Many Americans wish to travel more frequently in 2023, with travel being one of the top New Year’s resolutions every year. However, air travel can be a stressful experience, especially when flight delays and cancellations occur. According to The Bureau of Transportations Statistics, there were 1,042,056 delayed flights in the US in 2022, but which airport had the most?
Vacation experts at Family Destinations Guide have used data from the Department of Transportation’s Statistics to reveal the best (and worst) airports for travel in the US in 2022 by comparing the number of delays in every airport in the US.
The worst airports for travel in 2022:
Airport
Location
Flights delayed in 2022 (%)
Flights on time in 2022 (%)
Flights canceled in 2022 (%)
Flight Operations in 2022
Orlando International Airport
Orlando, Florida
28.24
67.81
3.52
108,330
Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark, New Jersey
26.51
67.07
5.94
95,832
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
26.1
70.39
3.1
63,250
Tampa International Airport
Tampa, Florida
25.48
70.5
3.63
54,909
Miami International Airport
Miami, Florida
24.4
71.92
3.29
82,341
Harry Reid International Airport
Las Vegas, Nevada
24.34
73.51
1.96
129,093
Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago, Illinois
24.11
72.78
2.81
56,186
John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York, New York
24.08
71.21
4.42
102,500
Boston Logan International Airport
Boston, Massachusetts
23.33
72.57
3.94
101,702
Baltimore/Washington International Airport
Baltimore, Maryland
22.41
73.86
3.56
64,155
Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida, takes first place as the worst airport for travel in 2022, with over a quarter of flights, 28%, delayed. Out of 108,330 operating flights in 2022, over 30,000 were delayed.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey was the second worst airport for travel in 2022, with 26% of flights being delayed. 5% of flights were canceled at this airport, the highest in the US in 2022.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida follows closely behind in third place, with 26% of flights canceled.
The study by Family Destinations Guide also revealed the airports with the fewest delays.
The best airports for travel in 2022:
Airport
Location
Flights delayed in 2022 (%)
Flights on time in 2022 (%)
Flights canceled in 2022 (%)
Flight Operations in 2022
Salt Lake City International Airport
Salt Lake City, Utah
14.18
84.7
1.02
83,390
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Atlanta, Georgia
16.19
81.88
1.73
237,601
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle, Washington
16.49
81.51
1.79
131,027
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
Minneapolis, Minnesota
16.51
81.84
1.5
91,334
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Detroit, Michigan
16.63
81.12
2.2
96,324
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco, California
16.64
81.58
1.65
97,638
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston, Texas
16.67
80.79
2.23
93,954
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
Charlotte, North Carolina
17.93
78.53
3.28
144,760
Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington DC
18
78.79
2.98
41,898
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago, Illinois
18.13
78.44
3.13
196,925
Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah was the best airport for travel in 2022, with just 14% of flights delayed.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta was the second-best, with just over 16% of flights delayed, followed by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, which was also 16%.
A spokesperson from Family Destinations Guide said: “Flight delays can be stressful, especially if you travel with young children. Delays and cancellations happen for different reasons. It could be bad weather, airport equipment malfunction, or government shutdowns.
“However, there are ways to avoid flight delays. Flights earlier in the day tend to have fewer delays, so try and book an early flight when possible. You could also try and book flights in the middle of the week, on a Tuesday or Wednesday, rather than a weekend, as fewer people travel on these days.
“Try and book a non-stop route rather than a layover, as you’re more likely to encounter delays if you need to stop at an additional airport. You can also check the weather before your flight. If bad weather is predicted, this could cause delays or cancellations. Make sure you do this before you head to the airport.”
Expedia® released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing the latest essential tips to save travelers time and money on flights. Created in partnership with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and leveraging insights from its global air ticketing database, the annual report has become an authority for eight years running on air travel trends, revealing data-backed hacks for travelers, including:
Top tips from the 2023 Air Travel Hacks report include:
Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 15%.1 Travelers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 5% on domestic flights and 15% on international flights.
Book at least a month before domestic flights and six months before international flights to save 10%.2 Travelers that booked in these periods saved 10% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute.
