Dr. Linda S. Ralston's Blog (aka Utah Tour Doctor)
Follow Me
  • An Introduction - Who is the TourDoctor?
  • Linda Ralston's Blogs & Social Media
    • Electronic Marketing Secrets Blog
    • ePortfolio Best Practices
    • Responsible & Sustainable Travel Blog
    • The Resort/Hotel Manager's Digest
    • Index to Linda's Pinterest Boards
    • The Sabbatical Blog
    • Blog Feedback/Survey
  • Travel Advice from the UTourDoctor
    • Preparing for the Journey - Tips for Traveling Light
    • Avoiding Unwanted Guests - Bed Bugs!
    • Far East Travel Advice
    • Huangshan, China Travel Tips >
      • Huangshan Area Maps
    • Ahihi Bay Snorkeling Tips
    • Tips for being a Sustainable Traveler
    • Travel Planning Tips
  • Photo Galleries
    • Pomeranians: Teddy & Grace
    • Photo Gallery at Lahaina Luau
    • Snorkeling at Ahihi Cove
  • Recommended Reading
    • Electronic Marketing Books
    • Travel Related Books
  • Contact Information
    • Linda Ralston on Facebook
    • Linda Ralston on Pinterest
    • Linda Ralston on Twitter

Dallas-Fort Worth Skylink

9/24/2009

0 Comments

 
It has been several years since I had made connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).  Typically, I fly in and rent a car so this trip to Texas A&M University (TAMU) would be a test of my ability to traverse the sprawling terminals (A-E) in an attempt to make a connection on American Eagle to College Station.  DFW covers almost 30 acres, has 3 control towers, 7 runways, and 5 terminals.  It is the 3rd largest airport in the world in terms of operations and 7th in terms of passengers.  The terminals stretch the equivalent of 7 foot ball fields. So I must admit I was prepared with my running shoes laced up and double knotted in preparation for the race.  When I plan a trip by air I typically scope out the airport and I was aware of the Skylink.  Unfortunately, several of my past encounters with "ground transportation" had left me with the decision to run for it rather than take the chance with the inconvenient systems. Well I was pleasantly surprised by the DFW Skylink people mover system. 

Skylink is an elevated automated people mover system located above the airport, in this regard the Skylink is similar to the monorails of Disney World fame. The rail line is 50 feet above the ground.  The sleek cars even feature large windows allowing the passengers to enjoy the unobstructed view of the Dallas-Fort Worth skyline.  The Skylink trains arrive at each station (2 per terminal) every few minutes and speed its passengers smoothly to their destinations at 35-38 mph.  The best feature of the system is that it operates within the secured area of the airport.  There is no need to depart the airport and re-enter through the often frustrating TSA security screenings. 

As my arrival flight taxied to its assigned gate, the flight attendant announced our arrival gate and then reviewed a litany of destinations and their corresponding departure gates.  My seat assignment was in row 8 so my exit from the plane was relatively quick. My eyes spied the bright Skylink signs and the escalator quickly whisked me up to the station.  I arrived at the Skylink station above the Terminal C just as the train was slipping quietly into the station.  The automated voice announced the arrival of the train just as the doors opened and passengers poured out into the concourse.  I slipped aboard and took a seat at the end of the first car.  My ride lasted less than 7 minutes as the train cruised into a 2nd station in Terminal C, two stations in Terminal A, and then into the two stations of Terminal B. As the train paused perhaps a minute or two in the stations, most of the time I either checked out the view of the Dallas-Fort Worth skyline or reviewed the terminal guide considering my options for a quick lunch. I marveled at the calm demeanor of the passengers as they boarded and patiently awaited their appointed station.  Amazingly, the Skylink is so efficient that the passengers do not jostle each other or push their way into the train like so many ill-planned or overcrowded ground transportation systems I have had the misfortune of enduring. 

Fortunately, the speedy transfer afforded me the time to enjoy a healthy lunch at Subway and relax before my next flight. I commend the DFW Airport Authority for their foresighted attention and investment in a smooth operating people mover.  I also aappreciated the number of volunteers providing information booths located in the terminals.  They were always smiling and pleasant as they respond quickly with information and maps.  My only recommendation is to provide free wireless Internet access.  Unfortunately, every one of the wired Internet locations were filled with passengers.  I would have appreciated access while I waited for my flight.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Dr. Linda Ralston (alias UTourDoctor) teaches at the University of Utah in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Check out my other blogs:
    eLearning Blog
    eMarketing Blog
    ePortfolio Blog
    Responsible Tourism Blog

    Archives

    October 2009
    September 2009

    Categories

    All
    Airports
    Airport Travel
    Air Travel
    Alumni
    China
    Chinese Culture
    Chinese Heritage
    Chinese Universities
    Elearning
    General Reflections
    Huangshan
    Huangshan Cuisine
    Shanghai
    Students Today
    Teaching
    Work Updates

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly