Wheels up

Avelo Airlines launches $99 flights from McKinney to 5 destinations

Avelo Airlines will begin service from McKinney National Airport in November 2026.

Photo courtesy of Avelo

McKinney National Airport is officially getting commercial airline service this fall, with Houston-based budget carrier Avelo Airlines set to take off as its first passenger carrier in November.

According to a release, Avelo will begin nonstop service from the McKinney airport on November 11, 2026, offering flights to Las Vegas and four Florida destinations: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa.

Reservations are open now on the Avelo website. McKinney National Airport operates under the code DTX.

Service 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

Introductory one-way fares start at $99. Travelers who book through July 31 will also receive one free checked bag.

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.

The airline will base two 184-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft at McKinney National Airport and expects to create more than 100 local jobs, including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport personnel, the release says.

"Avelo was built for moments like this, and we are thrilled to be the launch and anchor airline at McKinney," founder and CEO Andrew Levy says in the release. "Our everyday low fares, the ease of using DTX, and our consistent industry leading on-time performance are a winning combination for travelers."

Airport director Ken Carley says the launch will coincide with the opening of the airport's new passenger terminal, a project city leaders have pursued since 2019.

"I am proud to share that our collective efforts will culminate in November 2026 when we open a brand-new passenger terminal and launch Avelo Airlines flights for North Texas locals and visitors," Carley says.

Founded in 2021, the Houston-based airline currently serves 37 destinations across 15 states and Puerto Rico, specializing in nonstop service from smaller, less-congested airport.

Avelo currently operates one flight out of the DFW area: direct flights from DFW Airport to New Haven, Connecticut, which it offers two times a week at amazingly cheap rates.

The McKinney operation will become its newest base and first in North Texas.

airport avelo airlines mckinney airlines

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Texas Hill Country wineries crush summer with grape stomping events

Photo courtesy of Texas Hill Country Wineries

Not all wine stomping is done with the feet.

If you ask Texas Hill Country Wineries, good, clean fun is a tad overrated. The nonprofit’s members are getting messy this summer with a series of grape stomps celebrating harvest season.

Yes, the vast majority of the world’s wines are now made with mechanical destemmers and crushers, but there is no harm in cosplaying as a vendemmiatore hopped up on mezzo vino. As long as you keep the white linen tucked away in the closet.

The main event pays homage to the most famous wine scene in popular culture (unless you count Paul Giamatti guzzling a spit bucket in Sideways). The I Love Lucy Charity Grape Stomp, held August 8-9 at Texas Hills Vineyard, includes live music, a costume contest, freshly made Lucy sangria, and souvenir t-shirts available for purchase. All proceeds benefit area volunteer firefighters.

Meanwhile, other Hill Country wineries are putting their own spin on the harvest tradition. Becker Vineyards will pair its high-stepping event (September 5-6) with cheese and charcuterie from its onsite Verandah Bar. Messina Hof is hosting a raucous harvest festival (August 21-22) with grape picking, and Signor Vineyards will roll out lawn games — just don’t wear cleats into the vat.

Wildseed Farms grape stomp, held every Saturday in August, includes a complimentary glass of wine. Texas Wine Collective adds barbecue and tunes from the Dawson Holland band. Whether two-stepping is the proper technique to release juice from the fruit is up for debate. Maybe try the Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

Whichever event, it might be a good idea to have a good foot scrub waiting at the Airbnb. A full list of grape stomping fun can be found here.

wineries vineyards hill country grape stomping music festivals harvest wine