Depart before 3 p.m. to reduce chance of cancellations.3 Based on year-to-date flight status data, flights that depart after 3 p.m. have a 50% higher chance, on average, of being delayed than those that depart earlier in the day.
Depart on a Wednesday to save up to 15%.4 Avoid departing Saturday – Monday, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip.
Plan using price alerts. Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the Price Tracking and Prediction feature on the Expedia app, which uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book and notifies travelers when flight prices change.*
“This report and Expedia’s new Price Tracking and Predictions feature on the app do more than save people money,” said Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands. “It’s about the time savings and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have machine learning informing your booking decisions and a tool at your fingertips that does the work of price tracking for you.”
“While it has been a volatile recovery, our data indicates travel is beginning to normalize with travelers taking advantage of flying again,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Airlines have improved their performance while both capacity and traveler demand continue to increase. We’re also starting to see business travelers return to the skies following the surge of leisure travel in the first half of 2022.”
View the full 2023 Air Travel Hacks report on the Expedia blog, including more ways to avoid flight delays, maximize loyalty and rewards programs and save on every trip.
Use Expedia’s mobile app or visit expedia.com to plan your journey.
Airports and roads may seem jam-packed this year as AAA predicts 53.4 million people to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13% from 2020. This brings travel volumes within 5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with air travel almost completely recovering from its dramatic fall during the pandemic, up 80% over last year. As restrictions continue to lift and consumer confidence builds, AAA urges travelers to be proactive when making their travel plans this holiday season.
“This Thanksgiving, travel will look a lot different than last year,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.”
With 6.4 million more people traveling this Thanksgiving coupled with the recent opening of the U.S. borders to fully vaccinated international travelers—people should prepare for roads and airports to be noticeably more crowded.
2021 Thanksgiving Holiday Travelers
Total
Automobile
Air
Other(Bus, Train, Cruise)
2021 Forecast
53.4M
48.3M
4.2M
1M
2020 Actual
47.1M
44.5M
2.3M
281,000
2019 Actual
56M
49.9M
4.6M
1.5M
Change YOY2019 to 2021
−5%
−3%
−9%
−31%
Change YOY2020 to 2021
+13%
+8%
+80%
+262%
“International travel re-opening will allow people to reconnect with friends and family and explore new places, while also giving a much-needed boost to the economy,” continued Twidale. “But it also means airports will be busier than we’ve seen, so travelers must plan for long lines and extra time for TSA checks.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its recommendations for holiday gatherings and related travel, saying that the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. However, everyone’s situation is unique and therefore, AAA urges anyone considering gathering or traveling for Thanksgiving to consult CDC guidance before finalizing holiday plans.
Navigating the New Travel Landscape
This year’s forecast marks the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travelers since 2005, bringing travel volumes close to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Despite gas costing over a dollar more per gallon than this time last year, 90% of people plan to travel by car as their preferred mode of travel. Although the car is still the most popular choice for travelers, a greater share will opt to travel by air and other modes such as bus, train or cruise this year. Whether you plan to do so by car or plane, it’s important to know how to navigate the new travel landscape to avoid unnecessary stress and challenges on the way to your Thanksgiving destination.
Be Proactive. Book flights, car rentals, accommodations and other activities as early as possible. Prices are not going down and are still somewhat impacted by the limited capacity of flights and staffing challenges faced by many industries. Consider working with a travel advisor who can make any last-minute changes to travel plans, explore travel insurance options and help plan a trip that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season.
Air—Even with air travel seeing a boost this year, AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 27.3% less than last year coming in at $132. Tuesday and Wednesday are still the most expensive and heaviest travel days with Monday being the lightest and least expensive. Those wanting to book last-minute travel will find the best fares about two weeks prior to Thanksgiving but keep in mind availability may be limited.
Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 39%, with average nightly rates ranging between $137 and $172 for AAA Approved Hotels.
Car Rentals—Daily car rental rates have increased 4% compared to last Thanksgiving at $98. Over the summer, consumers experienced high costs and limited availability of rental cars in some markets, due to the semi-conductor chip shortage impacting automakers. While this shortage has subsided, it is possible it could return as the holidays near.
Be Patient. The roads and airports will be busy so plan ahead.
