Share The Article

It’s happening!

Dallas is all set to open a third commercial airport in 2026. After much hoopla earlier this year, there were still some unanswered questions, such as who is going to be the first airline to anchor a small base?

Better yet, with 2 of America’s most popular airlines (Southwest and American) being Big D-based already, would any underdogs stand a chance going toe-to-toe with DFW and Love Field?

Well, at least one airline thinks so — and they’re betting on their (typically) cheap fares and quick rise to relevancy as surefire ways to get butts in seats.

It’s true, one of America’s newest airlines taking to U.S. skies is betting big on McKinney, Texas, a popular suburb for Friday Night Lights and down-home charm just half an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Dallas.

2026 seems to be the year where secondary airports are essentially a travel loophole to avoid long TSA lines and take advantage of uncommon routes — and it’s no different for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as we near the turn of the calendar.

Why McKinney, TX Of All Places?

NBA star Joakim Noah was once famously quoted as saying, “Who even vacations in Cleveland?”, during a heated battle with LeBron’s Cavs.

Well, the same exact thing can be said for McKinney, Texas — not exactly a place you’ll be kicking back at a breezy poolside with a margarita in hand.

That said, McKinney definitely makes sense for Dallas’s third airport. For starters, DFW is one of the busiest airports in America (and one of my least favorites behind Newark) and could use a breather.

Love Field isn’t far behind either, as it’s grown exponentially, offering many more options than just Southwest, unlike prior years in operation.

But this is strictly a geographical play, not to hype McKinney as the next “Frisco” per se.

Speaking of Frisco, though, more North Texas residents and visiting tourists are flocking north to one of Texas’s fastest-growing cities.

As such, McKinney can alleviate traffic time to surrounding suburbs and Frisco, unlike if you were to land at DFW or Love Field and hop on one of the Metroplex’s many loop-the-loop freeways that always seem to have heavy traffic or never-ending construction projects.

McKinney (TKI) Rolls Out Red Carpet For Avelo Airlines

It appears Texans are more welcoming than Californians. When San Diego reopened Carlsbad’s airport just north of San Diego city limits, “Karens” came out in full force regarding noise and property values.

But McKinney is giving Avelo a warm Texas embrace, and the airline couldn’t be happier to lay roots…

CEO Andrew Levy was quoted as saying, “We are very excited to be the launch airline at TKI. We believe that our everyday low fares, convenient and reliable service, combined with an easy-to-use, small airport, is a combination the residents of McKinney and North Texas will enthusiastically embrace”.

While there are no official routes out of TKI just yet, here are 4 key takeaways travelers should know:

• Avelo Airlines signed a 5-year use and lease agreement, signaling this is not a trial run
• Avelo is the only airline to sign on to TKI thus far
• The new terminal is expected to open in late 2026, with gates, check-in counters, and various passenger amenities
• Avelo plans to announce new routes months before terminal completion

Can we all agree Whataburger needs to sign on too?!

What It’s Like Flying America’s ‘Most Reliable’ Airline

Avelo may be new to many Americans along with Breeze, but they sure know how to make a first impression.

Despite only being in service for less than 5 years, Avelo took the slow and steady route building up their impressive portfolio of mostly secondary airports (as previously mentioned) to become a steady underdog favorite to those willing to give them a chance.

Considered a modern budget airline who doesn’t forcefully nickel and dime you like you know who, Avelo takes pride in being more customer-friendly with a clear-cut pricing model without “gotcha” fees and surprising amenities such as:

• One free ‘personal item’ included with every ticket (check allowable bag sizes here)
• No change or cancellation fees (fare differences may apply)
• Complimentary water (don’t tell Spirit it’s a life necessity!)
• Point-to-point routes from smaller airports to reduce delays

Since their inception, Avelo has continuously been ranked as America’s most reliable airline with impressively low cancellation rates and on-time performance through the roof.

Share The Article

Needless to say, Washington D.C. is a hotbed for national news — and not often do headlines portray anything travel-related.

So, let’s allow talking heads to be talking heads and reset our nation’s capital with some positivity, shall we?

Here at Travel Off Path, we drive to inspire people to travel however they see fit, but we also know the headaches that can come along the way in doing so.

One such headache is busy airports, which can be an all-encompassing nightmare for gridlock traffic to and from, slow-moving lines, grumpy TSA agents, and that’s just scratching the surface…

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is one of America’s most popular hubs, so you can imagine the crowds at certain times…

But even with 2 other major airports close by, officials have announced big plans to open a currently private airport for commercial use — and yes, there are already plans for your favorite airlines to anchor this unheard-of town, roughly 30 miles from D.C.

Does Washington D.C. Need A Fourth Airport?

While past-their-prime pundits continue bickering about whether the White House needs a new ballroom or not, what hasn’t been reported nearly as much is if the region needs a new airport to give Dulles and others a breather.

