Following a count-down on the company’s web page and on the social medias, Breeze Airways (MX) finally unveiled its initial portfolio of destinations on May 21 at 8am US Eastern Coast Time. The choice of the moment was not causal, as the debut of the David Neeleman‘s latest creature does not involve the West Coast, as many observers had predicted.

First flights will operate between Charleston (CHS), Tampa (TPA), and Hartford (ORF) starting on May 27. Debut network will comprise 39 non-stop routes between 16 cities in the Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Eastern US, with all flights due to start within July 22, 2021. Ticket sales have been opened today at 8am, too, with fares starting at USD39 one way.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Breeze will focus most of its flights from four main airports: Tampa, Charleston, New Orleans (MSY) and Norfolk. “Together, we created Breeze as a new airline merging technology with kindness.  Breeze provides nonstop service between underserved routes across the U.S. at affordable fares.  A staggering 95 percent of Breeze routes currently have no airline serving them nonstop.   With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly” David Neeleman said.

Breeze will operate 13 single-class Embraer aircraft this summer, flying routes with an average flight length under two hours.  The ten ERJ190 jets will be configured to seat 108 passengers while the three ERJ195 aircraft will have 118 seats.  

Guests may choose from fares that include ‘Nice’ seats, or ‘Nicer’ seats with extra legroom.  The Nice Fare is the airline’s most affordable fare starting at only USD39 one-way and includes a personal item, such as a backpack or purse. Guests can select a seat assignment and add bags to their reservation for an additional cost.  If no seat is selected, then one will be assigned at no cost during check-in. 

The Nice seat pitch is 29 inches on the E-190 aircraft and 31 inches on the E-195s.   A Nice Fare can be paired with a Nicer Seat for an additional cost. The Nicer Fare includes an extra legroom seat assignment, a personal item, carry-on bag (overhead bin), one checked bag, a complimentary drink and snack, and priority boarding. 

The Nicer seat pitch is between 33 and 39 inches on the ERJ190s, depending on the row selected, and between 34 and 39 inches on the ERJ195s. Prices to check or carry-on bags are a flat rate of $20 each, one way, for up to three bags.   This flat rate is the same whether a bag is checked or taken onboard. 

Seat assignments start from USD10, but Family Seating is free for families traveling with children 12 and under.  The charge to travel with a pet in the cabin is USD75.  

While the Airbus A220 fleet will feature both inflight entertainment and WiFi connectivity onboard, the Embraer fleet will not offer connectivity given the much shorter flights.  This summer, the Embraer fleet will feature free inflight entertainment, powered by Global Eagle, streaming to personal electronic devices.  Breeze’s IFE will include TV, games, and a real-time map. Snacks on board will include selections from Utz and KIND bars.   

The airline will receive the first of 60 Airbus A220-300 in October and will get one per month for five years. The A220s will include a premium cabin, called ‘Nicest’ seating, in a two-by-two configuration at the front of the plane.  The remainder of the aircraft will feature a two-by-three seat configuration.

From Tampa, Breeze will inaugurate service on 10 routes, most of which are currently not served: Charleston, (starting May 27), Louisville, (May 28); Tulsa (June 4) Norfolk (June 10); Bentonville/Fayetteville (June 17); Akron/Canton (June 26); Oklahoma City (July 1); Columbus (July 3);  Huntsville, (July 22);  Richmond (July 22).

From Charleston, Breeze will inaugurate service to 11 markets: Hartford (starting May 27); Tampa(May 27); Louisville (May 28); Norfolk (June 10); Akron/Canton (July 8);  Columbus (July 8); New Orleans (July 8); Pittsburgh (July 8); Richmond (July 8); Huntsville (July 15);  Providence (July 22).

From Norfolk, Breeze will inaugurate service on 7 routes:  Charleston (starting June 10); Tampa (June 10); New Orleans (July 15); Columbus (July 22); Hartford (July 22); Pittsburgh (July 22); Providence (July 29).  From New Orleans, Breeze will inaugurate service to 10 markets:  Charleston (starting July 8); Akron/Canton (July 15); Bentonville/Fayetteville (July 15);  Huntsville (July 15);  Louisville (July 15);  Norfolk, (July 15);  Oklahoma (July 15);  Richmond (July 15);  Tulsa (July 15); Columbus (July 16).