The newest JetBlue route map offers some unusual routes for travelers
Faced with the requirement to serve a number of airports that otherwise lack demand JetBlue will adjust its route network in May and June, offering a number of "tag" flights rather than nonstop service to a focus city. The moves are aimed at reducing costs while maintaining compliance with DOT-issued guidance tied to the receipt of financial support from the CARES Act.
While this is the most economical way of serving these markets, saving us resources and cash, our Government Affairs team continues to work with the DOT to gain further flexibility in order to reduce flying even more to better match demand. So please be aware that this decision is subject to change as work with the DOT proceeds.
The following new routes will operate as direct flights:
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Boston - Chicago - Minneapolis/St. Paul
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Boston - Denver - Albuquerque
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Boston - New Orleans - Houston
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Boston - Las Vegas - San Diego
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Boston - Seattle - Portland, OR
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Long Beach - Palm Springs - New York/JFK
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Long Beach - Salt Lake City - Bozeman
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New York/JFK - Denver - Albuquerque
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New York/JFK - New Orleans - Houston
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New York/JFK - Las Vegas - San Diego
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New York/JFK - Seattle - Portland, OR
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New York/JFK - San Francisco - Sacramento
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New York/JFK - Orlando - Sarasota
The "tag" flights are expected to be loaded for sale in the coming week.
While JetBlue will maintain its Mint business class offering in the transcon markets those same aircraft continuing on tag flights (e.g. SFO-SMF, LAS-SAN, SEA-PDX) will not offer the upgraded experience on board.
Additionally, not all of the routes will operate throughout the period. Expect to see either JFK or Boston as a base for some of the routings, for example, switching between the two as demand shifts, rather than both operating at the same time.
I predicted some of these routes a week ago, though I also suggested a more aggressive and triangle approach rather than tag-flights.
For JetBlue, I'd fly a bunch of triangle routes. Each should be able to operate <8 hours total block time to stay within the duty day for pilots.
Combine PDX/SMF, BZN/RNO, PSP/ABQ from LGB or LAX. Pair ORD/MSP from BOS/JFK and DFW/IAH from MCO/FLL.
Each runs 3x weekly. pic.twitter.com/O8dMMeAyFi
- Seth Miller (@WandrMe) April 17, 2020
The tag flights plan follows on Alaska Airlines' efforts to similarly adjust its schedules to maintain the minimum connectivity necessary while also complying with the FAA's requirements to serve all existing markets.
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