JetBlue Opens Up Bookings for London Flights
JetBlue has been planning to launch flights to London for a while now. And finally, the day is here. No you can’t fly to London just yet, but you can book your JetBlue flights for travel starting in August.
JetBlue is entering the transatlantic market with nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy international Airport (JFK) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) starting August 11, 2021. It will then add nonstop service between New York-JFK and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) starting September 29, 2021. London service from Boston will start in Summer 2022.
“The pandemic has opened doors to London’s two busiest airports, and we look forward to bringing customers low fares and great service at both Heathrow and Gatwick,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “JFK-LHR, the single largest international air travel market from the US, has long suffered from outrageously high fares for far too long, especially in premium cabins. We’re ready to change that with a price point and experience that will impress even the most discerning transatlantic flyers. We’ve always said that JetBlue would serve multiple London airports, and we’re pleased to have secured a path at Heathrow and for long-term growth at Gatwick, which offers speed, low costs, and convenient accessibility into Central London.”
The launch of transatlantic flights was delayed, which means JetBlue will miss most of the peak summer travel that is expected to see record numbers or travelers post-pandemic. However, travel between the United States and the United Kingdom is still restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s not clear when restrictions will be eased.
Flights on both routes will operate daily on JetBlue’s new Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft. It has 24 redesigned Mint suites, 117 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior. JetBlue is set to take delivery of three A321LRs in 2021, all operating on the JFK routes. Additional A321LRs scheduled for 2022 will operate Boston service.
London Fares
Seats on both Heathrow and Gatwick routes are on sale already, starting today. But keep in mind that travel restrictions are still in place.
The fares for U.S.-based travelers are advertised as starting at $599 roundtrip for nonrefundable basic economy fares and starting at $1,979 roundtrip for JetBlue’s premium Mint experience. You can actually find some dates with cheaper prices, maybe for about $50 less. Mint fares from San Juan to London (via New York) could be a much cheaper option at just $795 roundtrip, but you don’t get a Mint cabin.
U.K.-based travelers can enjoy special introductory roundtrip fares starting at £329 for basic economy fares and £999 for Mint.
If you are booking with JetBlue TrueBlue points, the cost of award flights is based on the cash price. Additionally it gets very expensive if you’re booking one way fares.
Flight Schedule
Schedule between New York (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR)
- Daily Beginning August 11, 2021
- JFK – LHR Flight #007 (10:10 p.m. – 10:10 a.m. +1)
- LHR – JFK Flight #20 (6:10 p.m. – 9:43 p.m.)
Schedule between New York (JFK) and London Gatwick (LGW)
- Daily Beginning September 29, 2021
- JFK – LGW Flight #43 (7:50 p.m. – 7:55 a.m. +1)
- LGW – JFK Flight #44 (12:00 p.m. – 3:33 p.m.)
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Now all we need is the UK to drop their stupid test and quarantine rules for vaccinated passengers.