Dallas, Texas, November 29, 2025
A recent study has ranked Dallas, Texas, as the worst city for holiday travel due to high costs and significant airport issues. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport faces about 24% of flights delayed or canceled annually. Coupled with an average of 46 hours spent in traffic yearly, these factors contributed to Dallas’s low ranking. Other Texas cities, like Houston and San Antonio, have also been noted for their travel challenges. Travelers are advised to consider alternatives and plan for potential expenses and delays when visiting Dallas over the holidays.
Dallas Named Worst City for Holiday Travel in Study
High Costs and Airport Delays
Dallas, Texas, has been identified as the worst city for holiday travel in a recent study, primarily due to high costs and significant airport issues. The study revealed that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, a major hub for American Airlines, faces approximately 24% of flights delayed or canceled each year. Contributing to the woes of travelers is the city’s traffic congestion, which averages 46 hours spent in traffic annually. These combined factors have led to Dallas’s low ranking for holiday travel.
Other Texas Cities in the Rankings
Several other Texas cities also found themselves in the lower rankings. Houston was placed third, scoring 18.2 out of 100, while San Antonio ranked sixth with a score of 22.2 out of 100. Similar to Dallas, the rankings for Houston and San Antonio were influenced by high travel costs, limited cultural experiences, and safety concerns.
Methodology of the Study
The rankings were established based on several evaluation criteria, which included travel costs, availability of cultural experiences, and overall safety. These factors collectively informed the outcomes, with Dallas emerging at the top of the list for the least favorable holiday travel destinations.
Implications for Travelers
For travelers intending to visit Dallas during the holiday season, the implications are significant. They should prepare for higher expenses and potential delays due to the city’s well-documented travel challenges. Considering alternative destinations or allowing extra time for travel could help alleviate some of these issues.
Background on Dallas’s Travel Challenges
Dallas has encountered various challenges in the travel domain over the years. In 2018, it was ranked 178th out of 200 U.S. cities for driving safety, both overall and during inclement weather. The city’s climate adds to these concerns, with an average of 76 days per year experiencing extreme temperatures, making travel plans even more complicated.
Conclusion
Dallas’s ranking as the worst city for holiday travel highlights the importance of evaluating several factors—such as costs, airport efficiency, and local conditions—when planning holiday trips. Travelers are encouraged to consider these elements carefully to ensure a stress-free holiday experience while remaining informed about the existing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Dallas ranked as the worst city for holiday travel?
Dallas is ranked as the worst city for holiday travel due to high costs and significant airport issues, including approximately 24% of flights being delayed or canceled annually. Additionally, the city experiences above-average costs and significant traffic congestion, averaging 46 hours in traffic per year.
Which other Texas cities are ranked poorly for holiday travel?
Houston and San Antonio also ranked poorly in the study. Houston was placed third, with a score of 18.2 out of 100, while San Antonio ranked sixth with a score of 22.2 out of 100. Factors such as high travel costs, limited cultural experiences, and safety concerns influenced these rankings.
What factors were considered in the study’s rankings?
The study evaluated cities based on several criteria, including travel costs, availability of cultural experiences, and safety. These factors collectively determined the rankings, with Dallas emerging at the top of the list of least favorable cities for holiday travel.
What are the implications for travelers planning to visit Dallas during the holiday season?
Travelers planning to visit Dallas during the holiday season should anticipate higher expenses and potential delays. Considering alternative destinations or planning for additional travel time may help mitigate some of these challenges.
What are some of Dallas’s travel-related challenges?
Dallas has faced various travel-related challenges in recent years. In 2018, it was ranked 178th out of 200 U.S. cities for safe driving conditions, both overall and during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the city’s climate contributes to extreme temperatures, with an average of 76 days per year experiencing extreme temperatures, further complicating travel plans.
Key Features of Dallas’s Holiday Travel Challenges
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Delays | Approximately 24% of flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are delayed or canceled annually. |
| Traffic Congestion | Dallas experiences significant traffic congestion, averaging 46 hours in traffic per year. |
| High Costs | The city faces above-average costs, contributing to its low ranking for holiday travel. |
| Climate | Dallas’s climate contributes to extreme temperatures, with an average of 76 days per year experiencing extreme temperatures. |
| Driving Safety | In 2018, Dallas was ranked 178th out of 200 U.S. cities for safe driving conditions, both overall and during adverse weather conditions. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