Arrive at the airport early so you’ll have plenty of time to get through longer TSA lines and other travel checkpoints. For domestic travel, AAA suggests 2 hours ahead of departure time and 3 hours for international.
Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.
Hit the road when there’s less traffic and allow for extra time when traveling to your destination.
Be Prepared. For the 48.3 million Americans hitting the road, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trip ahead as AAA expects to respond to over 400,000 for help over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. If your vehicle has been sitting idle, AAA suggests getting an inspection to check key components like the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. These systems are particularly vulnerable to deteriorating if a vehicle sits too long without proper care or maintenance.
Be Protected—Both You and Your Trip. If you plan to travel during the holidays, it’s essential to do so safely and understand how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your investment while traveling. Also, as travel restrictions remain in flux, it’s essential to know requirements and recommendations based on your vaccination status, where you’re traveling from and your destination. AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com are also helpful resources travelers may use for free to understand closures, recommendations and requirements when traveling in the U.S.
Travel insurance—AAA highly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions. It is best to consult the expertise of a travel advisor who can guide you on the coverage options available for your specific trip, including if your destination requires visitors to carry travel insurance.
Clean accommodations—When booking a place to stay, look for accommodations that prioritize cleanliness and have implemented additional housekeeping standards since the start of the pandemic. Earlier this year, as part of its Diamond designation, AAA enhanced its housekeeping evaluation to include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Hotels that meet these new standards are now recognized as Inspected Clean and a current listing can be found here.
Safe travel = smart travel—Everything from airports to restaurants to attractions will be busier this Thanksgiving, which means more people congregating. Masks are still required for everyone on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. The CDC also recommends everyone wear a mask indoors in public if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
Domestic and international travel guidelines—As of November 8, the U.S. opened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers. The CDC has updated its guidance to reflect these changes. When traveling within the U.S., fully vaccinated travelers do not need a negative viral test or to self-quarantine. For international travel, refer to the CDC for specific guidelines.
Travelers Headed to Big Cities and Beaches This Thanksgiving
AAA Travel continues to see a strong recovery that began over the summer and will continue into the holiday season. AAA booking data reveals that big cities and tropical destinations are topping travelers’ list this Thanksgiving both domestically and abroad:
2021 Top Thanksgiving Destinations
U.S Destinations
International Destinations
Orlando, FL
Cancun, Mexico
Anaheim, CA
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
Aruba
Phoenix, AZ
Los Cabos, Mexico
Honolulu, HI
Nassau, Bahamas
Kahului, Maui, HI
St. Lucia, West Indies
Atlanta, GA
Dublin, Ireland
Tampa, FL
(tie) Tel Aviv, Israel and Calgary, Canada
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Paris, France
Roads Will Be Bustling
INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the worst congestion heading into the holiday weekend as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers. Major metro areas across the U.S. could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times, with drivers in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York City likely to experience more than three times the delays.
“Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips and this year will be no different even during the pandemic,” says Bob Pishue, Transportation Analyst, INRIX. “Drivers around major metros must be prepared for significant delays, especially Wednesday afternoon. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”
Worst Corridors and Times to Travel
Metro Area
Corridor
Peak Congestion
% Over Normal
Atlanta
I-85 S, Clairmont Rd to MLK Dr
Wed, 1:30 – 3:30PM
340%
Boston
I-93 N, Quincy Market to MA-28
Wed, 1:00 – 3:00PM
240%
Chicago
I-290 W, Morgan St to Wolfe Rd
Wed, 2:45 – 4:45PM
329%
Detroit
I-96 W, 6 Mile Rd to Walled Lake
Wed, 2:00 – 4:00PM
211%
Houston
I-10 W, Sjolander Rd to TX-330
Wed, 3:15 – 5:15PM
344%
Los Angeles
I-5 S, Colorado St to Florence Ave
Wed, 3:45 – 5:45PM
385%
New York
I-495 E, Borden Ave to Little Neck Pkwy
Wed, 2:30 – 4:30PM
482%
San Francisco
I-80 E, I-580 to San Pablo Dam Rd
Wed, 4:00 – 6:00PM
278%
Seattle
I-5 S, WA-18 to WA-7
Wed, 4:00 – 6:00PM
257%
Washington DC
I-95 S, I-395 to VA-123
Wed, 2:00 – 4:00PM
230%
Source: INRIX
Daily Worst and Best Times to Travel
Day
Worst Time
Best Time
Wednesday
12:00 – 8:00PM
After 9:00PM
Thursday
12:00 – 3:00PM
Before 11:00AM
Friday
1:00 – 4:00PM
Before 11:00AM
Saturday
2:00 – 7:00PM
Before 12:00PM
Sunday
1:00 – 7:00PM
Before 12:00PM
Source: INRIX
Expected Number May Change
AAA notes that the actual number of holiday travelers could fluctuate as we approach Thanksgiving. If there is an increase in reported COVID-19 cases, some people may decide to stay home, while others may note the progress in vaccinations and make last-minute decisions to travel. AAA recommends working with a travel advisor who can help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season. To get started and to learn more, visit AAA.com/Travel.
AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 30 motor clubs and nearly 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.
USTOA partnered with comedian Harrison Greenbaum, who hilariously attempts to explain REAL ID in a 60 second video. Travelers can watch (and learn) by visiting youtube.com/USTOA.
NEW YORK –With an October 1, 2020 deadline looming for travelers to possess a REAL ID compliant travel document, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has compiled a simple tool kit for travelers and travel advisors.
Many states in the U.S. have only recently began issuing compliant licenses and state identification cards, which means that travelers may still hold a non-REAL ID compliant license that will not suffice for domestic air travel. Most recently, the Department of Homeland Security has made the decision to allow electronic submissions of the documents that are required to obtain a REAL ID, a positive step ahead of the deadline.
To lighten the mood and creatively share this information, USTOA partnered with comedian Harrison Greenbaum, who hilariously attempts to explain REAL ID in a 60 second video. Travelers can watch (and learn) by visiting youtube.com/USTOA.
“Travelers can also learn more about REAL ID by visiting the USTOA Travel Blog, which is constantly being updated with stories and tips from industry professionals,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA. “Plus, with everything from passport and visa advice, to packing secrets and trip inspiration, it’s a helpful resource to stay up to date and continue learning.”
Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.
The countdown is on when air travelers will be required to have REAL ID – an enhanced drivers’ license, passport or military ID – in order to get on an airplane. The deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2020.
According to the US Travel Association, 99 million Americans are likely without any form of REAL ID. Anyone who shows up at the airport next October 1 without the correct ID risks being turned away from getting on a plane.
U.S. Travel leaders fear that individuals who only travel occasionally, such as to visit family over the holidays, are most likely to be affected.
“Significant lack of awareness is one of the challenges we face as the REAL ID enforcement deadline approaches next year,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “We are concerned not only about the post-deadline effects for major travel times like Thanksgiving, but also about the significant crunch at state DMVs throughout next year as people scramble to obtain their REAL ID.”
The message that must be repeated to get people #RealIDready, Dow said. “At a minimum, check for the star that appears in the top right-hand corner of most REAL IDs—but ideally, contact your DMV directly to find out if you’re compliant.
“The holidays are a time when less-frequent flyers might be thinking about air travel, and there is always ample news coverage of holiday travel projections and conditions at U.S. airports,” Dow said. “The next two months are going to be critical for closing the REAL ID awareness.
Over the course of the year, people who need to renew their licenses should make sure it is upgraded to be REAL ID compliant. Also take into account the time-lag to renew a passport, which can take six weeks (and many foreign countries require at least one month extra time before expiration).
With U.S. airlines expected to carry more than 600 million passengers on domestic flights this year and credit card debt levels exploding, you can expect airfare savings to be increasingly important in the months ahead.
To help travelers make the best decisions for their wallets, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2018’s Best Frequent Flyer Programs, which ranks the 10 largest domestic airlines based on 23 key metrics, ranging from the value of a point/mile to blackout dates for rewards flights.
WalletHub’s report also features a custom calculator that allows users to personalize the results based on their own budgets.
Here are a few highlights:
Delta SkyMiles is the best frequent flyer program for the third straight year.
The average airline rewards program gives frequent flyers 12% off their airline spending. And they’re all free to join.
