Breeze Airways is a low-cost carrier launched recently that focuses on direct flights between underserved US cities. The airline comes from David Neeleman, who also founded JetBlue, so while Breeze itself is new, the expertise behind it definitely isn’t. Here’s everything you need to know about this airline that’s trying to shake up how we think about budget travel.
How Breeze differentiates itself
Breeze’s model is different: the airline connects underserved cities directly, bypassing the typical hub-and-spoke system. Think Richmond to Charleston or Albany to Tampa – routes where you’d normally connect through a major airport. This point-to-point approach makes travel quicker and often cheaper for folks in smaller markets.
Most Breeze flights are nonstop, but the airline also offers something called BreezeThru – a one-stop service where you stay on the plane while it picks up more passengers. It’s Breeze’s take on a direct flight, and it’s worth understanding the difference when you’re booking.
Since its launch, the airline has emphasized low fares, flexible booking policies, and customer-centric service, promising travelers a “Seriously Nice” experience. (That’s the tagline for Breeze.) Another differentiator? Additional fees are reasonably priced. Checked bags and in-cabin pets cost extra but won’t break the bank.
Of course, as a low-cost airline, expect starting fares to also be low.
Where the airline flies
In a world of cookie-cutter carriers, I appreciate that Breeze is trying to break that mold and provide cost-effective convenience to travelers who don’t live in major metropolitan areas. The airline operates routes across the US to over 60 cities, with a majority being secondary destinations like Tampa to Tulsa or Charleston to Hartford.
One thing to know: Breeze adds and drops routes pretty quickly based on demand and seasonality. That nimbleness is great for trying new destinations, but if you need a consistent carrier for regular travel, this might not be your airline. Always check that your route is still operating before booking a return trip.
In addition, unlike traditional airlines, Breeze doesn’t usually offer flights every single day of the week. With its point-to-point model, some routes may operate with less-than-daily service. It’s important to check the schedule before assuming that Breeze flies to a certain place with regularity.
On many of these routes, Breeze offers nonstop service, often at prices other carriers can’t match.
Fare classes
Breeze offers four fare types, and understanding them helps you avoid surprise fees. Here’s what you get with each:
Nicest (A220 only): Front cabin seating with nearly 2 feet width and 39 inches of legroom, two checked bags, carry-on, personal item, free WiFi, and complimentary snacks and drinks including alcohol
Nicer: Standard seat with extra legroom (33 inches), one checked bag, carry-on, personal item, priority boarding, no change or cancellation fees
Nice: Standard seat assignment, carry-on, personal item, no change or cancellation fees, full flight credit valid for 24 months if you change plans
No Flex Fare (basic economy): Personal item only, everything else costs extra including seat selection and carry-on
The Nicest fare is essentially domestic first class, while No Flex is Breeze’s budget option with the most restrictions.
Types of aircraft
Breeze currently operates the modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which has become the backbone of their fleet. The airline’s official website showcases this aircraft type, highlighting its passenger-friendly features and efficiency for the routes Breeze serves.
The A220 is where Breeze really shines. The 2-3 configuration means no middle seats on one side of the plane, and you’ll notice wider seats and a quieter cabin than you’d expect from a budget carrier. It’s also got longer range and better capacity, making it ideal for both shorter regional routes and longer transcontinental flights.
Onboard experience
Amenities and features
The A220 has WiFi, USB-C charging ports at every seat, and free streaming entertainment to your own device – no seatback monitors here. WiFi is included with Nicer and Nicest fares, while Nice passengers can purchase it onboard.
Food and drink
Travelers in Nicest class get complimentary snacks and drinks including alcohol, while everyone else can buy something from the onboard menu.
Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard, including alcoholic drinks. Beverages cost extra unless you’re in Nicest class.
The onboard menu focuses on snacks and beverages rather than full meal service. (However, that’s pretty normal for a low-cost airline.)
Service
Service is friendly and generally efficient, though it varies by flight. Set your expectations accordingly – this is a budget carrier focused on getting you there affordably, not a luxury experience.
Airline partners, earning and redeeming miles
Breeze is an independent carrier and isn’t currently part of any major airline alliances such as SkyTeam, Star Alliance, or Oneworld. As the carrier expands, Breeze may pursue partnerships, particularly those outside the US and ones that are looking for domestic airlines to connect international travelers to smaller cities.
However, the airline does have its own straightforward and flexible loyalty program, called BreezePoints. Travelers earn BreezePoints on every flight, with points awarded based on the fare class and the price of the ticket. You’ll earn 1x points per dollar on No-Flex fares, 2x on Nice fares, and 5x on the base fare for Nicer and Nicest fares, plus 5x on qualifying add-ons.
To redeem BreezePoints, travelers can use them to cover the cost of base fares, taxes, fees, and add-ons like seat upgrades, bags, and pets. Points expire 24 months after you earn them, and there are no elite tiers with the program. Finally, the airline also has a credit card: the Breeze Easy Visa Signature Rewards Card. This card likely only makes sense for diehard Breeze travelers, and even then, it’s a tough sell due to its annual fee and the airline’s limited network.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
