taking off

Low-cost Avelo Airlines adds 4 nonstops from McKinney starting at $99

Avelo Airlines is adding four new nonstops from McKinney National Airport to Denver, Atlanta, Nashville, and New Orleans.

Photo courtesy of Avelo Airlines

Budget-friendly Avelo Airlines is taking flight at McKinney National Airport (DTX) with the addition of four new nonstop routes heading to popular U.S. tourist destinations, with one-way fares starting at just $99.

The new nonstop routes will launch Wednesday, December 16 with four weekly departures for Denver and Atlanta, and twice-weekly service to New Orleans and Nashville following on December 17.

Flights to Denver (DEN) and Atlanta (ATL) will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; service to Orleans (MSY) and Nashville (BNA) will run on Thursdays and Sundays.

The $99 introductory fare will apply for travel dates between December 1-17, 2026, and January 7-31, 2027. For flights booked by October 12, passengers get one checked bag for free.

Houston-based Avelo signed on to be the first airline to operate commercial flights from McKinney National Airport in December 2025, and the low-cost airline's first day of service will be on Veteran's Day, November 11.

The launch makes Avelo the first hometown airline in fast-growing Collin County and gives North Texas travelers an alternative to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field.

McKinney National Airport has served as a general aviation airport for more than 40 years but is now transitioning to provide commercial air service in support of the area's growing population.

Avelo's inaugural service out of McKinney will launch on the following schedule:

Fort Myers (RSW): Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning November 11
Las Vegas (LAS): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays beginning November 12
Orlando (MCO): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning November 12
Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning November 19
Tampa (TPA): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays beginning November 19

In addition unveiling new routes, Avelo also announced that it will add a third Boeing 737-800 to the airline's current fleet based at DTX. Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy said the new nonstop routes and the addition of a new aircraft "further cements [Avelo's] commitment to Collin County."

Avelo Airlines Boeing Next Generation 737-800 interior The addition of a third aircraft allows Avelo to expand at DTX. Photo courtesy of Avelo Airlines

"The response from North Texas has been extraordinary, and the bookings back that up," Levy said. "Our low fares, the small size and convenience of DTX, and our consistent industry-leading on-time performance are a winning combination for travelers. As a proud Texas-born company, we are excited to grow our presence in Texas and Collin County, one of the fastest-growing areas in America."

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major award

Las Colinas' Ritz-Carlton gains entry into elite club with Michelin Key

Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

The lounge at the new Ritz-Carlton Spa in Las Colinas.

An iconic luxury retreat in Irving's Las Colinas district is one of seven Texas properties awarded a coveted Michelin Key this year. The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas — which was the Four Seasons prior to a multimillion dollar renovation and rebranding — joins several other Texas resorts to make this year's list, including:

In its entry on the Michelin website, the Guide’s inspectors admire the way The Ritz-Carlton's sprawling 400-acre retreat, complete with golf course, several hundred guest rooms, suites, and poolside villas "all but blend into a hilly Las Colinas landscape."

They add that although "golf is the draw, tennis and pickleball courts, three pools and a spa keep guests busy off the course."

Hotel representatives in a press release said they are honored to earn what they consider a "top-of-the-industry achievement" that is a "true testament to our ladies and gentlemen who work tirelessly to deliver unforgettable service."

"Following our massive property transformation," they add, "this accolade underscores our commitment to establishing a new benchmark for luxury hospitality here in North Texas."

Announced Friday, September 18, Michelin added 65 properties in America to its list of Key-worth stays, bringing the overall total to more than 350 hotels nationwide. Several Dallas-area hotels have previously been awarded keys, including last year's recipients Casa Duro on Greenville Avenue, Hotel Swexan in Uptown, Hotel Zaza in Uptown, and Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, all of which received a one key ranking.

The Bowie House, Auberge Collection in Fort Worth maintained its two-key ranking from 2024.

The state’s only two key properties are the Commodore Perry Estate (Austin) and Hotel Emma (San Antonio). No properties in Texas hold three Michelin Keys.

Similar to the famous Michelin Stars awarded to restaurants, hotels may receive one, two, or three keys, which is defined as follows:

One Michelin Key for hotels that offer "very special" stays with service that "provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments."
Two Michelin Keys for "exceptional stays" where memorable guest experiences are "always guaranteed" with a special emphasis on the hotel's design or architecture.
Three Michelin Keys for hotels that provide "extraordinary stays" for "the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance."

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