The startup airline from JetBlue founder David Neeleman is bringing its low-cost, high-tech approach to some of the country’s most popular destinations. Breeze Airways is adding flights in 10 new cities and boosting service in others, including Charleston and Hartford.
The carrier operates a fleet of Embraer 195 e-jets and has ordered 80 new Airbus A220 aircraft. The first aircraft will arrive in late 2021.
Seats
Breeze Airways offers a range of seat options. Guests can choose from three price bundles – “Nice,” “Nicer” and “Nicest.”
These packages include a selection of benefits such as priority boarding, a bag allowance and an upgraded food and beverage offering. For an additional cost, passengers can also upgrade to a first class seat.
On its Embraer 190 and 195 aircraft, the airline offers a 2-2 seating configuration. This arrangement eliminates the dreaded middle seat and ensures all seats are comfortable.
On its newest Airbus A220-300 jets, Breeze Airways is adding a new cabin option called “Nicest.” This will be offered for an upcharge of $5 more than the airline’s current fares. The airline expects demand for this premium cabin will be strong.
Flights
Travelers looking for a new airline with flexible fares, no fees and first class seats can check out Breeze Airways. It launched last year with flights to a small network of airports in the Southeast, focusing on point-to-point routes that aren’t served by major carriers.
A few months after launching, Breeze grew from a startup to a full-fledged carrier with two Boeing 737s based at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Founder David Neeleman has said the airline plans to expand its route map beyond the Eastern and southeastern U.S.
Fares are split into three categories — “Nice,” “Nicer” and “Nicest.” These categories include a seat, snacks/beverages (premium options and alcohol on longer flights) and a higher baggage allowance, and you can earn BreezePoints. The airline also offers a seat selection option, which runs $10 to $30 on some flights.
Baggage
Breeze Airways offers several benefits to its customers, including a free personal item for all fare types. This can include laptop bags, backpacks, briefcases or purses.
However, the airline does have certain restrictions for these items. These restrictions include weight and dimensions.
You can only carry on one hand luggage per passenger, measuring not more than 24 x 14 x 10 inches (including handles and wheels) with a maximum weight of 35 pounds.
The airline also charges a reasonable $35 fee for checked baggage (up to 3 bags). You can add or remove any bags from your trip itinerary.
Food & Beverages
Breeze Airways is now offering a variety of food and beverages on board. It offers four snacks: Chex Mix, Pringles, Peanut M&Ms and a Protein Trail Mix, priced at $4.50 each, as well as soft drinks and juices for $3.50 and a snack box for $8.50.
There are also bundles available in economy and “Nicer” fares that include a drink and snack. The airline is experimenting with selling drinks and food on flights longer than 350 miles.
Service
Breeze airways has a simple business model that focuses on providing excellent service for its guests. It offers no change or cancellation fees, free family seating and a variety of seat options including Extra Legroom and First Class seats**.
The airline’s introductory fares start at $39* one-way and guests earn credit called “Breeze Points” on all purchases that can be used towards future flights or ancillary products. Guests can also change or cancel their flight up to 15 minutes before departure without incurring a fee.
Breeze is expanding across the United States, launching new routes in more cities than ever before. Most of the new destinations are hub-skipping destinations, allowing travelers to connect directly from their hometown airports to a favorite destination.