Excitement builds in North Texas, plans in place for total solar eclipse

North Texas is gearing up for an exciting influx of visitors over the next 72 hours, with TxDOT implementing plans, hotels filling up, and airports anticipating heavy foot traffic.

NBC 5 caught up with eager travelers arriving at Love Field Airport on Friday afternoon, all set for the celestial spectacle.

Grace Bass, a Dallas native, wasted no time in ensuring she had eclipse glasses at the ready for herself and her family upon arrival.

“I already have them ready,” she mentioned, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.

Richard Rogers, another traveler arriving at Love Field, shared his excitement and plans for Monday.

“I am really excited about this,” he expressed. “One of the cool things I’m thinking about doing is going to the golf course during the eclipse.”

At Love Field and DFW airports, terminal activity is expected to ramp up steadily through Saturday and Sunday. Patrick Carreno, Director of Aviation for Dallas, highlighted the significance of making a positive first impression as the city serves as a gateway for visitors.

“…it may be the first place that folks visiting the area are coming into. So we’re making sure to put in our best effort,” he affirmed.

With 90% of the city’s 35,000 hotel rooms already booked, Visit Dallas confirms the high demand. Car rental companies are also anticipating a surge in business, with DFW Airport’s car rental agencies projecting record-breaking numbers for the April 8 event.

“This will be a first time. And I don’t know if I’ll get another opportunity, but I’m excited about this one,” shared airport traveler Regaynal Poplion, echoing the sentiment of many.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning regarding potential travel delays, advising pilots, airports, and travelers to anticipate higher traffic volumes and limited parking, particularly at smaller airports along the eclipse path.

The solar eclipse, set to occur over North Texas on April 8, 2024, is a rare event not to be missed. Totality will last only minutes, offering a unique experience that won’t be repeated for decades.