Managing your print delivery schedule shouldn't feel like a chore when you head out of town. If you subscribe to print editions, setting up a vacation hold stops physical delivery so papers don't pile up on your driveway while you're away. Doing this keeps your yard clear and ensures you don't waste paper.
You can set up a temporary delivery pause through your Dallas Morning News Account portal or by reaching out to customer support directly. Getting it right takes just a few minutes if you know where to look. Let's walk through how vacation holds work, the exact contact channels you need, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
How Vacation Holds Work
When you request a vacation stop, the circulation department pauses home delivery for your specified start and end dates. Your digital access typically remains active while you're traveling, meaning you can still read articles online or via the app.
Most publishers require at least 24 to 48 hours notice before your requested start date to catch the delivery route changes. Once your return date hits, home delivery resumes automatically.
Setting Up Your Vacation Hold Online
The fastest way to pause delivery is through your subscriber portal. You won't have to wait on hold or speak with an agent.
- Head over to the Dallas Morning News Subscriber Services portal and log in with your account credentials.
- Navigate to your account settings or delivery preferences section.
- Select the vacation stop or temporary hold option.
- Enter your exact departure date and your return date.
- Save your changes and look out for a confirmation email or screen prompt verifying the stop and start dates.
Keep a copy of that confirmation handy. If delivery doesn't resume correctly when you get back, you'll want proof of your scheduled dates.
Contacting Customer Service by Phone
If you prefer talking to a person or need to modify an existing hold on short notice, calling customer support is your best route.
- Primary Toll-Free Number: 1-800-925-1500
- Direct Subscriber Services Line: 214-745-8383
- Customer Care Email: customercare@dallasnews.com
Support hours generally run Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Calling earlier in the week or during off-peak morning hours usually results in shorter wait times. When you connect with an agent, have your account number, billing address, and exact travel dates ready to speed up the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Subscribers often run into trouble because they wait until the night before a trip to submit a pause. Delivery routes print early, so last-minute requests often miss the cutoff window, resulting in papers arriving while you're gone.
Another frequent oversight is forgetting to check whether billing credits apply during a pause. Many modern newspaper subscriber agreements specify that temporary delivery halts don't automatically trigger a refund or billing credit for the missed days, as digital access remains open. Always check your specific subscription tier rules before assuming your next bill will drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a vacation hold through email?
You can send a request to customer care via email, but response times vary. For time-sensitive travel plans, managing the hold online or calling directly prevents missed stop dates.
What happens to my accumulated newspapers during the hold?
Newspapers aren't saved or delivered in a bulk batch upon your return. Delivery simply stops while you are away and resumes fresh with the daily edition the day you get back.
How far in advance should I schedule a hold?
Try to submit your request at least three to five days before your departure. This window gives the distribution center enough time to update local carrier routes.
Will my digital subscription stop during a vacation hold?
No. Your digital access through the website and mobile apps stays active, allowing you to catch up on local news from anywhere.
What should I do if papers keep arriving after I set a hold?
Reach out to customer support immediately via phone or email with your confirmation reference. They can flag the distribution center to correct your route instructions.
