JetBlue adds new routes and Mint service in Fort Lauderdale, while Spirit launches Key West flights. See what’s changing for Florida flyers.
This week, JetBlue and Spirit both announced new moves in Fort Lauderdale.
JetBlue is adding new routes, reinvigorating some old ones as well. They are also adding flights with Mint cabins. Spirit, on the other hand, is adding a route to nearby Key West.
Together, both airlines are joining a list of airlines either improving their products and offerings involving Florida and the Caribbean.
JetBlue announced new nonstop routes to Fort Lauderdale from several cities across the South and Midwest. They added the following flights:
New Routes
Returning Routes
Added Service
The added service provides Floridians more nonstop access to major U.S. cities. It also allows inbound travelers to Florida to easily connect to JetBlue’s Caribbean service. All in all, with Fort Lauderdale being one of JetBlue’s strategic hubs, these new routes help strengthen the airline’s already large presence in South Florida and the nearby Caribbean islands.
In the same announcement, JetBlue said they are adding more Mint cabin equipped flights at Fort Lauderdale as well. Mint is JetBlue’s premium lie-flat experience. Beginning this winter, flights from Fort Lauderdale to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco will have Mint service.
This is part of JetBlue’s initiative to become the leader in the U.S domestic market in the number of lie-flat seating offered on transcontinental routes.
JetBlue’s Mint initiative comes at a time when more airlines are putting emphasis on cabin experience and product quality. We’ve already seen airlines like Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines all shift to offer tiered service with elevated level of service.
“With new routes, more flights, and the expansion of our award-winning Mint experience — plus the best crewmembers in the business — we’re continuing to offer more reasons for South Florida travelers to choose JetBlue,” said David Jehn, JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships.
JetBlue wasn’t the only airline with big news from Fort Lauderdale this week.
Ultra low cost airline Spirit Airlines announced new service between Fort Lauderdale and Key West will start on November 6th. The flight will operate four times per week initially before switching to daily service beginning December 18th.
Key West becomes Spirit’s 8th destination in Florida. Spirit will be the only airline offering a route between Fort Lauderdale and Key West.
Along with the competition for premium cabin experience, it appears that Spirit has another hand to play which is its affordability. Inflation is still impacting consumer spending here in the United States. Spirit still has a budget-friendly model and still functions as a viable airline option for customers looking to vacation without spending too much.
“Spirit Airlines entering the Key West market this November is fantastic news for our passengers near and far,” said Richard Strickland, Executive Director at Key West International Airport. “We welcome this addition and greatly anticipate access to Spirit’s expansive network.”
In the past few months, it seems like many airlines have been focused on Florida.
Florida has become a vital market for U.S air carriers. American Airlines is increasing regional service. Silver Airways created a void because of their bankruptcy. Now, JetBlue and Spirit are ramping their operations from Fort Lauderdale.
Much of this has to do with shifting travel trends. Inflation and rising fares are affecting travel budgets for families. Americans are staying close to home. Leisure trips are becoming afterthoughts.
But the benefit of Florida is that it functions as a warm weather, affordable vacation option. Airlines are seeing this trend and doubling down.
Also, just a bit South of Florida there is the Caribbean which is also a budget friendly option.
JetBlue and American have already been relatively aggressive in growing their presence in these regions. With Spirit putting their name in the hat in Key West, it’s becoming evident that the battle for leisure travelers in the region is just getting started.
