beach-bound

Texas-based hop-on jet service takes off with nonstop flights from Houston to Destin

Skip the airport masses and hop on a Hobby flight to Destin.

Houstonians looking to jet to warm destinations and crystal white beaches due east now have a sunny new option. JSX, the Dallas-based, hop-on jet service, has resumed the popular seasonal route from Houston to Destin, Florida, the company announced.

Trips start June 16 and run though September, with fares starting at $229 one-way. Flights run three times a week (Monday, Thursday, and Friday) from Houston Hobby to Destin Executive Airport and include at least two checked bags (certain weight/size restrictions apply), onboard cocktails, and gourmet snacks.

Houston flights depart at 11:45 am and arrive at 1:15 pm. Flights from Destin depart at 1:55 pm and arrive at 3:40 pm.

Boasting crystal clear water, iconic, white sand beaches, challenging off-shore fishing, and plentiful golf courses, Destin has become one of the hottest vacation destinations in Florida’s panhandle. A boardwalk, theme park, and state park are also big tourist draws.

This Houston-Destin addition comes as JSX ramped up its service from Dallas to the sunny spot.

As CultureMap Dallas reported, JSX continues to tout its “no crowds, no lines, and no fuss” travel experience. Passengers have access to valet parking, Wi-Fi lounges, and quick baggage retrieval. Touchless check-in and frictionless security also help pick up the pace.

JSX planes feature 30 business class-caliber seats in a unique 1x1 configuration. The company’s pet-friendly policy allows small dogs and cats to fly for free.
Trips can be booked directly through the website, mobile app, or through codeshare partner JetBlue.

“Texans are ready to soak up the sun on the beaches of Destin and there’s no easier way to get there this summer than flying JSX,” said JSX CEO Alex Wilcox in a statement “The resumption of flights from Houston and increased flights from Dallas answer an unmet need in the market for our joyful, simple, and crowd-free service and we’re proud to answer the call and connect friends, families, and loved ones this summer season and beyond.”

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Stephanie Allmon Merry contributed to this article.

vacation

Turkey Day news

Houston plates up top-20 rank on list of best cities for Thanksgiving

Courtesy of Amrina

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Houston is sitting at the head of the table as one of the best places in the country to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, a new study has revealed.

Houston ranked No. 15 out of 100 of the largest U.S. cities in WalletHub's annual "Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving" report, published November 12. The city made a big leap over its 2023 ranking as No. 32, and is the third highest-ranked Texas destination for the holiday.

The study analyzed each city based on 18 metrics to determine the best places for Thanksgiving, such as the number of pumpkin patches per capita, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner, the number of volunteer opportunities, the average weather forecast, and more. The metrics were then organized into five overall categories to determine the rankings.

The categories that Houston ranked the highest in were the city's affordability (No. 15) and the average weather forecast during the holiday period (No. 19), while the lowest-ranked category was for safety and accessibility (No. 95). Other categories that determined Houston's overall ranking were the number of celebrations and traditions (No. 23), and a "giving thanks" rank (No. 30).

"The best cities for celebrating Thanksgiving all have an abundance of high-quality restaurants and places to buy festive decorations, and their residents get very excited for the holiday based on their Google search history," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.

By Thanksgiving on November 28, Houston will be fully decked out for the December holidays. Houstonians who will have extended family in town during Thanksgiving weekend can take in of all the marvelous Christmas lights brightening the city. Houston certainly goes all out for the most wonderful time of year.

Elsewhere in Texas, Dallas (No. 5) and San Antonio (No. 7) were the among the top 10 best cities to go for Thanksgiving, while Austin only came in at No. 39.

San Diego, California (No. 1) topped the overall list of best places to go for Thanksgiving this year, followed by its Golden State neighbors San Francisco (No. 3) and San Jose (No. 4). Atlanta, Georgia (No. 2) rounds out the top five.

thanksgiving wallethub rankings holidays lists