JetBlue Resumes Service with Luxury Upgrades
JetBlue is reintroducing a route it had quietly cut over a year ago, this time with a premium touch.
On November 19, the airline announced it would begin nonstop flights between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale, along with resuming some cross-border services starting in January 2025.
Flights from San Diego are set to depart daily at 11 a.m. But what’s truly noteworthy is the revamped cabin experience.
With the route’s return, JetBlue is introducing a Mint Premium Cabin that includes lie-flat seating and a selection of dining options. This means JetBlue will be the sole carrier offering a business class experience on this route between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale.
Tickets are already available for purchase via JetBlue’s website and mobile app. Additionally, TrueBlue members who book by Sunday can earn 2,500 bonus points.
JetBlue is also broadening its Mint service across the West Coast, increasing its routes to South Florida this winter and adding further premium options from Los Angeles and San Francisco.
As of now, Alaska Airlines runs daily seasonal flights to Fort Lauderdale, but Southwest Airlines is set to start its own seasonal service for the winter holiday season on November 21.
This year, JetBlue has ramped up its daily departures from Fort Lauderdale by over 75%, expecting to have around 150 flights from the South Florida airport by winter.
“This growth marks the largest Mint schedule in Fort Lauderdale’s history,” JetBlue stated in a release.
Daniel Schultz, senior vice president of revenue, network, and corporate planning, mentioned that these changes will provide travelers “more flights, more premium options, and mint comfort on major West Coast routes.”
Yet, it’s important to note that JetBlue is navigating some financial challenges. The company reported a $319 million net loss for the first quarter of 2026, compared to a $208 million loss in the same quarter last year.
While operating revenue rose by 4.7% to $2.24 billion, they still experienced a loss of $0.86 per share, which exceeded analysts’ expectations of a $0.72 loss.
In response to rising jet fuel costs, JetBlue has also updated its baggage fees, which now range from $39 on off-peak days to as much as $49 during peak times. Discounts are available for customers who pay in advance online or have status benefits.
Despite these past losses and debts from unprofitable quarters, JetBlue appears to be focusing more on growth centered around Florida, tapping into the demand for vacation and leisure travel.
