GRAPEVINE, Texas — As DFW Airport is in the thick of a record-high Thanksgiving travel period, airport officials held a news conference to discuss how they’ve prepared to handle a high volume of passengers.
This Thanksgiving travel period, 1.2 million passengers are expected to travel through DFW Airport on American Airlines, airport officials said.
Senior Vice President of DFW Operations at American Airlines Jim Moses said the airport has been hiring additional staff, including TSA agents, ahead of the holiday travel season. A team of airport ambassadors is also available to help passengers navigate their travel plans.
“This is like the Superbowl of travel,” Moses said. “We’ve opened some new checkpoints to support construction going on at DFW and our customers.”
This year, vehicle thefts at airports, including DFW Airport, have become a challenge for law enforcement. Airport officials say passengers who decide to park at the airport can expect increased security to protect their vehicles.
According to an arrest warrant recently obtained by WFAA, an organized crime ring out of Houston is accused of stealing $5 million worth of vehicles from DFW Airport.
To address the issue, Moses said there are now increased patrols in parking garages and airport police have cracked down on crime rings.
“The DFW Airport has really done a fantastic job of patrolling areas and ensuring customers are protecting their belongings,” Moses said. “It is secure, it is safe. We’re happy to welcome you however you choose to get to DFW.”
In a statement from DFW Airport, officials said DFW Airport police have seen a 40% decline in vehicle thefts so far this year compared to 2023.
If passengers decide against parking at the airport, other options include rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft. Airport officials say one in three vehicles that enter DFW Airport are rideshare. Additionally, travelers can park at aTrinity Metro station for $5 a day and ride the Trinity Metro to the airport. Trinity Metro is now operating under and enhanced holiday schedule.