Every day at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, a special group of volunteers helps travelers from around the world feel welcome. The DFW Airport Ambassador Program offers active adults the chance to share their life experience, people skills, and local pride—all while staying engaged in the community. It’s a meaningful way to give back, right in the middle of one of America’s busiest airports.
For many, volunteering as an ambassador turns the airport into something more than a place of departures and arrivals. It becomes a hub of connection, friendship, and purpose.
What do ambassadors do?
DFW Ambassadors are the welcoming face of North Texas. Wearing their gray-and-orange uniforms, they are stationed at information centers throughout all five terminals. Their mission is simple yet vital: to help travelers feel less stressed and more at home.
On any given shift, an ambassador might:
- Guide a family rushing to make their gate,
- Help a visitor find the perfect Tex-Mex meal before a flight,
- Explain train and shuttle connections,
- Offer real-time flight updates from the kiosk, or
- Recommend a few must-see attractions for a first-time visitor to Dallas.
For travelers, these interactions can make the difference between confusion and a sense of comfort. For ambassadors, they’re a chance to put patience, problem-solving, and kindness into action.
Why become a DFW Airport Ambassador after 50?
No two days are alike at the airport. One morning, you might be helping a nervous traveler find confidence before boarding their first international flight. Next, you could be sharing directions, offering reassurance, or simply brightening someone’s day with a smile. Ambassadors often say the most rewarding part is these small human connections—the moments when a simple act of service eases someone’s journey.
Serving as an ambassador keeps you active, sharp, and socially connected. Many ambassadors also find that the friendships they build with fellow volunteers are just as rewarding as helping travelers, often describing the group as a welcoming ‘family in orange.’
Benefits of this volunteer opportunity
While most team members volunteer simply because they enjoy helping others, the Ambassador Program also provides meaningful perks:
- Free parking at DFW on service days (a big savings)
- Uniform and training at no cost
- Recognition for your service
- Opportunities to learn new technology
- Social gatherings—both in-person and virtual—to build friendships with fellow Ambassadors
And with just one shift per week required, it’s easy to fit around travel, hobbies, or family time.
Requirements to serve as an ambassador
The program welcomes anyone with a positive attitude, patience, and a willingness to learn. You don’t need a background in aviation or customer service—ambassadors come from all walks of life, including education, business, and healthcare.
Core requirements
- Volunteer at least once a week
- Provide excellent customer service to travelers
- Use basic technology to assist passengers
- Commit to safety protocols
- Complete training and follow the Ambassador Handbook
Helpful but not required:
- Familiarity with airports
- Multilingual skills
- Comfort with mobile devices
How to apply for the DFW Airport Ambassador program
Interested volunteers can apply online through the DFW Airport Volunteer Portal. The process is simple:
- Submit your online application with your availability.
- Complete comprehensive training on airport procedures and customer service.
- Get fitted for your uniform and attend orientation at the terminal.
- Begin your first shifts with the support of experienced Ambassadors.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering as a DFW Airport ambassador
H3: Q: Do I need experience in airport or customer service?
A: No. Ambassadors come from a diverse range of backgrounds. Training fully prepares you for success.
Q: What if I’m not tech-savvy?
A: Basic familiarity helps, but training covers everything, and support is always nearby.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: The program welcomes adults of all ages as long as they can meet the service and mobility requirements.
Making a difference in your community
The DFW Ambassador Program is more than a volunteer role. It’s a chance to represent North Texas hospitality to visitors from around the world, while staying active and connected in retirement. For many, it’s a deeply rewarding way to turn extra time into meaningful service.
Ambassadors also encounter moments where a small gesture means everything—such as assisting a traveler wearing DFW’s Sunflower Lanyard, which discreetly signals a hidden disability and alerts staff that extra patience or support may be needed. For volunteers, these quiet moments of care are often the most meaningful.
Joining the DFW Ambassador Program means dedicating your time and energy, but it also means gaining purpose, connection, and the joy of making travel a little easier for others.
If you’re ready to give back, build friendships, and help travelers feel at home in Texas, the DFW Ambassador Program is waiting for you.
