Breeze Airways Floods US Market with New Routes; Are Low Fares a Consumer Trap?

Utah-based Breeze Airways, known for its "Seriously Nice" approach, is aggressively expanding its low-cost route network across the United States and the Caribbean. The budget carrier is significantly increasing its flight capacity, a move that is expected to intensify competition in the domestic travel market.

Major Network Expansion and Key Destinations

Breeze Airways is introducing new service from several key cities. The expansion includes routes from Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Hartford (BDL), and Columbus (CMH). New destinations also feature Atlantic City (ACY) and Brownsville (BRO).

The airline is also restoring flight service to San Antonio (SAT) after a four-year absence. David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO, expressed excitement about this return. The carrier is also adding Nassau, Bahamas, as its fourth international destination.

• New routes begin in May and June 2026.
• The Brownsville to Orlando route starts May 15, 2026.
• Many new routes will utilize the Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
• The airline is operating nearly 41% more flights in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025.

This growth strategy focuses on providing convenient, direct service to cities often overlooked by larger carriers. The new routes connect places like Louisville to Los Angeles, a nearly cross-country flight.

The Low-Fare Caution: Ancillary Fees and Unbundling

This expansion into the low-fare market comes with a consumer warning. A recent Travel Inflation Report from personal finance website NerdWallet highlighted a key trend. It noted that while base flight prices have decreased over the last decade, travel still feels expensive.

This feeling is largely due to the industry practice of "unbundling." Airlines advertise lower base fares, often for basic economy seats. These low fares, however, frequently come with significant ancillary fees.

Ancillary fees are extra charges for services once included in the ticket price. These can include fees to check bags or guarantee an aisle seat. They also cover charges for securing early boarding.

Globally, airlines earned a record $117.9 billion from ancillary fees in 2023. This shows the growing importance of these charges to airline revenue.

Industry Impact and Consumer Outlook

Breeze Airways' aggressive growth, leveraging its Airbus A220-300 and Embraer 190 fleet, increases competition. This is especially true on routes connecting underserved destinations.

However, the NerdWallet report advises consumers to remain cautious. Travelers must carefully calculate the final cost of a ticket. This includes all necessary fees for bags and seating.

Consumers should also monitor for airline consolidation. Fewer airlines on a route can lead to less competition. This gives remaining carriers more power to charge higher fees.

Breeze Airways is actively competing with its fare bundles. These range from the "No Flex Fare" to the "Nicest" bundle. The Nicest bundle includes first-class seating, Wi-Fi, and checked bags.

The airline's expansion, including its fourth international destination, Nassau, is timed for the summer travel season. This move signals a strong push for leisure travelers.

Ultimately, the expansion offers travelers more options and competitive starting prices. Yet, consumers must be aware of the total cost of their journey. They should account for the impact of airline ancillary fees on their budget. The low-cost model requires careful booking to realize true savings.

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