The pandemic has brought the travel industry to a halt, with airlines in disarray and countless flights canceled. But while no one is sure as to exactly when frequent travel will restart, JetBlue and Southwest are optimistic. They’ve announced fares as low as $49 for domestic one-way flights, and both airlines say they aim to resume business this summer. Southwest routes will reopen on August 18 and JetBlue by Labor Day.
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JetBlue and Southwest Are Holding Flight Sales, but You Need to Act Fast
In an email blast sent on April 28, JetBlue announced big discounts on fares scheduled for fall 2020, beginning as soon as Labor Day. The lowest fare on offer is a $49 one-way trip from New York City (JFK) to Orlando, Florida (MCO), all taxes included. The low prices will be available until October 20, after which it will increase leading up to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
JetBlue has also teamed up with hotels in various US cities such as Orlando, Miami, and Vegas, offering a round-trip flight plus a two-night stay combo for as low as $245. In an effort to ensure passenger safety, JetBlue is the first US airline to require mandatory face coverings on board, which will go into effect on May 4.
Southwest is promoting a similar slashing of prices. The sale closes on Thursday, April 30, at 11:59 PM. Those who move quickly will find dozens of discounted seats available between August 18 and October 30, 2020. Routes include inter-island Hawaii for around $39 for a one-way flight and $78 for a round trip. Mainland domestic travel begins at $49 one way and $98 for a round trip.
Discounted tickets to Puerto Rico are on sale too, with non-stop flights departing from Baltimore, Chicago, Orlando, and Tampa for under $200 one way. International destinations are also included in the sale. If you’re quick, you can find Los Angeles to Los Cabos for around $128 one way and Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay, Jamaica, starting at $364 round trip.
With these flash sales on flights and Sicily’s announcement of offering to pay half of flight fares and a third of hotel bills, the rebound of the travel industry is beginning to look a lot more promising. 