Passengers flying American Airlines from Dallas will have dozens of additional international options beginning this summer, thanks to the opening of the airport's new Terminal D.

At more than two million square feet in size, the new terminal will be capable of handling 32,000 passengers each day. The facility will include 99 ticketing positions, as well as a federal inspection facility that can process 2,800 passengers per hour, making the trip through customs a breeze. American and American Eagle will occupy 19 of Terminal D's 28 gates.

"Our architects, engineers and security team scrutinized every aspect of security at Terminal D," said Kevin Cox, DFW Airport Chief OperatingOfficer. "As a result, our new inline baggage screening system will allow passengers to once again simply check their bags at the ticket counter and collect them at their destination."

Actually, beginning this summer, all international flights will be consolidated into International Terminal D, making it easier for passengers to connect or board all American Airlines and oneworld international flights.

A wide variety of food, beverage and retail choices will also be featured in Terminal D's 100,000 square feet of concessions space. The new terminal will offer international passengers an unparalleled list of options for shopping and dining, including franchises for casual dining cafes, an Irish pub, two Texas barbecue restaurants, a sports bar, and other specialty coffee and dining outlets.

Passengers will also be treated to new outlets for two popular DFW retail innovations, La Bodega Winery and the DFW TravelMart. La Bodega is the world's only airport winery, while the DFW TravelMart became the world's first airport convenience store when it opened earlier this year.

International business travelers will benefit from International Terminal D's integrated eight-story, 298-room Grand Hyatt Hotel. American and oneworld alliance passengers can enjoy a comfortable stay in the hotel with conference facilities and 17,100 square feet of ballroom space.

For the family, two children's play areas will make layovers more comfortable. Road warriors will have access to high-speed data hookups including Wi-Fi and a variety of other business services.

"With one out of every 10 passengers in the U.S. connecting through DFW Airport, we believe these amenities will reinforce our position as the best airport for passenger convenience and services," said Clay Paslay, Executive Vice President for Airport Development.

Parking at the new terminal will be easier than ever with an 8,100-space parking garage equipped with "smart technology" that will quickly guide passengers to available parking by telling them which levels are open or full. This eight-level garage will have enclosed air-conditioned halls with moving walkways and elevators for parking customer convenience.

Preceding the opening of the new international Terminal D, the world's largest high-speed airport train, Skylink opened in late May, uniting existing Terminals A, B, C, E, the new Terminal D and future Terminal F.

D/FW International Airport's goal is to provide passengers with a 30-minute or less connection time. With Skylink’s average wait time of just two minutes and an average passenger ride time of only about five minutes, this goal is well within reason.

Skylink’s bi-directional, elevated, dual guideway spans approximately 26,000 linear feet and is elevated an average of 50 feet above ground level. The trains will reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and initially have the capacity to handle 5,000 passengers per hour, per direction. The system will ultimately handle about 8,500 passengers per hour, per direction.

There will be two spacious Skylink stations in each terminal, located at the north and south ends of the terminals. The stations will feature passenger information systems and escalators and elevators for easy access to the station platforms.

"Our new International Terminal D will not only be the most technologically advanced and customer friendly terminal on the planet, it will also be a paradise for shoppers and diners," said Max Wells, Chairman of the DFW International Airport Board. "Terminal D will empower DFW to become the premiere international gateway for the U.S. and continue to grow the economic engine of North Texas for the benefit of all [travelers]. And the concessionaires offer a global and Texas flair that will make a first, lasting and positive impression of our region for millions of international visitors."