Skip to main content

JetBlue Founder’s Breeze Airways to Serve Off-the-Beaten-Path Airports

airport airplane luggage carryon
Yousef Alfuhigi

Air travelers love and love to hate budget airlines. Some swear by the likes of Spirit and Frontier for their almost impossibly low airfares, while others would rather pay a little extra for luxuries like bottled water and non-pay-toilets (kidding … but only barely). Later this year, one more low-cost carrier will join the fray, and it’s already promising to be “the world’s nicest airline.”

So far, the details are thin. What we do know is that the all-new Breeze Airways is backed by JetBlue CEO and serial entrepreneur David Neeleman. His goal is to fly underserved airports throughout the U.S. In his words, he’s looking at destinations “that bigger airlines overlook.” This is likely to include cities without major direct flight options or those that are secondary airports to a major city (Think Providence, Oakland, and Mesa/Phoenix). In the official statement earlier this month, Neeleman said, “I would be very surprised if a single [Breeze] route had non-stop service competition. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of city pairs that are crying out for non-stop flights.”

Recommended Videos

Plenty of budget airlines have come and gone over the last few decades in the United States. Breeze Airways, however, looks to have all the right DNA. The airline is the fifth to be launched by Neeleman, whose portfolio includes Canada’s WestJet, Brazil’s Azul, Morris Air (acquired by Southwest in 1993), and, of course, JetBlue. Given that JetBlue consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction, he clearly knows a thing or two about building a successful airline.

Breeze Airways — formerly code-named “Moxy” — has been in the works for years. However, it just filed its official application for operations with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration. It’s also ordered 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft and plans to lease more than two dozen Embraer E195 jets from Azul. The latter are likely to arrive in the next few months. While a launch date has yet to be announced, the airline could take to the skies later this year.

The first routes are likely to take off in and around Breeze Airways’ headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Neeleman confirmed that it will probably operate more regionally versus offering nationwide routes.

While Breeze Airways promises to be “a breath of fresh air” in the industry (Get it?), get the low-down on what you’re actually paying for when flying with existing budget airlines.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Save 25% on winter getaways with Marriott Bonvoy’s Cyber Week sale
The sale runs until Tuesday, December 3.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Looking to make your winter travel dreams a reality? Marriott Bonvoy’s Cyber Week sale is here to help, offering members an exclusive 25% discount on stays booked through the Marriott Bonvoy app. This limited-time deal runs until Travel Tuesday, December 3, and applies to trips between December 1, 2024, and January 20, 2025, at participating hotels worldwide.

Not yet a Marriott Bonvoy member? Signing up is free, and members who book online instead of through the app can still enjoy a 20% discount. Beyond the savings, members gain access to perks like exclusive rates and room upgrades.

Read more
Savor the flavors of Olympia, Washington at these 6 must-visit eateries
The best restaurants in Olympia: Our top picks
A customer purchasing a beer at the Briggs Taphouse

Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is more than a historical town - it’s the culinary future of the state. So, between your visits to boutique shops, local galleries, and the capitol building, make sure to visit these six Olympia restaurants. From farm-to-table bites to locally curated wine lists, there's something for every palette.

Chicory

Read more
Why it’s time to upgrade your camping clothes
Don't make these camping clothes mistakes
best camping clothes jan valecka lt9mncyftm8 unsplash

Jeans and your favorite tee might cut it for casual camping, but if you're starting to become serious about spending time with nature, it's time to think about investing in proper camping clothes. Modern streetwear or style pieces often aren't sturdy enough for the rigors of the outdoors, and you definitely don't want to be the guy to get caught in the rain with only one pair of jeans. Fortunately, we've compiled our favorite tips for choosing the best camping clothes. Let's take a look!
Do you need to have specialized camping clothes?

While specialized camping clothes offer benefits like enhanced durability, moisture management, and technical features, you don’t always need to invest in them for short or casual trips. Regular outdoor wear can suffice, but for longer or more challenging expeditions, investing in quality camping clothes is worth it for your comfort and safety.

Read more