Major airline announces new nonstop flights from California

JetBlue is bringing back a coast-to-coast route it quietly axed more than a year ago — and this time it’s adding a luxury twist.

The airline announced it will resume nonstop flights between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 19, restoring a cross-country connection that was scrapped in January 2025.

Daily departures from San Diego are slated for 11 a.m. But the bigger selling point may be what’s inside the cabin.

Alongside the route’s return, the airline is upgrading the experience by adding its Mint premium cabin.

The service includes lie-flat seating and curated dining. JetBlue says it will be the only carrier offering a business-class product between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale.

Tickets are already on sale through JetBlue’s website and mobile app, and TrueBlue members who book by Sunday could score 2,500 bonus points.

JetBlue is also expanding its Mint footprint across the West Coast, adding more premium service from Los Angeles and San Francisco this winter as it doubles down on South Florida.

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At present, Alaska Airlines provides daily service to Fort Lauderdale only on a seasonal basis, while Southwest Airlines plans to launch its own seasonal flights on Nov. 21 for winter holiday travel.

The company has already boosted daily departures from Fort Lauderdale by more than 75% this year and expects to operate around 150 daily flights from the South Florida airport by winter.

“With this growth, it marks the largest Mint schedule from Fort Lauderdale in the airline’s history,” JetBlue said in a news release.

Senior vice president of revenue, network and enterprise planning Daniel Shurz said the changes will give travelers “more flights, more premium options and the comfort of Mint on key West Coast routes.”

Operating revenue rose 4.7% year over year to $2.24 billion, but the company still posted a per-share loss of $0.86, wider than analyst expectations of a $0.72 loss.

JetBlue has also adjusted its baggage fees in response to rising jet fuel costs.

Checked bags now cost $39 on off-peak days and up to $49 during peak travel periods, with lower costs available for customers who prepay online or qualify through status benefits.

While losses and debt continue to weigh on the airline following several unprofitable quarters, JetBlue is increasingly leaning into Florida-focused growth, targeting higher-yield leisure and holiday travel demand.