Hawaiian Airlines offers the most rewards value to frequent flyers ($19.95 per $100 spent), with Alaska Airlines coming in a close second ($19.87 per $100 spent).
Four of the 10 largest airlines are offering more rewards in 2018 than in 2017, sweetening the pot by an average of 20%.
Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways are the only two major airlines whose miles do not expire because of inactivity.
The Frontier Airlines Credit Card and the Lufthansa Credit Card are 2018’s best airline credit cards, according to WalletHub’s editors.
WalletHub has just announced its list of 2016’s Best & Worst Airlines in order to help consumers prepare for the busy summer travel season.
“Everyone can compare airlines based on price, but it’s much more difficult to weigh your options when it comes to other aspects of the air travel experience. WalletHub’s report therefore focuses on quantifying those aspects – delays, baggage issues, pet care, passenger comfort and more – in order to help travelers make more-informed decisions.”
Among the highlights:
Best & Worst Overall: Virgin America (soon to be part of Alaska Airlines) and JetBlue top the list of 2016’s best airlines, while United, American and ExpressJet are the worst.
Most & Least Reliable: Delta is the best airline for avoiding cancelations, delays and mishandled luggage, while ExpressJet and Envoy Air are the worst.
Most & Least Comfortable: JetBlue offers the most comfortable in-flight experience, while Spirit and Frontier are the least comfortable.
How’s this for thinking out of the box for a luxury holiday gift to help fulfill some bucket list or New Year’s resolution for the ultimate in travel: Magellan Jets’ 25 Hour Jet Card.
The Magellan Jets 25 Hour card affords card-holders guaranteed availability within 8 hours, fixed fuel rates, no repositioning fees, guaranteed WiFi, and exclusive travel benefit packages for the whole family. Choose from 10 aircraft types from the light cabin Hawker 400XP to the luxurious large cabin G450.
The 25 Hour Card starts at $100,000, based on aircraft type.
Magellan Jets is a leader in private jet travel with over 30 years of aviation experience. With a wide variety of membership programs as well as point-to-point charter services, clients are advised on the best option for their specific needs. Benefits of a membership include no repositioning charges, guaranteed aircraft availability with as little as eight hours’ notice, inclusive gourmet catering, and V.I.P. ground transportation. Magellan Jets’ Flight Support department is available 24/7 to provide services such as weather tracking, itinerary changes, and personalized in-flight entertainment. Magellan Jets has operations worldwide and offers flights in the Continental U.S., the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Europe.
Magellan Jets, 2 Heritage Dr. Suite 301, Quincy, MA 02171. 877-550-JETS, www.magellanjets.com.
In the wake of the Germanwings tragedy, Norwegian has decided to change its cockpit procedures so that two crew members always are present in the cockpit.
“Norwegian has been looking into changing its cockpit procedures for a while,” the company said. “However, in light of the tragic Germanwings accident, we are speeding up the process so that two crew members always are present in the cockpit. This means that if one of the pilots leaves the cockpit, one crew member must replace him/her during this time. Our passengers’ and crew’s safety always comes first, which is why we have decided to change our procedures, in line with US regulations.”
Today, there are no European regulatory requirements stating that two crew members must be in the cockpit at all times.
The new procedures will be implemented as soon as Norwegian has received an approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. The company reported its highest ever passenger figures in a single year with almost 24 million passengers in 2014.
Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 424 routes to 130 destinations and employs approximately 4,500 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand.
The company has 258 undelivered aircraft on firm order. Norwegian was founded in 1993 and its headquarter is in Fornebu, Norway.
Norwegian offers better leg room than most competitors, in-flight WiFi on short haul, world-class punctuality and a fleet of 96 aircraft with an average age of only four years. In 2013 and 2014, Norwegian was voted Europe’s best low-cost carrier of the year by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards. In 2014, Norwegian also won three prizes at the prestigious Passenger Choice Awards for Best Airline in Europe, Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications and Best Single Achievement in Passenger Experience for its moving map on the 787 Dreamliners. In addition, Norwegian was awarded Europe’s best low-cost airline by AirlineRatings.com for the second year running.
