ABOVE AND BEYOND

New San Antonio hotel promises safe space for disabled travelers

Morgan's Hotel is expected to open in 2026.

Photo courtesy of Morgan's Wonderland

In 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland redefined theme parks, providing an experience that could be enjoyed by all guests, including those with special needs. Now, founder Gordon Hartman is set to do the same for the hospitality industry.

In late August, the company announced its foray into lodging, the “ultra-accommodating” Morgan’s Hotel. Projected to open in 2026 near the nationally recognized attraction, the property aims to exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act to provide a truly inclusive environment for families.

All facets of the hotel’s design will be considered to make the spaces comfortable for all ages and abilities. To allow for independent movement, the specs feature wider hallways, roomier guest rooms, and unfettered access to elevators.

Mobility isn’t the only concern. The staff will also be trained in specialized services like disability etiquette, and accommodations from hearing aid loops to sensory-sensitive lighting will be provided to ensure a welcoming environment for all travelers.

“I am confident that this new hotel concept will remove barriers and tremendously enhance the lodging experience for everyone,” said Hartman via a release. “This will certainly be a hotel for everyone including those with special needs who, going forward, will feel more included, valued, and fulfilled.”

The hope is to create a new era of accessibility throughout the industry. The company is in talks with household names like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt to adopt Morgan’s approach nationwide.

“Morgan’s Hotel will do for the hospitality industry what our other venues have done — create spaces where everyone feels welcome and included,” Hartman added.

The ambitious project is boosted by a $1 million grant from the City of San Antonio, but the story of how Hartman disrupted the entertainment sector will soon be nationwide. A film adaptation of the Morgan’s Wonderland story is in the early stages of production.

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Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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