Information on Breeze Airways Flights

One of the newest U.S. airlines is named Breeze, and it is the brainchild of aviation legend David Neeleman (founder of other major airlines like JetBlue and Azul in Brazil). His prowess in developing airlines that fill a specific niche has led to success on different continents, and this is true for Breeze.

The young airline focuses on flying currently unserved routes between cities with strong demand but no competition. This helps it to fill planes and provide nonstop service from airports to key destinations so that passengers need not change planes. Its goal: to make air travel a “breeze.”

The Breeze route map

The route map for Breeze is its point of differentiation. Its fares are designed to encourage travel between city pairs that deserve nonstop service, but may not be able to fill planes on a daily basis. This helps travelers to avoid making a connection. For this reason, the airline does not have hub airports like traditional carriers.

Instead, the bread and butter for Breeze is operating nonstop flights between secondary cities that do not already have service (or at least to encourage lower airfare between those cities). Neeleman’s goal for Breeze is to help travelers get to their destination faster, for cheaper.

Breeze does have focus cities where it launches numerous flights to different destinations. These include places like Charleston, South Carolina and Hartford, Connecticut. From these cities, the airline overflies other carrier hubs to get people where they need to go nonstop.

Breeze can connect major airports like Los Angeles and San Francisco with secondary ones like Providence, Rhode Island and Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia on a nonstop basis. And while Breeze promotes low fares, travelers are often willing to spend more for a nonstop flight than one with a connection.

It is important to note many of the airline’s flights are not daily, and the schedule is limited. In the event of a cancellation, there may not be another option to get you where you need to go. And if flights do not meet expectations, Breeze is not afraid to close unprofitable routes. After all, its entire premise is based on tapping unserved markets to fly at a profit.

The Breeze fleet

Modern and efficient, Breeze operates three types of two-engine jets: the new Airbus A220 plus the Embraer 190 and Embraer 195. The Embraer aircraft are in a 2-2 layout from nose to tail of the plane. The Airbus plane has 2-2 seating in the first three rows and a 2-3 configuration for the rest of the plane.

One of the reasons Breeze chose these planes, especially the A220, is their capability to efficiently fly longer distances. It is the largest plane in the airline’s fleet with 137 seats, and it can easily operate cross-country routes.

Only the A220 has premium seating, known as Breeze Ascent, while the Embraer planes have standard seats as well as a section with more legroom for an upcharge to the fare bundle. Breeze Ascent seats also have a leg rest that extends from below the seat.

The Airbus planes have access to power and USB outlets to use during the flight. Embraer aircraft in the Breeze fleet do not.

Breeze classes of service

Breeze blurs the line between full-service and budget carriers because it has a “first class” area on some aircraft, but not all. The different types of seats are tied to the fare type you buy. These are the various seat types you will find once on the plane.

Breeze Ascent

The seats in the first three rows of the A220 are in a 2-2 layout and are like a traditional first class seat on other major U.S. carriers. They have slightly more recline than what other major airlines offer and a similar width, which makes them a great option for those that want to either work or relax.

All of this comes at a price point that is generally much less than what other airlines are charging for their first class product. And for many travelers, Breeze offers a nonstop flight between cities that would normally require passengers to make a connection.

It is a bit too good to be true, though. There is no lounge access for Ascent passengers, and even on long flights, there is no hot meal catering. Other missing perks are that there is no pre-departure beverage for Breeze Ascent passengers.

In fact, there are no meals at all on Breeze flights. Instead, you can help yourself to an unlimited number of snacks from the snack basket. On a five-hour flight, chowing down on bags of chips and biscotti is hardly healthy. On shorter flights, the freebies may be more limited though.

I recommend bringing your own goodies. You can also pay for things like meat and cheese plates or snack boxes with things like hummus and olives. These are not free for Ascent passengers. The bar menu, however, is, with wine, craft beer and cocktails availble to enjoy.

The benefit of priority boarding, more legroom and being the first off the plane are all benefits of booking Ascent. And for the (usually) lower airfare than connecting itineraries, this is a deal that I am worth taking.

Extra Legroom seats

These seats have extra legroom and are closer to the front of the plane. But, they do not have any additional onboard perks unless you buy a particular fare bundle. When I am on a short flight, this is a great upgrade from the standard seat for extra comfort.

Standard seats

More like traditional airplane seats, these have a tighter legroom area, and as someone tall, I would only book this category if it were a short flight. Luckily, no matter what seat you book, they all have the same underseat storage space.

Fare bundles

Like other airlines, Breeze offers several bundled fare products at different price points. This a la carte approach to pricing gives travelers the chance to only pay for the services they want, whether that is more leg room, free drinks or more flexible change rules.

Keep in mind, the fare bundle you select (since it is tied to the specific seat you get) applies to each person in the reservation. If I want the Nicest bundle and a companion wants the No Flex Fare, we would need to book separate reservations.

No Flex Fare

This is the most restrictive, no-change fare, and it is similar to other airline’s basic economy prices. These fares charge for everything from seat assignments to bags (both larger carry-on and checked luggage). One bag that fits under the seat is included.

No Flex Fare passengers also board last after all other groups. All food and drinks (except water) on board carry a surcharge, and changes are not possible on this type of ticket. Canceling the ticket would only result in a partial credit.

Nice

This fare bundle charges for advance seat assignments, Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks and a checked bag, but travelers can bring a carry-on bag for free. Changes to the reservation are available for any difference in fare, and a cancellation would return a full refund.

Nicer

Slightly more expensive, Nicer fares get an upgrade to Extra Legroom seats plus a suite of free perks: a checked bag, carry-on bag, Wi-Fi, priority boarding and flexible change policies, including a full refund. Food and drinks are not free.

Nicest

This is the fare type that comes with Ascent seating. In other words, the Nicest fare is a more affordable version of first class than what other airlines offer. Everything onboard is free, and travelers can bring a second checked bag without an additional charge.

Onboard amenities

Some, but not all, of Breeze’s planes have onboard Wi-Fi although the airline is working to add this fleetwide. It is only complimentary for certain types of fares as part of the airline’s bundles.

If you are lucky to get a plane with Wi-Fi, then you can access the entertainment system with free TV programs, movies and music. While I find the selection to be rather limited, it does help to pass the time. There is also free messaging, no matter the fare bundle.

Since Breeze operates some flights as long as five hours, it is disappointing to find yourself on a plane without Wi-Fi or onboard entertainment. Be sure to come prepared for alternative options.

Breeze loyalty program

BreezePoints are the credits you earn based on the number of flights you take. If you buy a Nice fare, you earn double credits. I really like that the Nicer and Nicest fares come with 5x credits.

They are redeemable for everything from airfare and taxes to fare upgrades, bag fees or even when paying for a pet to travel. This flexible approach delivers solid value to program members since they can earn and enjoy redemptions without having to wait until they reach a high threshold. You can also earn bonus points on flights and other fees when paying with the Breeze Easy Visa card.