Travel turbulence

These Texas airports log some of the worst flight delays and cancellations in U.S.

Holiday travelers could be in for a turbulent time.

San Antonio International Airport/Facebook

If your holiday travel plans involve Texas airports, buckle up. You could be in for a bumpy experience.

A new ranking from The Family Vacation Guide puts Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and San Antonio International Airport among the 10 U.S. airports where you’re most likely to encounter flight delays or cancellations.

The website’s review of federal data from July 2019 to July 2021 found that 20.77 percent of flights at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport were either delayed or canceled during the two-year period. Meanwhile, San Antonio International Airport ranked ninth for flight delays and cancellations, at 19.03 percent.

Only Newark Liberty International Airport (24.29 percent) and LaGuardia Airport (22.52 percent), both in the New York City area, fared worse than DFW in the ranking.

But it’s not all bad news for Texas travelers. Despite the recent flight debacles involving Fort Worth-based American Airlines and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, the two carriers don’t land in the top five of The Family Vacation Guide’s ranking of the U.S. airlines with the most flight delays or cancellations.

Allegiant Air takes the top spot (27.31 percent), followed by JetBlue Airways (23.2 percent), Frontier Airlines (21.24 percent), Envoy Air (19.52 percent), and United Airlines (18.6 percent).

American ranks sixth (18.55 percent) and Southwest ranks eighth (16.97 percent).

Whether it’s airports or airlines, the flying public could feel increased turbulence over the holidays, as air travel is expected to climb to pandemic-era highs. A recent survey by professional services firm PwC found 40 percent of Americans plan to travel by air during the holiday season.

“A spate of high-profile flight cancellations has put a spotlight on worker shortages at U.S. airlines, triggering warnings of new delays over the holiday period as airlines scramble for staff,” the Reuters news service reports in reference to the recent American and Southwest meltdowns.

vacation transportation

the bigger the better

Enchanted Rock to double in size after 3,000-acre land purchase

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

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Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, a popular Hill Country destination in Fredericksburg, is continuing its expansion after purchasing a 3,073-acre property in Llano County for $43 million.

The recent purchase comes nearly four months after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a 630-acre tract of land in nearby Gillespie County, adding to Enchanted Rock's current 1,644 acres of land.

The park's expansion, which doubles the amount of publicly available land, is also a great investment for Texas tourism, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

"Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state’s natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe," said Governor Abbott in the release. "The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."

The sale was made possible thanks to TWPD's Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a voter-approved $1 billion fund dedicated to the acquisition and development of new state parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the department's official nonprofit partner, also helped review the property's potential as an extension of the park.

The release explains that the Llano County land was previously used as a private hunting ground, but TPWD will seek public input to decide future recreational activities and conservation opportunities for the land.

"Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Jeff Hildebrand. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come."

TPWD expects planning may take "many months to complete" before announcing an opening date for the new property.

state parks hill country fredericksburg enchanted rock