JetBlue to again offer nonstop flights to Los Angeles from Palm Beach International Airport
WEST PALM BEACH — The on-again, off-again nonstop flights to Los Angeles from Palm Beach International Airport are about to start up again.
The resumption of year-round JetBlue service is expected to begin daily Dec. 15 and continue through at least April, according to Joe Harrington, communications director for PBIA.
“We are hopeful that if the community really utilizes this service, JetBlue would consider expanding it,” said Harrington, noting that some level of service is expected to begin in November before the daily service begins.
JetBlue suspended the nonstop route between West Palm Beach and LAX in April 2022 after nearly 18 months of service four times a week. JetBlue officials attributed the cutback to the high price of fuel at that time.
ALSO AT PBIA: Delta to add winter flights from PBI to Westchester, N.Y.; service starts in November
Return of LAX service from PBIA sign of air travel's post-COVID recovery
Aviation consultant Jeff Miller said then that such moves are part of the business, adding they are a tool to ensure the profitability of the airline. Flights with one stop are currently available at PBIA, but they can take more than 10 hours, making them impracticable for many travelers.
Air traffic throughout the country has surged since the lows in 2020 when COVID-19 affected air travel.
PBIA is experiencing record passenger volume, according to Laura Beebe, director of airports. In July, 539,873 passengers flew out of the airport, a 17% increase over the same month in 2022. The year-to-date figure was 7.4 million, an increase of 15%.
Jeremy Smith, a professor of transportation and logistics at Keiser University, said it is clear that fear of catching COVID on airplanes has eased, resulting in a significant increase in travelers vacationing throughout the country but particularly in South Florida.
"Consumers had been very afraid to fly," he noted. "That is no longer the case."
IN FORT LAUDERDALE: New low-cost nonstop flights coming to FLL: Canadians, UF students to benefit
PBIA to see new service to other cities during winter season
More than 1 million passengers used JetBlue from January through July, accounting for 28% of PBIA's volume, making it the No. 1 carrier. In addition to the new JetBlue service, other seasonal flights returning to the airport include service to Minneapolis, Chicago, Houston and Washington-Dulles International Airport.
PBIA reported that J.D. Power has ranked it as the nation’s fourth-best medium-sized airport. “We are honored and thrilled to be recognized by J.D. Power,” Beebe said. “This placement underscores our commitment to a world-class, stress-free customer experience.”
IN FORT LAUDERDALE: Expanded seasonal service coming to FLL; flights to Ronald Reagan added
J.D. Power examined food and beverage options at the airport as well as baggage claim and terminal facilities, among other factors. PBIA is currently adding more restaurant and retail space as part of a Concourse B expansion.
The project will also result in two new passenger jet bridges, expanded restrooms, adult changing areas, a sensory area for those with sensitivities and dedicated nursing stations.
Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: JetBlue to offer nonstop flights to Los Angeles from West Palm Beach
