Dallas Airport

If you fly American all the way you won't. If you change terminals you might, but generally when you first go through security in the US that is enough. When you return, your first stop in the US will require you to go through customs and you will have to clear security again.

I think going was OK, but terrible returning. After clearing immigration, we were dumped out to the public area to security lines so long almost missed my connection.

I'm not sure about Dallas but it is most common that you fly domestic into the international hub and then have to go from the domestic terminal to the international terminal. There will be a second screening there. We fly out of Sacramento as well. We fly United using our points. On some flights, we fly to SFO and then go to the International terminal where we go through security again. Flying to Germany, United flys us to LAX where we pick up a Lufthansa flight. We do have to walk over to the Thomas Bradley international terminal and go through security again. Same when we have flown to Shanghai out of SFO. It's not bad as long as you have ample time between the flights.

Karen, I've done this EVERY flight to Europe and to the Far (FAR!) East - IF you're flying on the same itinerary, then no, you just go to your gate. Use the cool train...On The Way Home, however...I hope you have maybe 2 hours b/n flights. First, you collect your checked baggage (if you have any). Next, you stand in a sometimes crazy line to go through Customs. Then, you recheck your luggage and go through Security again and go through Passport Control, or it's the other way around (I'm usually exhausted and extrememly ill by this point in my trip). You just follow the leader. Assuming you fly home through DFW...Look for my PM...;-)

We had the same experience as Eileen. Going i easy as long as you are on American. We took the train from domestic to international without additional security as I recall. My travel agent even suggested walking the tunnel between flights just to stretch your legs. Coming back is a lot tougher

Karen- I work for AA and live in DFW area. A few things: 1. You will not need to clear security again if bag checked through to Paris. I assume you are booked on two AA flights, so this will be the case. 2. You're Paris flight will leave from terminal D. If you land in A, B, or C take the SkyLink train to terminal D. There are 2 stations in each terminal. 3. Upon return immigration, retrieve bags, customs, re-check bags toSMF, upstairs to security. Once in take skyline to departure terminal. If security line long, keep walking, there are at least 2 checkpoints per terminal.