Air Travel: New Non-Stop Flights for Austin

 

KXAN recently posted an article about new non-stop flights coming to Austin.  Delta is enhancing service while American is backing off (I've read AA would now rather utilize the DFW hub than keep up with their former plan to enhance their AUS presence.).   This should be good news if you are a Delta SkyMiles or American Express points earner here in Austin.   Also, the Delta Lounge at AUS is a nice place to hang out before a flight.  

Southwest, as usual, continues to have an array of non-stops out of Austin and on to places which are fun to visit.  They have been the top carrier out of AUS for years, and they remain the carrier I most often fly for domestic travel (partially because of the routes, and partially because we usually have a companion pass plus a lot of SWA points).   

Speaking of cool non-stops: starting in March British Airways will begin offering two daily non-stops to London Heathrow six days per week.   BA is a travel partner with American Express, thus you can transfer your Amex points over to a BA Avios account.  Also, in the past I've found good deals on BA through the Amex travel portal (where you can use Amex points to offset the cost of the flight).  

Happy New Year!  I'm hoping we can all get out and travel to some fun places in 2025. 

As always: this content was written by a real human.

Food: Statesman Notes 17 New Restaurants Opening in 2025

You may have already seen the list of Austin restaurants closing in 2024.  There were many places on that list which will be missed.  However, you can feel better knowing that Austin has plenty of new restaurants on the way in 2025.  The Austin-American Statesman has profiled seventeen of them which they think are worth noting (I'd knock it down to 16, as one will be a private club).   

Personally, I'm most excited about the return of Katz's (to its original location, no less).  Its absence has been missed by me and several of my friends.  

Southwest Companion Pass Updates

 

The travel blog A View From the Wing has gone into detail about how the Southwest Companion Pass will work under the new assigned seating rules set to go into effect in 2026.  If you aren't familiar with the Companion Pass: it allows you to designate a "companion" who will fly with you for free (excluding minor airport fees and the possible upgrade charges) on any flight throughout the year you have it.  For our Austin located household's domestic (plus Mexico) air travel needs, this is the best deal we've run across.   

2024 was a slow year for us to travel together, and we were still able to use it on three trips.  It would have been five, but for some last-minute scheduling conflicts (we'll have 2025,  Nashville and Santa Fe).  I did end up in Santa Fe and Nashville this summer, but the former was a camping road trip with friends and the latter a cross country road trip helping family move.  Both stops were fun, with many enchiladas and BBQ items consumed in their respective locales.   

Floyd Real Estate Celebrates First Decade in Business

 I'm pleased to report that Floyd Real Estate, LLC, is 10 years old.   Since launching the business we have done residential and commercial transactions.  We have enjoyed working with our clients and look forward to another exciting decade here in the Austin metro area (and who knows.. maybe elsewhere).   Contact us if you're thinking of buying or selling property in the Central Texas area.  

Note:  The above photo is from Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.  It's a fun hike, right next to Taos Ski Valley.  I recommend it if you are in the area during non-snow months.