Dallas/Fort Worth International is one of the busiest airports on the planet, and for Australians it has quietly become the main back door into the US. Qantas now flies there year-round from both Sydney and Melbourne — the Melbourne run (QF22) ranks as the fifth-longest flight in the world by distance — while the Sydney route has been upgraded to the A380. American Airlines, whose biggest hub is DFW, adds a seasonal Brisbane service. As an alternative to the LAX grind, it has real appeal.

A recent review of Terminal D paints a mixed picture. Check-in halls feel dated, and Qantas' corner is marked by little more than posters on a wall. Things get stranger post-security: a luxury strip with Coach, Kate Spade and Montblanc gives way to utilitarian corridors, punctuated only by a nine-metre wishbone sculpture by Texan artist Terry Allen. One practical gripe — Melbourne was missing from the departure screens, and Qantas check-in wasn't fully staffed even four hours out, so don't assume an early arrival buys you anything.

Where DFW genuinely shines is speed and connectivity. The writer, using US Global Entry (about $430 for five years, bundled with TSA PreCheck), cleared security in under two minutes, with standard waits pegged around ten minutes — and screens flag which checkpoints are moving fastest. Free Wi-Fi is a standout: measured at 606Mbps, faster than most home connections anywhere, making it a great spot to back up holiday photos before the 17-hour haul to Melbourne.

Food is the real reason not to cut it fine. Before security there's almost nothing — the Grand Hyatt lobby restaurant next door is about the only option if you're early. After security, bars are plentiful and chains like Chick-fil-A, Chili's and Applebee's jostle with Wolfgang Puck's Italian Kitchen, plus a Whataburger serving its signature Texas burger. A word of warning on shopping: the writer spotted prices marked up to double with permanent marker, so browse accordingly. Qantas Club members can use the American Airlines Admirals Club, while Qantas Gold or business class gets you into AA's Flagship Lounge with a guest.

Verdict: three and a half stars. DFW works as a transfer point and a US gateway, but it's a functional rather than fun place to linger. The advice: don't arrive excessively early, and do come hungry.

For travellers weighing US itineraries, the takeaway is simple — DFW is a smarter option than LAX if the flight times and fares line up, especially from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Just time your arrival around the food, not the shopping.

Review first published by Traveller (Sydney Morning Herald).