In total, these are D.C.’s active airports:

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) –
  Served about 27.2 million passengers in 2024
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) –
  Served around 26.29 million passengers in 2024
• Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) –
  Served just over 27 million passengers in 2024

That’s a lot of butts in seats!

Humor aside, and not to bring down the mood, let’s talk about the elephant in the room regarding D.C. air travel.

Not long ago, one of America’s most disastrous aviation accidents happened with the Capitol in the background as an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a military helicopter just moments before landing at Reagan.

As a result of this fatal incident, it became a huge talking point about congested airspace with constant military drills and a pair of popular airports all navigating tight corridors near some of D.C.’s most famed landmarks.

Discounting Baltimore (BWI), approximately 45 minutes from D.C., the idea to open a fourth commercial airport may not sound so bad since it would be located 30 miles outside one of the busiest air traffic zones in the country, providing travelers more options without sacrificing convenience and easing pressure on existing airports.

Where Will D.C.’s New Airport Be Located?

Ever heard of Manassas, Virginia?

Odds are you haven’t, as this sleepy town is more known for small-town charm and Civil War battlefields than being a travel hub.

Though it’s important to note Manassas does have an Amtrak station to connect you where you need to go, because let’s be honest — you probably aren’t vacationing in this little-known D.C. suburb.

Currently, Manassas Regional Airport is a general aviation field where retired airline pilots and aviation hobbyists can log hours and practice landings, but soon they’ll be sharing runways with commercial jets.

And it’s all but official, already securing a 40-year lease for commercial use and key FAA clearances amidst the transition.

As we all know, clearing bureaucratic hurdles like these is often what pushes these lofty goals back, but there is an estimated date to look forward to.

When Will Manassas (MNZ) Open To The Public?

Speaking of setbacks, believe it or not, MNZ was supposed to open to the public in 2025, but has since been postponed to 2027.

Here is what we know so far:

• As stated, the FAA has already provided a certificate clearing the airport’s transition from private to public
• Officials now expect the first commercial flights in spring 2027 (April or May as the soonest realistic target)
• Infrastructure upgrades, including taxiway and runway bridge work, are awaiting an environmental assessment
• New tower is expected to take 18 months to complete (dependent on FAA funding)
• Expected ‘curb to gate’ time is expected to be 7 – 12 minutes
• The goal is to welcome only 1 or 2 airlines in the initial launch phase
• No airlines have committed to MNZ as of yet

It seems like we can fly anywhere, but turns out that’s an illusion.

Over the past year or so, I’ve lost count of how many airport openings Travel Off Path has covered ranging from Tulum to Gulf Shores to perhaps the most surprising of all, McKinney, Texas.

Now there’s another surprise destination to add to this growing list…

Kentucky is a state that often sparks debate. The conversation ranges from whether Popeye’s is truly better than KFC (it is!), to the proper height of a hat at the Derby, and the unique dynamics of navigating family reunions.

Kidding aside, Kentucky is one of America’s most underrated states. One sip on the Bourbon Trail will have you forgetting about Tennessee, and numerous small towns exude a deep sense of history and timeless charm, overshadowed by Louisville.

One such town, Paducah, lies along the tranquil Ohio River. According to the Paducah Sun, this charming riverside hideaway is set to welcome new commercial flights for the first time in years, serving major hubs in hopes to create a new wave of tourism.

Where In The World Is Paducah?

Hugging the Ohio state line, Paducah is Kentucky’s last frontier for river commerce and still sees riverboat tours to keep the unique history alive.

This charming waterfront town is certainly not a household name like Louisville, and is even less well-known than other large cities like Lexington.

Paducah boasts a fascinating history, but the one fun fact that stood out to me the most was that this underrated town was part of the real estate deal of a lifetime.

Have you been house hunting at all lately? Listing prices seem like an impossible goal to achieve.

Well, Paducah was once purchased for less than a Starbucks drink, which sends my jealousy meter skyrocketing.

Its prime location at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers made Paducah a major port back in its heyday, but it’s set to see a rise again in a whole new form as a foodie destination, arts hub, cultural getaway, and nature haven with easier access than it’s seen in years.

Why Visit Paducah?

There are so many small towns oozing charm and character, so you’re probably wondering what makes Paducah stand out above the rest.

First off, not every town is as conveniently walkable as Paducah. Say you were to arrive by a river cruise, you wouldn’t feel the need to snag a rental car to get around.

Downtown and the LowerArts District are made for wandering on foot with galleries, cafes, and boutiques all within close reach.

Second, Paducah has received the UNESCO Creative City designation. To be honest, as a seasoned traveler and journalist, I had no idea this was a thing!