Beginning November 7, JetBlue will offer its popular “Mint experience” from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Barbados (BGI), one of the top Caribbean routes for the airline. Travelers from the Eastern region of the U.S. will have a premium travel option at an affordable fare with Mint, giving jetsetters a new reason to head to the sun-drenched island.
Between November 7, 2015 and April 30, 2016, JetBlue will operate one roundtrip on Saturdays to Bridgetown, Barbados. And between December 19, 2015 and January 4, 2016 the airline will operate one roundtrip flight daily for the busy holiday travel season.
“This is an amazing win for the island of Barbados,” said Petra Roach BTMI, Director, USA. “Barbados has a long history with luxury airline offerings. We were the only leisure destination to host Concorde service from London for many years and now to be the first home of JetBlue’s Mint service outside of the US is a reflection of the strength of our burgeoning partnership and JetBlue’s continued support of Barbados as a destination. We are thrilled to be a part of this new way to fly with JetBlue where the customers’ premium vacation experience starts the moment they step onto the plane.
Available for booking on JetBlue.com today, roundtrip flights from JFK to Bridgetown are:
JFK-BGI 9:20 a.m. departure, 3:02 p.m. arrival
BGI-JFK 4:15 p.m. departure, 8:30 p.m. arrival
Since launching on transcontinental routes in June 2014, Mint has quickly become recognized for its whole new take on flying, which includes private suites, the widest seat and longest fully-flat bed in the U.S. domestic market, tapas-style dining, custom amenity kits and 15-inch flat screen televisions with free entertainment. With Mint service to the Caribbean, JetBlue will become the only U.S. carrier to operate regularly scheduled service with lie-flat seating to the region.
Barbados is one of the most popular Caribbean travel routes on JetBlue’s growing route map, and one of more than 80 destinations throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. With incredible on-island musical performances, epicurean driven festivals, and motor sport tournaments, 2015 marks the perfect year to travel to Barbados immerse oneself in the distinctive culture and one-of-a-kind events the island has to offer.
JetBlue’s Mint experience to the islands will add a Caribbean twist to some customer favorites, including the tapas-style menu curated by New York City restaurant Saxon+Parole, organic desserts by Blue Marble Ice Cream, a sweet treat from Mah-ze-Dahr Bakery, and customized amenity kits from Birchbox.
“Ever since we launched Mint, customers have been asking us where we will take it next,” said Marty St George, executive vice president commercial and planning, JetBlue. “We re-invented transcontinental flying with Mint, and we anticipate demand for an enhanced product will be equally strong for these Caribbean destinations.”
The A321 Customer Experience
JetBlue offers Mint on its new Airbus A321 aircraft, which features a completely redesigned onboard experience throughout the entire cabin.
“Mint is a remarkable new way to fly, but true to our mission of inspiring humanity, we’ve also taken the same thoughtful approach throughout the aircraft,” said Joanna Geraghty, executive vice president customer experience, JetBlue. “Our completely redesigned A321 interior offers the best experience to Caribbean-bound customers no matter where you’re seated.”
While the Mint experience has set new premium standards, the core experience leads other airlines’ offerings as well. Features of the A321 core interior include 10-inch television screens offering free entertainment, comfortable seats with the most legroom in coach** and power outlets accessible to all customers. JetBlue’s popular marketplace, a self-serve station full of snacks, sodas and water for customers to enjoy at their convenience, is also available throughout the flight.
Extend the Experience With a JetBlue Getaways Vacation Package: Customers looking for the complete package can book Mint seats in conjunction with hotel, car rental and other amenities and activities through JetBlue Getaways. JetBlue Getaways packages to both Barbados offer access to the very best resorts and island experiences with the convenience of one booking process. Call 1-800-JETBLUE to book.
Barbados, an Authentic Caribbean Experience
The island of Barbados an authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.
Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s “2008 Travelers’ Choice Destination Awards” in its Top 100 Destinations category.
JetBlue is New York’s “Hometown Airline” and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 30 million customers a year to 87 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 825 daily flights. Upcoming destinations include: Cleveland on April 30; Reno-Tahoe, Nev. on May 28; and Grenada on June 11, 2015 (subject to receipt of government operating authority). For more information visit JetBlue.com.
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