Eclipse News

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines rides eclipse fever with special '24 flights

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Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. is riding that solar eclipse fever with new flights that will give a bird's-eye view of the next one in 2024.

According to a release, the airline is offering seats for sale on flights that will operate in the direct and partial paths of the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8, 2024.

The path of totality for the 2024 eclipse will pass across several U.S. states where Southwest operates, including Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Texas.

Seeing the eclipse from the vantage point of a plane is surely unique, although obviously window seats would be optimum.

"Today's annular solar eclipse was an exciting sneak-peak of the total solar eclipse occurring next year, and our Meteorology and Network Planning Teams identified the best opportunities for a potential view of this breathtaking sight," said Southwest Airlines Chief Meteorologist David Dillahunt in a statement.

"With our flight schedule, we're able to offer hundreds of seats in the sky to view the eclipse, and we look forward to showcasing our Hospitality on this day while celebrating with our customers," Dillahunt says.

Network and schedule planners modeled the operational day against projections of the umbra and penumbra—shadows cast by the moon's eclipse of the sun on April 8.

They came up with theese scheduled Southwest flights as having the the best onboard view:

Southwest Flight #1252: 12:45 pm departs Dallas (Love Field) for Pittsburgh
Southwest Flight #1721: 12:50 pm departs Austin for Indianapolis
Southwest Flight #1910: 1:20 pm departs St. Louis for Houston (Hobby)

These flights may also cross the path of totality during their scheduled operating time:

Southwest Flight #955: 12:30 pm departs Dallas (Love Field) for Chicago (Midway)
Southwest Flight #506: 1:05 pm departs Milwaukee for Dallas (Love Field)
Southwest Flight #1734: 1:35 pm departs Houston (Hobby) for Indianapolis
Southwest Flight #1682: 1:30 pm departs Chicago (Midway) for Austin
Southwest flight #3108: 1:40 pm departs Nashville for Dallas (Love Field)

To book an open seat on one of the flights operating on April 8, 2024, or any other flights, Customers may visit Southwest.com.

And it goes without saying that looking directly at the sun is never recommended, and that one can safely observe an eclipse with specialty-rated solar filters.

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Refreshed & renewed

Luxury Texas Hill Country resort unveils stylish spa glow-up

Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas

The spa boutique is all Hill Country charm.

The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas in San Antonio is giving guests a reason to linger longer: The Windflower Spa has completed a full refresh with new treatment rooms, a sunlit event space, poolside lounges, and upgraded amenities integrated with the resort’s new luxury villas.

“We are thrilled to continue to elevate our resort experience with the debut of the updated Windflower Spa, available to our guests and local community,” says Steven J. Smith, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas, in a release. “Our gorgeous and tranquil setting, surrounded by giant oak trees and lush greenery, lends itself to relaxation and serenity.”

The spa renovation includes a 1,105-square-foot customizable event space, the Talpa Room, decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the outdoor pool. The venue offers a space for wellness-themed gatherings and group events.

The nearby pool has been refinished and updated with seating areas featuring new lounge chairs and revamped landscaping. Inside, the spa received snazzy new décor, artwork, fixtures, and a salon equipped with state-of-the-art manicure and pedicure stations.

The pool got a refresh, too.Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas

Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas

The spa boutique is all Hill Country charm.

Keeping with the ranch-chic theme, Windflower’s spa treatments draw inspiration from local botanicals and the property’s legacy. Services include CBD-infused facials, a deluxe pedicure retreat, and Aunt Mary’s Herbal Remedies, which features aromatherapy, gentle body brushing, and a soothing massage.

The spa renovations come on the heels of the resort adding five new luxury villas in June. The 2,336-square-foot ranch-style buildings, ideal for family get-togethers or group getaways, include a roomy open-plan living and dining space, a fully-equipped kitchen, and two patios with barbecue grills, firepits, and seating.

Still to come is the resort’s most ambitious project to date. In the spring, the property will debut a 2.2-acre man-made crystal-clear lagoon with white sandy beaches, private cabanas, water sports, and a poolside restaurant and bar.

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