Breeze Airways Is Introducing $249 First-Class Flights From New York to California

Tired of paying exorbitant prices for cramped coach seats? Breeze Airways, the new airline from JetBlue's founder David Neeleman, offers a fresh alternative: launching a series of flights this summer and fall with what they call a “screaming deal”—first-class seats on coast-to-coast domestic flights starting at $249 one way, while coach seats are priced at $149 one way.

In a surprising announcement last week, the ultra low-cost carrier revealed plans to add seven nonstop routes from New York, including flights to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Las Vegas—adjusting its original strategy of focusing on short routes between secondary markets. However, it continues to prioritize lesser-known airports: these new flights represent Breeze’s largest launch from any single location, operating out of Westchester County Airport in White Plains, about 30 miles north of New York City. Currently, this mid-sized airport does not offer service beyond Chicago.

This initiative aligns with the airline's rollout of a new fleet of Airbus A220 jets, which feature 36 first-class seats arranged in a two-by-two layout and 90 economy seats in a two-by-three configuration (including 10 with extra legroom). Some shorter routes will still utilize smaller Embraer 190 and 195 regional jets.

While Neeleman chose New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as his base when founding JetBlue 22 years ago, he now seems keen to capitalize on traveler dissatisfaction with flying from congested hubs in New York and other major cities. Neeleman, who lived in Connecticut for many years, humorously remarked last week, “I wasted a lot of time driving to JFK or Newark to get to the West Coast.”

Neeleman indicated that additional long-haul flights will soon be available from various East Coast airports, including Hartford's Bradley International, where Breeze operates nonstop services to 11 destinations—recently adding new routes to Las Vegas, which were announced just last week.

Breeze offers three fare options: the basic “Nice” class; a mid-range “Nicer” option that includes perks like a complimentary checked bag; and “Nicest” fares, akin to first class, featuring larger seats, extra legroom, two checked bags, plus free snacks and beverages.

Here’s an overview of the newly introduced services and fare options:

From New York/Westchester:

• Charleston (daily beginning June 28, fares from $79)
• New Orleans (three times a week starting June 30)
• Norfolk (five times a week starting June 30, fares from $49)
• Jacksonville (three times a week starting June 30, fares from $79)
• Los Angeles (daily starting September 7, fares from $149)
• Las Vegas (daily starting September 8, fares from $149)
• Savannah (twice a week starting September 9, fares from $79)
• San Francisco (daily starting November 2, fares from $149)

Routes that have been announced earlier:

Destination: San Francisco

• Richmond (twice a week starting May 25)
• Charleston (three times a week starting May 26)
• Louisville (twice a week starting May 27)

Destination: Los Angeles

• Providence (twice a week starting June 29)
• Norfolk (three times a week starting June 30)
• Savannah (twice a week starting July 1)

Flights to Las Vegas:

• Richmond (twice a week starting June 9)
• Syracuse (twice a week starting June 10)
• Fort Myers (twice a week starting June 11)
• Charleston (three times a week starting August 5)
• Jacksonville (three times a week starting August 5)
• Norfolk (twice a week starting August 4)
• Hartford (twice a week starting September 7, starting at $149)
• Huntsville (twice a week starting August 4)

Breeze isn’t the only newcomer in the industry. Other budget airlines—like Aha! and Avelo—launched in time to capitalize on the rising demand for air travel. While major airlines are increasing their fares, these smaller carriers are leveraging their low rates to gain a competitive edge.