San Antonio Spirit

Spirit Airlines soars into San Antonio with ultra low fares this fall

Spirit Airlines is launching nonstop service from San Antonio.

Courtesy of Spirit

As the Texas temps keep soaring, San Antonio residents looking to escape to cooler climates will welcome the announcement of a new budget airline servicing San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

Beginning this fall, SAT will welcome Spirit Airlines to the mix. The ultra-low-cost airline will give travelers an affordable option to visit two of the most popular leisure destinations in the United States, a release says. New daily nonstop routes from San Antonio to Las Vegas, Nevada and Orlando, Florida will take off this fall.

“Spirit coming to San Antonio International Airport gives our community more family-friendly travel options. They can enjoy the sights and sounds of Las Vegas and have a fun time discovering all Orlando has to offer,” said Jesus H. Saenz, director of airports at the San Antonio Airport System.

“Also, more people in Florida and Nevada can come and see how special and authentic San Antonio is – with affordable fares that are too good to pass up. It’s a win-win because it’s making traveling to far destinations more accessible.”

The announcement makes Spirit Airlines the 13th carrier at SAT. This is the fourth Texas destination for Spirit Airlines, which has one the most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry, with 24 brand-new planes planned for delivery this year, and 33 more projected in 2023.

Spirit is offering introductory fares starting at $89 for one-way travel from November 30 to December 14, 2022 (excluding Fridays and Sundays). All tickets must be purchased 21 days in advance to be eligible. The flights will begin on November 17 to both destinations.

“We are excited to offer our guests affordable access to the Alamo City to experience the attractions, rich history and vibrant culture that have earned it a top vacation destination ranking in Texas, said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines.

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Travel Tip

San Antonio declared best place to travel in 2025 by Travel + Leisure

Photo by Robert Lerma.

Pullman Market opens April 23.

San Antonians can now say they live in a destination city. Nationally recognized magazine Travel + Leisure has declared San Antonio one of the best places to travel in 2025.

The publication's annual "Where to Go" list reviews nearly 120 notable places around the globe and chooses only 50 for its collection of best destinations. Winners are then categorized into one of seven categories: cultural immersion, nature lovers, big-city thrills, moments on the water, food and drinks, beach vibes, and adventurous travelers.

"These are places that feel of the moment, whether that’s because they offer unparalleled access to the outdoors, a cultural immersion you can’t find anywhere else, a pulse-quickening hit of excitement, or the sort of blissful luxury only a true five-star property can deliver," Travel + Leisure editors wrote.

San Antonio was lauded as a must-visit destination for 2025 "For the Food and Drinks" by T+L. The Alamo City was specifically praised for being "on the cutting edge of culinary innovation" in part thanks to the 13 outstanding local restaurants that were recognized in the first-ever Texas Michelin Guide, and the numerous James-Beard Award-nominated local chefs and eateries.

"Elsewhere, chef and restaurateur Jason Dady will be opening Mexico Ceaty in early 2025, overhauling a food court to create a dining destination that highlights Mexican cuisine," T+L said.

Mexico Ceaty will bring several concepts to the Shops at Rivercenter. Rendering courtesy of SA Partnerships

The report also gives a shoutout to the increasingly popular dining complex Pullman Market, which opened earlier in 2024.

"Our market highlights the difference and value of truly fresh and truly local," said CEO Kevin Fink in the report. "Whether it’s whole fresh fish from the Gulf of Mexico, Berkshire pigs from down the road, or butter from a herd of cows whose milk tastes of the Texas landscape."

When it comes to finding a place to stay in San Antonio, there is no shortage of comfortable and lavish accommodations. T+L names two recently opened hotels in its report: Kimpton Santo, a boutique hotel that repurposed 19th century schoolhouses, and the fully renovated InterContinental San Antonio RiverWalk.

San Antonio was the only Texas city to be recognized in Travel + Leisure's "Where to Go" list for 2025. Fort Worth previously earned this unique recognition in the 2024 report. Earlier this year, San Antonio won national acclaim in the publication's annual "World's Best" reader's choice awards, and was named the No. 6 best U.S. city in 2024.

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