It turns out this is a global recognition, highlighting Paducah as a surprising cultural hub for the arts, as it’s officially been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

That’s probably not the idea you had of Kentucky, right? Me neither! Visit the Floodwall portraits and you’ll be shocked by the artistic talents of this tight-knit community.

And not to make a blanket statement on Paducah, but the National Quilt Museum of all places is one of the town’s top-rated attractions.

Aside from a burgeoning arts scene, soulful cuisine, vintage streets, and the vibrant waterfront, Paducah boasts underrated nature to explore, especially as summer winds down and the lush tree lines transform into rustic hues of red, orange, and gold, most notably the Greenway Trail and nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

So Long, Confusing Charter Flights! United Airlines Has Arrived

Before we dive into Paducah’s new flights, make sure to check out Travel Off Path’s latest tools, such as the Jetlag Fixer and Travel Personality Checker, to prep your next trip.

Alright, shameless plugs aside, this is really exciting news for Paducah! Right now, only Contour Airlines flies here, which offers really confusing charter flights from Charlotte that I personally would not take for a variety of reasons.

In the past, more notable commercial airlines have served Paducah’s Barkley Regional Airport (PAH), such as Delta, but it was just announced SkyWest is next in line, who is partnered with United — yes, you can use your points!

This news is all but official as the Department of Transportation (DOT) still has to give their stamp of approval, but the airport’s Executive Director Dennis Rouleau is claiming travelers can begin booking flights in September with the following inaugural flights set to take off in December:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Houston (IAH)

Flights will take place on a 50-seat CRJ 550 aircraft with first class, economy plus, and economy seats.

Share The Article

It seems like we can fly anywhere, but that’s actually not the case. At least one of America’s top destinations is still behind the times.

This popular summer getaway has always been reached the old-fashioned way.

But starting later this month, that will all be set to change, so you will no longer have to argue about who gets to pick the music on a road trip.

Now you can drown out society with your AirPods on the first-ever commercial flight to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

That’s right — the go-to summer vacation spot for thousands upon thousands of people has never launched a commercial flight before.

Gulf Shores’ former private airport is officially set to turn public, like Instagram official, with local news source FOX 10 announcing that required emergency drills are underway to ensure a safe operation.

But not to worry; all checks and balances are in place for the official blue-ribbon cutting May 21, 2025.

Allegiant Airlines Is Gulf Shores’ First Carrier

Kinda hard to compete with Florida without an airport, but Gulf Shores has done a phenomenal job all things considered.

I grew up in Texas and knew many people who could not wait for the day to escape the summer heat by blasting the A/C for hours on end, ultimately reaching the vibrant beach town of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

In fact, this has been the case for much of the Gulf states as Gulf Shores is one of the closest paradises driving wise.

Despite being two states over, Gulf Shores is even closer for Texans than the Lone Star State’s very own white sand paradise of South Padre Island hence it’s become a road trip tradition for decades.

But, budget airline Allegiant Air is here to offer another way should you choose and as tariffs and inflation continue to cause economic chaos, who knows, maybe airfare is even more affordable than gas.

Well, except for Buc-ee’s. Nobody beats the beaver.

Allegiant is set to anchor Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) starting off with 6 routes, but sorry fam, none of them are from Texas:

• Knoxville, TN (TYS) – beginning May 21, 2025
• Cincinnati, OH (CVG) – beginning May 22, 2025
• Fayetteville/Bentonville, AK (XNA) – beginning May 22, 2025
• Houston, TX (HOU) – beginning May 22, 2025
• Belleville, IL (BLV) – beginning May 23, 2025
• Kansas City, MO (MCI) – beginning May 24, 2025

What It’s Like Flying With Allegiant Airlines

This is always surprising to people — Allegiant Airlines is one of my favorite budget airlines. The problem is they don’t fly that many notable places.

I haven’t had the chance to fly with them in years since their options from San Diego have dwindled to almost nothing (no offense, Des Moines.).

But, if I had the choice, I’d fly Allegiant over and over if I could. First off, they’re the only low-cost carrier to actually have a reasonably sized Personal Item to carry on board for free and they’ve undergone a major overhaul fleet-wise since being called out in that one cringey 60 Minutes episode.

If you’ve flown budget airlines such as more popular Frontier or Spirit, it’s the same setup when booking, and it’s always important to double-check your add-ons when booking, such as seat selections, baggage, etc.

But unlike Frontier’s snooty employees who give you nothing but robotic answers when things go awry and Spirit’s bankruptcy woes and overpriced everything, I’ve always found Allegiant to be just as chipper as Southwest and never had a disruption.

Plus, Allegiant has their own resort. They have to be doing something right…right?

Why Visit Gulf Shores This Summer?

Given Gulf Shores is now easier to reach than ever, there’s a reason it’s been worth a road trip all along.

