Dallas Love Field Upgrades Nearly Finished

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Wright Amendment is going away in less than one month, easing flight restrictions in North Texas. And Dallas Love Field is preparing for a spike in travelers. The airport on Monday is unveiling some major changes, part of a plan to renovate and upgrade the facility by October.

Workers spent Sunday night and early Monday morning putting the final touches on a brand new baggage system -- including a new baggage claim hall, a passenger roadway pick-up area and a tunnel to one of the parking garages. The four new baggage carousels were revealed on Monday. They replace the previous two baggage carousels, and feature longer conveyor belts.

Travelers on Sunday were excited about the new baggage claim improvements. "It's going to be perfect," said frequent Dallas Love Field passenger Derron Jones. "We'll love it even more."

These renovations are just the latest pieces of the Love Field Modernization Program, which started five years ago and has cost about $500 million total. Since then, the airport has also added a new 20-gate terminal, new food stands and stores, and new artwork. "It's so much nicer now," Jones added. "Clean, and it just seems to be a lot easier to get around in here."

Starting in October, United Airlines will move to a new terminal and operate out of two gates, and Southwest Airlines will open up two more gates. Then, on October 13, when the Wright Amendment expires, Virgin America will operate from two gates as well. Dallas Love Field officials expect to see an increase in passengers from 8 million people a year to about 12 million people a year.

"It's going to be awesome," said traveler Arlene Lewis. "I can go see family without changing planes. So, it'll be great."

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