20–27 and Dec 30–31 when fares and crowds spike. If your schedule is flexible, early-December departures often offer the lowest fares and more seat availability. For returning after the holidays, consider flying on Jan 2–4 rather than Dec 31–Jan 1 to avoid the busiest re-booking days.
Nonstop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) save time (about 2.5–2.75 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections during December winter weather. However, nonstop fares can be higher, especially during holiday peaks. Connecting flights through hubs like Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), or Chicago O'Hare (ORD) often lower the ticket price but add travel time and the chance of connection-related delays. If you prioritize reliability and speed during the busy December season, choose nonstop; if you prioritize budget, consider well-timed connections with reasonable layover buffers.
American Airlines is typically the primary carrier offering nonstop service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), providing frequent schedules and loyalty benefits for AAdvantage members. Other carriers such as Delta and United serve the DFW-BWI market via one-stop connections through their hubs (e.g., Atlanta ATL, Charlotte CLT, Chicago ORD). Compare total travel time, change fees, baggage allowance and onboard service when choosing: nonstops minimize travel disruption while connections may provide lower fares.
December travel on the DFW to BWI route requires planning for weather, crowds, and holiday pricing. Pack warm layers for Baltimore’s colder temperatures, include a travel umbrella, and keep important items and medications in your carry-on. Expect longer security lines at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and surge pricing for rideshares at peak arrival times into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Reserve airport parking and ground transfers in advance, and sign up for airline alerts to receive prompt notifications of schedule changes.
Nonstop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) typically take about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. The route crosses one time zone (Central Time to Eastern Time), so plan arrival times accordingly — you gain one hour on arrival. In December, airline schedules may add extra frequencies on high-demand dates; American Airlines often operates the most nonstop services on this corridor. Connecting flights through hubs such as Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), or Chicago O'Hare (ORD) can add 2–5+ hours of total travel time depending on layovers.
To secure cheap flights from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December, search and compare fares early, monitor midweek travel options (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), and look for one-way combinations to save. Fare sales often appear 6–8 weeks before travel; set alerts for primary keywords like "DFW to BWI December deals". Consider red-eye or early-morning nonstops to reduce price and avoid cascading delays, and check low-fare connecting routes through hubs like Charlotte (CLT) or Philadelphia (PHL) if nonstop prices are high.
Large parties arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) can use pre-arranged shuttle services, private car hires, or multiple rideshares; many hotels near the Inner Harbor offer shuttle pickup. During December’s busy season, reserve group transfers in advance to ensure availability and to avoid high surge pricing for rideshares.
From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), you can easily reach Inner Harbor holiday markets, holiday light displays in neighborhoods like Hampden, and seasonal events in Washington, D.C. Plan for shorter daylight hours in December and check event pages for specific hours; combining a visit to Baltimore’s waterfront with a short trip to Washington, D.C., or Annapolis makes for a festive winter itinerary.
For domestic itineraries between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), normal domestic baggage policies apply. If your trip continues internationally from BWI, confirm whether your bags are checked through or need rechecking and arrive earlier to clear customs. In December, airlines recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2–3 hours for international flights.