Transit times (QF7 Sydney-Dallas, to American Airlines)

Take the later flight. DFW is a huge airport (larger than Manhattan Island) and the 5 terminals are only connected by bus, not train. You shouldn't have to wait mote than 10 minutes for a bus but if you haven't been there before you may need to seek advice in getting to the bus stops (last time I was there a man who was on the same train as I missed the terminal shuttle due to poor signage).

Book the later flight. I just flew QF7 in April and we had to wait for about 2 hours to get through immigration at Dallas airport- there was only 2 staff on, it was ridiculous! Lots of people missed their onward flights

Personally I would rather take the later flight,I flew QF7 on June 8th and it took me 1.30 to get through immigration,thankfully I had allowed 4hrs between connecting flights.

I've had the opposite where from my seat on QF7 to being in the AA lounge after deplaning, clearing immigration, collect back, drop off, re-clear security within an hour. The next time I flew QF7 6 months later, took nearly an hour just for the bags to come out. Hit and miss with DFW. Though worst part was it was next flight to MCO was delayed and ended up being in DFW for 8 hours....

I would take the later flight. While passing through immigration is a breeze with the automated kiosks, luggage arrival can be hit and miss especially if you have oversized items like golf clubs.

Earlier. I've flown into DFW four times this year with a domestic connection (admittedly never off QF). My personal best is arrive into Terminal D, clear immigration, customs, rescreened by TSA and Sky Train to Terminal A in 21 minutes. My worst is 56 minutes. Book on one ticket for protection in the event the flight is delayed.

If you have carry-on only, you can take a short-cut through DFW arrivals I migration: look for a line off to the left immediately as your enter the immigration hall. If you take that, the earlier option should be fine. If you are OW premium there are premium lines to go back through security so even that will be quick. Don’t change terminals outside security. As noted above the train is airside. It’s very efficient but get off at the right stop in your departure terminal (there are two per terminal) check your departure gate before getting on the train. DFW is the easiest arrival transit from australia into the USA in my experience. I do it 7 or 8 times a year. On the way back home LAX wins because the lounges are better. (The lounge Qantas rents in DFW sucks.)

And... if you are both a premium OW pax and either your connection is on the same PNR or it is with a QF flight number you will get automatically rebooked to the later flight if QF7 has a substantial delay. The Admirals Club / Flagship Lounge Service Desks will help with reissuing boarding passes etc.

Is always good to leave at least 2.5 hours between international/domestic connections... However, if your ticket has the connection on it (not separated ticket) and the delay is caused by QF flight, they should provide you with alternative connection with the next AA flight available and usually if you are in Eco and low fare they put you on a Y fare to make it flexible and easier to book on the next flights... difference on airfare is assumed by QF not you, but you should do that immediately before departure in SYD or upon arrival in DFW with the agent of QF/AA at the door. Sometimes the airlines preventing things, create a double booking in the system with the alternative flight in case the flight is delayed...but mostly do that when you ask for the alternative flight... Bit for your Peace of Mind... book with yourself with more room for connection... DFW is easy to going thru but it can take long before you reach your next gate... 2.5 hours is the minimum I use and it works great...

I weep when a read my earlier entry in 2018. How things have changed! Since the electronic terminal have been installed the change is appalling - twice during 2019 we missed the connection as the queues are so long and so slow. We used to have time to have a shower and refresh, but not any more. Just terrible.