America's (almost) favorite airline is beginning service to the Virgin Islands.
JetBlue outlined plans to open three new routes to the Territory just in time for winter season, an addition of more than 88,000 seats. The airline will launch flights between Boston Logan International Airport and St. Thomas International Airport. The flights from Logan International Airport will operate for the winter season with five weekly departures beginning December 15, 2011.
Assistant Commissioner of Tourism, Brad Nugent, discusses new service with the airline's CEO, Dave Barger, at a Thursday afternoon press conference.
The Inquiring Iguana has been wishing for Jet Blue service to the islands for almost six years! Here's a post from 2005.
You can book the new flights at jetblue.com now. And if you can tolerate one or two stops, and go far out of your way, you can book from Washington or other airports and connect to the Boston flight. Probably only makes sense if you're a big fan of Jet Blue's frequent flier program.
A check of the airline's Web site shows the non-stop Boston to STT flight departing at 9:35 a.m. and arriving at 2:30 p.m. There are additional routes, Boston to St. Croix and St. Thomas via San Juan, connecting over the water via Cape Air (a great ride!).
But, from BOS to STT – it's a start. If New England climbs on board these flights, it's possible Jet Blue will consider expanding islands' service through Washington or New York.
“In developing the new service, we have always been mindful that consistent cost-effective air service to/from San Juan provides an important economic and tourism function for our local community and businesses. The added capacity created by this new JetBlue service to both St. Croix and St. Thomas will not only allow us to maximize the inbound market from Puerto Rico and market to potential visitors connecting through San Juan, but it also provides additional flights for Virgin Islanders traveling to Puerto Rico.” added Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty.
Finally some real competition!
Sweet, more leg room, 1st bag free, 45 channels of private viewing and headphones are only $2.
Good bye USAIR!!!!!!
Would LOVE to be able to add this as an option fromthe Washington, DC area!!!!
The DC area has a huge amount of people who fly to the USVI’s. It’s ashame we don’t have a direct flight from any airline.
Patrick, let’s hope so, but the flights I just checked on Jetblue are in the $750 to $1000 range, about the same as AA.
i didn’t see the listing for St Thomas on the Jet Blue site so I checked Boston to San Juan and it was $119 each way. Can’t beat that.
well its going to be more cost effective to fly then hire a car and drive.
Congratulations to JetBlue. While airlines are upping their costs and the economy is in a sludge here we see JetBlue opening up a new service. I think it comes down to the quality of a corporation’s management.
It is a nice offer specially this holiday season atleast the competition there, it means the airfare become more competitive.
Thank you for the information from your sites.
Nice information. I want to be the first one to try the jet blue.
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Would LOVE to be able to add this as an choice from the California, DC area!!!