Photo credit: Matt Meduri
One of the nation’s newest low-cost airlines has been expanding across the map in its quest to provide optimal, convenient service it classifies on a scale of “nice.” Created by JetBlue co-founder David Neeleman in 2021, Breeze Airways looks to serve smaller, less-frequently-traveled routes, connecting large-scale airports with smaller regional ones.
Breeze has found a vocal and enthusiastic partner in the Town of Islip, whose MacArthur Airport (ISP) serves as a hub for local businesses, as well as travelers looking to avoid the congestion and possible difficulties of commuting to the New York City airports.
Breeze Airways boasts direct service from ISP to Portland, Maine, Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, Raleigh, North Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, Vero Beach, Florida, and connections using its “Breeze-through” service to Jacksonville, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
At a Tuesday press conference outside the baggage claims carousels, Breeze, Islip Town, and New York State officials gathered to announce a new destination for Islip travelers: Fort Myers, Florida, beginning October 2.
“We know why it’s great to live here [on Long Island] and having this airport is one of those reasons, but we need to get people outside to know that this is a great, great destination,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) (pictured above). “Our customers and this community make it very clear what they want, need, and will support: additional year-round flight options as they may travel more conveniently from ISP, their hometown airport.”
Carpenter said that the purposes of ISP are broad: residents looking to conveniently travel out of state for important life events, such as weddings, residents who have second homes, primarily in Florida, workers taking business trips, and residents looking for a “quick change of scenery or some sunshine in the winter.”
“We’re here to help accomplish that,” said Carpenter, with comments echoed by ISP Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken, who thanked ISP staff and travelers of Long Island who “make this airport successful.”
“It takes our amazing customers and our amazing community of Long Island to keep returning back here and use the services,” said LaRose-Arken.
Jim Smith (pictured above), co-founder of Breeze Airways and Vice President of Corporate Real Estate and Airport Development, opened his remarks by asking the crowd: “Who wants to go to Fort Myers?”
Smith thanked Supervisor Carpenter, Commissioner LaRose-Arken (pictured above), and Deputy Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider for their “passion” and “endless and tireless hard work for all that they do for this community and this airport.”
“If we can get everybody to start using this airport locally, there will just be more and more flights, more and more destinations, and better things to come. So I’m excited about that,” said Smith. “We will launch this [Fort Myers] service with our brand new state-of-the-art aircraft, A220 airplanes that have all the technology that anyone could ever hope for. And airfare is as low as $89 if you purchase your tickets before July 1.”
Fort Myers service will begin seasonal service from October 2 through January 7.
“Coupled with the elevated experience featuring premium seating options and high speed Wi-Fi on our entire fleet of brand new Airbus A220, Breeze is defining what it means to be seriously ‘nice’ in an industry that all too often is not,” added Smith. “We just celebrated our third birthday at Breeze Airways last month, and it has been a complete and total success centered around providing efficient and affordable flights to highly desirable destinations like Long Island and Fort Myers.”
Councilman John Lorenzo (R-West Sayville) (pictured above) whose Council District encompasses most of MacArthur Airport also delivered remarks.
“Breeze is flying directly to Fort Myers, one of my favorite places. I want to thank Breeze for coming here today. I want to thank all the staff and the help and what they’ve done here,” said Lorenzo. “The more we get out of the airport direct flights, the more we will use it here.”
Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville) (pictured above), whose Senate District includes ISP, thanked the involved parties for their efforts in expanding Islip’s reach across the country.
“This has been my home for my whole entire life and I’m proud that it’s entirely within my Senate district,” said Weik. “Anytime our airport grows, that’s a good day here in Islip. I want to thank Breeze for investing in our community and hearing our voices to say we want to go to Fort Myers.”
Supervisor Carpenter added that if any resident has a suggestion to either Breeze Airways or the Airport for a future destination to let the appropriate parties know, as “they do listen.” Carpenter also said that people beyond Islip are coming to realize that ISP is now their hometown airport too, as the airport sees regular travelers from Nassau County, eastern Queens, and across Suffolk’s towns.
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) (pictured above), who represents Smithtown and Huntington Townships, enthusiastically thanked the Islip Town Board, ISP, and Breeze Airways for their continued investments in Long Island.
“I’ve been coming to this airport for a long, long time, and I know all of my Smithtown and Huntington residents are going to be happy that they can have a direct flight and enjoy themselves without traveling into the city,” said Mattera. He added that his mother, a resident of Fort Myers, was ecstatic to learn of a direct Fort Myers-to-Islip route and that she can avoid JFK when coming back to Long Island.
Most Breeze flights are about an hour to two hours long and start as low as $39, one-way. Breeze imposes no change or cancellation fees through the carrier and travelers can change or cancel their flights up to fifteen minutes prior to departure.
While Breeze only sells non-refundable tickets, cancellations or changes result in credits for the full price of the ticket, including any additional purchased items, such as checked bags or seat upgrades.
Breeze also offers two-seat aisles with leather seats, allowing travelers to avoid the often-irritating middle seat and enjoy a comfortable flight.
Also in attendance at Tuesday’s press conference were Islip Town Clerk Linda Vavricka (R-West Islip), Islip Tax Receiver Andy Wittman (R-Sayville), and Councilman Mike McElwee (R-West Islip).
