spirited travel

Spirit Airlines offers new nonstop from Houston to favorite Mexico beach

This plane is headed for the beach.

Courtesy of Spirit

There's a new nonstop going out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico. Spirit Airlines is continuing its international expansion by adding Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerta Vallarta to its route map starting July 1.

Spirit Airlines is continuing its international expansion by adding Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerta Vallarta to its route map starting July 1.

There'll be flights from the airport to three U.S. cities: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles. Yay us.

The airline will offer daily flights between Puerto Vallarta and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Service to and from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will operate three days per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Spirit Airlines VP of Network Planning John Kirby says in a release that "offering convenient flights to beautiful destinations and spectacular beaches is what Sprit Airlines is all about, which makes Puerto Vallarta the perfect new market to connect to major cities in our network."

"We’re delighted to add the great culture and warmth of Mexico’s Pacific coast to our variety of destinations across Mexico, including Cancun and Los Cabos," Kirby says.

Let's do Spirit Airlines' new service to Puerto Vallarta in bullet form:

Houston (IAH) - 3X Weekly
Los Angeles (LAX) - daily
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) - 3X Weekly

Spirit will also add nonstop service between LAX and Los Cabos, Mexico starting May 5. It'll be Spirit's first international service from Los Angeles, which will be joined by Puerto Vallarta when it launches the following month.

Raúl Revuelta, CEO of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, says in a staement that it's all about the beaches.

"Passengers are looking for destinations that offer the characteristics of Mexican beaches, such as Puerto Vallarta, and that are relatively close to their destination of origin," Revuelta says.

Obligatory COVID nod
Spirit's commitment to Safe Travels includes a multi-layered safety approach that requires all customers and staff members to wear masks or face coverings. Every plane uses state-of-the-art, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that capture 99.97 percent of particles and filter the air for contaminants every three minutes.

Between each flight, enhanced cleaning procedures focus on high-touch areas such as tray tables and armrests. Spirit also uses two EPA-registered fogging treatments. The first applies a safe, high-grade disinfectant that's effective against coronaviruses. The second uses an antimicrobial product that forms an invisible barrier on all surfaces that kills bacteria and viruses on contact for 30 days.

Spirit Airlines claims to be the leader in customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. You pay only for the options you choose such as bags, seat assignments and refreshments.

vacation transportation

TRANSPORTATION NEWS

Luxury commuter van startup connects Houston with Austin and San Antonio

Photo courtesy of Shutto.

Shutto's regular routes travel most of the Texas Triangle.

Houstonians now have a new way to hop between cities, and it comes with Wi-Fi, leather seats, and a guaranteed Buc-ee’s stop. On November 17, mobility startup Shutto launched its luxury van service connecting San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, offering travelers a more comfortable alternative to flying or long-haul rideshare.

Bookings are now available Monday through Saturday with departure times in the morning and evening. One-way fares range from $47-$87, positioning Shutto in a similar lane to Dallas-based Vonlane, which also offers routes from Houston to Austin and San Antonio.

Unlike other regional transit options, Shutto builds Texas road-trip culture into every journey. Each route includes a pit stop at Buc-ee’s so riders can stock up on kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, and drinks.

In announcing the launch, founder and CEO Alberto Salcedo called the company a new category in Texas mobility.

“We are bringing true disruptive mobility to Texas: faster and more convenient than flying (no security lines, no delays), more comfortable and exclusive than the bus or train, and up to 70 percent cheaper than private transfers or Uber Black,” Salcedo said in a release. “Whether you’re commuting for business, visiting family, exploring Texas wineries, or doing a taco tour in San Antonio, Shutto makes traveling between these cities as easy and affordable as riding inside the city.”

Shutto enters the market at a time when highway congestion is a hotter topic than ever. With high-speed rail still years in the future, its model aims to provide fast, predictable service at commuter prices. The startup touts an on-time departure guarantee and a relaxed ride. Only 12 passengers fit inside each Mercedes Sprinter van.

Beyond the scheduled routes, Shutto offers private, customizable trips anywhere in the country, a service the company expects will appeal to corporate retreat planners, wedding parties, and tourists wanting to make a day of crawling Hill Country wineries and breweries.

The day-to-day service picks up at the Foam Coffee & Kitchen parking lot at 5819 Richmond Ave. near the Galleria. In San Antonio, it picks up at La Panadería Bakery’s parking lot at 8305 Broadway. In Austin, vans depart from the Pershing East Café parking lot at 2501 E. Fifth St.

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