JetBlue's New Route Is A Seamless Air-Rail Adventure Connecting Florida's Skies And Coasts

JetBlue continues to evolve and transform from its humble, budget airliner roots to a more premium, customer-friendly service that seeks to make its clientele's travels even easier. With their partnership announcement with Floridian rail service, Brightline, the airline's flyers can expect even more convenient connections than before. Not long after announcing a major partnership with United Airlines, forming the new "Blue Sky" alliance, as well as unveiling two first-of-its-kind premium lounges at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JetBlue launched yet another groundbreaking amenity. For many of its Florida destinations, the airline is now offering round-trip or one-way tickets that include fare onto the state's innovative rail service to connect travelers with cities that are linked by this private rail system.

Currently, JetBlue serves airports in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Meanwhile, Brightline has stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. As a result, customers may now move from airports to train stations with the ease of shuttle service to get to these different destinations. For instance, a JetBlue Mint or core economy class flyer can fly into Fort Lauderdale, take a shuttle to the Brightline station, and then continue onward on a rail service to Boca Raton, all on one ticket.

JetBlue continues to build its network with new routes announced to under-the-radar cities and popular European vacation destinations. As such, it's no surprise that the airline is exploring creative ways to connect its customers to as many destinations as possible. Beyond that, it is also creating contingencies that help its operations run as smoothly as possible in the case of disruption.

Brightline revolutionized train travel within the state of Florida with the unveiling of its first route between Miami and West Palm Beach in 2018. Since then, it has opened stations and routes in Boca Raton and Orlando, with eyes set on expansions in the city of Stuart and Martin County. The company made history as the fastest train service in Florida, and a subsidiary of Brightline, Brightline West, is currently working on becoming the nation's first "true high-speed passenger rail system," connecting southern California with Las Vegas. 

As such, it's no secret that Brightline aims to be the most efficient, fastest, and largest growing rail network in the country. This partnership between JetBlue and Brightline, thus, brings a whole new rider base to its existing Florida market — mutually benefiting the two travel providers.

Not only does the partnership build better connectivity, but it also provides a different avenue by which JetBlue can facilitate travelers' itineraries in the case of airport closures or airline issues. If flight operations are disrupted because of weather, for example, and trains are still permitted to travel, JetBlue can rely on Brightline to rebook its flyers onto a rail connection to get them to their destination rather than waiting for alternative flights. Premium tickets on Brightline also come with additional benefits for travelers. These include complimentary beverages and snacks, a premium carriage, lounge access at stations, and even a $10 Uber voucher. Additionally, all travelers experiencing the JetBlue to Brightline transfer can expect complimentary Wi-Fi aboard trains, USB charging points (both A and C) at seats, and refreshment stations. The travel experience on Brightline is extremely comfortable, clean, and — pardon the pun — bright. With this air-to-rail partnership, both companies will hopefully see a boost.