First, Gulf Shores is stunningly beautiful, where it’s arguable in this case it’s the destination, not the journey, despite the bygone eras of road trippers coming down.

This popular beach getaway is gleaming with white-sand shores backed by gorgeous blue waters, giving much of Florida a run for its money as there are fun dolphin cruises, parasailing, and waterway run-offs to explore by kayak or paddleboard.

Second, Gulf Shores is inviting for everyone. Whether you’re on a couples getaway, ‘golden years’ senior trip, or bringing the whole crew along, there’s something for everyone.

Third, despite being a popular vacation spot, one could argue Gulf Shores is still unspoiled as there aren’t as many flashy beach hotels taking up space that you might suspect.

In fact, most vacationers opt for condo rentals.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

Last Updated 15 mins ago

Southern California has quite literally had a hellacious week as out-of-control fires have ravaged Los Angeles.

While there are certainly a lot of question marks about what went wrong and how better to handle future disasters, over-regulations and bureaucratic nonsense are no strangers to the “Golden State,” no matter which side of the fence you stand politically.

We first announced last summer San Diego’s alternate airport was reopening their doors to the public after previously failed ventures, but it turns out we jumped the gun…slightly.

Being a 10-year San Diego resident, I should’ve known better before reporting such news, as anything fresh, new, and exciting within California’s borders often comes with contingencies.

As such, it’s now a new year and San Diego County just got around to approving commercial flights to San Diego’s new alternative airport – and no, it’s not locals’ favorite Tijuana loophole. That’s old news.

American Airlines Is Coming To Carlsbad

When we first revealed the surprising news that Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) was reopening doors to the public, many of you chimed in with mixed feelings.

It begs the question, one, if it’s necessary, and two, will it be a game-changer?

If you’re unaware, Carlsbad is a very family-friendly, soccer-mom beach town sandwiched roughly 40 minutes north of San Diego proper and just 25 minutes from Orange County.

In recent years, local businessman Ted Vallas had lofty dreams for California Pacific Airlines to anchor CLD with regional flights to such places as Vegas and Oakland, but flying out of Carlsbad on a no-name carrier never caught on.

Having launched a year or two before the pandemic, chances are this grand venture would’ve ceased operations anyway.

Nowadays, CLD only serves Advanced Air seasonally to Mammoth Lakes and JSX, a public charter making a name for itself on social media as a new, trendy concept.

As you see, CLD has long missed out on major players. That will soon change in February when American Airlines enters the chat, a historic first for SoCal and even more so for Carlsbad.

Is Flying To/From Carlsbad Worth It?

Perhaps others disagree, but I’ve seen hyping up Carlsbad and San Diego’s other cluster of northern beach towns for years as go-to destinations in their own right.

Carlsbad has more than enough to make your base with high-end resorts like one of my favorites, Park Hyatt Aviara, and more kiddo-friendly LEGOLAND for those who have never felt the pain of stepping on a Lego and who think Disneyland is a bit too overwhelming.

Not to mention the small-town charm of Carlsbad Village, teeming with popular local eats, swim trunk-appropriate bars, and even more resorts along Southern California’s famous shores.

So, will people fly directly here, or is it worth dealing with San Diego International Airport’s ongoing construction headaches?

Well, the ladder won’t go on forever, and America has only committed to dipping its toe in the water with one route to Phoenix launching on February 13.

Plus, Orange County is home to John Wayne Airport (SNA) with many more flights, so you’re not exactly finding a loophole by flying into Carlsbad.

What Are The Benefits?

It all boils down to what you want to do. If you’re the type who wants a taste of city life and to check off San Diego’s bucket list attractions like the world-famous zoo, maybe fly to San Diego.

If you want to check out San Diego’s quintessential beach towns with fewer tourists and more of a local feel, Carlsbad is your best bet to visit not only Carlsbad itself but also local gems like Solana Beach and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

There’s one type of traveler who will benefit the most – both California and Arizona road trippers.

Each state hates seeing each other’s license plates across state lines, and it’s fair to say driving each way across the desert becomes monotonous.

More flights to the San Diego region and Arizona’s sole metropolis makes weekend getaways more efficient, plus more connectivity to one of American’s main hubs since San Diego isn’t as connected as LA.

For example, flying through Phoenix was a life-saver for me on Thanksgiving Day after my flight was canceled.

With no other options to turn to, there was one flight left with a layover in Phoenix, ultimately connecting me to my final destination.

Albeit, this was American’s other new nonstop route to Phoenix out of Tijuana, but the same premise applies.

I would have much rather flown out of Carlsbad to avoid the hassle of customs, so if anything, Carlsbad serves as a great lifeline for last-minute schedule changes.

Regardless, time will tell if Carlsbad becomes a new hotspot. History says no, but CLD has never had a cornerstone of American Airlines’ magnitude.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.