JetBlue's 'banker's' run: Boston - Charlotte
There's a science to picking new nonstop airline markets. You don't just throw a dart at a board and see where it lands. To that end, discount airline JetBlue is launching Boston (BOS) to Charlotte (CLT) service on May 1, and selling seats on the route for an introductory discount airfare of $79.
Why Boston - Charlotte? There's a financial affinity between the two towns, one built on banking. Both are headquarters to some of this country's prime financial institutions.
JetBlue is fielding a single daily nonstop on the route, bringing a bit of competition to a route that has been dominated by Charlotte-hubbed US Airways.
The one-way $79 introductory discount airfare has to be booked by March 14. No round-trip purchase is required. The rate is good for flights through June 15, and there's a 14-day advance purchase required. Neither taxes nor fees are included.
It will be interesting to see if JetBlue is able to catch on between Boston and Charlotte, and expand service beyond a single daily nonstop. The flight is not timed for there-and-back day trips. It departs Boston at 8:10am, and gets to the gate at CLT at 10:20am. The return leg leaves Charlotte at 10:55am and arrives Boston at 1:15pm. That's a good schedule if you're planning to stay overnight.
The low-fare, high-frills carrier could be betting on its amenities package to woo new fliers: DIRECTV® at every seat, XM Satellite radio, and such.
JetBlue will fly a new Embraer 190 on the Boston - Charlotte run.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler