a place in the sun

Low-cost airline launches direct flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to 2 beachy destinations

Be in Puerto Vallarta in time for the sunset.

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A low-cost air carrier has two new flight plans from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and in both directions, you'll find a beach. Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines is jetting off on new nonstop flights from DFW to Santa Ana, California and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Direct flights from DFW to John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana launched May 6. The service runs twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays with fares starting at a low, low $49.

Santa Ana — in the O.C. — is about an hour south of Los Angeles. Technically, it's not right on the beach, but it's less than 20 minutes to Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Corona del Mar (del Mar meaning, "of the sea." Meaning: beach.)

Direct flights are also headed from DFW to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Those flights begin May 28, running twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. One-way fares start at $149.

Puerto Vallarta is one of DFW travelers' favorite beach destinations, of course. Sun Country is the second low-cost airline this spring to announce new direct flights to PVR; Spirit Airlines begins the route on July 1.

The new DFW flights are part of a major Sun Country expansion of 16 new nonstop routes this year.

“We are excited to extend our network and offer people access to even more low-cost vacation options, when they are ready to travel again,” says Sun Country Airlines CEO Jude Bricker in a release. “The past year has been a challenge for the travel industry but with increased access to COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, we’re starting to see that turnaround.”

Elsewhere in Texas, Sun Country is launching direct flights from Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Cancun International Airport (CUN) on May 27. Flights are twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, with one-way fares starting at $129.

On September 2, Sun Country will fly direct from the Bush in Houston to Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport (LAS). They'll operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, with one-way fares starting at $59.

The airline is also beginning service from San Antonio International Airport to Cancun International Airport, beginning May 28. Service runs twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays with fares starting at $129.

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Airport News

Avelo Air to begin low-cost flights out of Dallas-Fort Worth Airport

Avelo Airlines

Avelo Air is coming to DFW.

A new airline is hitting the runway at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport: Avelo Airlines, a low-priced carrier based in Houston, will begin direct flights between DFW and Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut.

According to a release, the service will run twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. They'll be nonstop flights, with ticket prices starting at $89. Service will begin on March 7.

“This service makes visiting Southern Connecticut, and everything the greater New England and New York regions have to offer, easier than ever. We also look forward to making DFW’s thriving culinary scene, sports mecca and vibrant nightlife a fast and seamless journey for Connecticut travelers,” says Avelo founder and CEO Andrew Levy in a statement.

The new service is one of five that the airline will add in 2025 to beef up its presence in Connecticut, which includes four new nonstop routes from Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) and a third international destination from Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL).

In addition to DFW Airport, other nonstop service from HVN will go to Jacksonville, Florida, Detroit, and Portland, Maine. The addition of these five new destinations will bring Avelo to 39 routes from Connecticut — 31 routes from HVN and 8 routes from BDL. Low introductory one-way fares start at $39.

Avelo was founded in 2018 and began flying in 2021. They currently fly to 54 cities in 24 states and Puerto Rico, as well as three international destinations to Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. They focus on flying unserved routes between under-served communities, primarily out of smaller airports. Although DFW Airport is by no means a smaller airport.

They made their service debut in Texas in spring 2024 with flights out of Houston's Hobby Airport.

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