Arguably the least enjoyable part about traveling is the actual traveling part. But Dallas Love Field and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines have worked hard to make getting from point A to B a little more pleasant, and Travel + Leisure has taken notice.
The magazine named both in its coveted World's Best Awards, which are voted on by T+L readers to reveal top travel destinations and companies in the U.S. and around the world. The categories range from best cities and islands to best cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and more.
"Domestic hubs such as Dallas Love Field and Tampa International have gone to great lengths to disprove the notion that airports are little more than holding cells for travelers in limbo," the magazine states before naming Love No. 6 on its list of best domestic airports.
About Southwest Airlines, which ranks as the No. 5 best domestic airline, T+L says, "The domestic carriers that do this best are continuing to perfect their formula. After all, Southwest Airlines has charmed frequent fliers with its generosity (two free checked bags, no fees for changed or canceled flights) and a killer rewards program."
Southwest's much-lauded Companion Pass, which is good during the year it's earned plus the next, is also touted.
The Lone Star State shows up strong at this year's awards, racking up three mentions for Austin — the best U.S. cities, best U.S. destination spa (Lake Austin Spa Resort), and best domestic airport (Austin-Bergstrom) — and two for San Antonio, which lands on best U.S. cities list and best city hotel for Mokara Hotel & Spa.
