It isn't taking long for JetBlue Airways to leverage those gates it won at Washington's Reagan National Airport.
The carrier this morning announced two new nonstop routes from Reagan (DCA) to Fort Myers (RSW) and West Palm Beach (PBI) in Florida. The two routes will launch on Dec. 18 and operate during the winter 'snowbiard' season, when thousands of northerners flock south to avoid the cold weather.
The airline today also launched three new routes from DCA to Charleston, SC (CHS), Hartford, Conn. (BDL), and Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). Additionally, JetBlue will boost its existing service to Tampa, Fla., with a second daily flight effective July 2.
JetBlue bid for 12 slot pairs, or 24 flights, at the gates made available at DCA when American Airlines settled in a deal with the Department of Justice. The DOJ agreed not to sue American over its impending merger last year with US Airways in exchange for the lucrative gates.
"JetBlue's first flight from Reagan National was only four years ago, but since then, with our award-winning customer service, we have quickly grown to offer customers 24 daily flights, including the only nonstop to San Juan, Puerto Rico," Rob Land, JetBlue's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel, said in a statement. "By the end of this year we will have up to 30 daily nonstop flights. Reagan National Airport, traditionally known as a high-fare airport, has greatly benefited from the JetBlue effect, as our new service has resulted in a significant reduction in fares in the markets we serve and substantial increase in travelers."
Special introductory fares are available today through June 20, starting at $84 one way to Fort Myers and $94 one way to West Palm Beach for travel between January 6 and February 11, excluding Fridays and Sundays.
More flights will be announced this summer as JetBlue continues to ramp up its presence at DCA.
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