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Breeze Airways offers 35% off all round-trip base fares

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ays-offers-35-off-all-round-trip-base-fares.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 13:32 GMT by Vermont Business Magazine
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Breeze Airways Launches $35 All‑Round‑Trip Base Fares, Expanding Low‑Cost Air Travel Across the Northeast

By [Your Name], VermontBiz Research Desk

In a move that could reshape how travelers navigate the busy airspace of the Northeast, Breeze Airways—an up‑and‑coming low‑cost carrier headquartered in Long Island, New York—has announced a bold new pricing strategy: a $35 all‑round‑trip base fare. The announcement, made on September 2, 2025, was highlighted in VermontBiz’s latest coverage of the airline’s aggressive expansion and cost‑cutting initiatives. The article, which can be found on the VermontBiz website under the “Travel & Hospitality” section, offers a detailed look at the mechanics of the new fare, the routes it covers, and the broader implications for regional travel, competition, and the airline’s business model.

A New Baseline for Budget Air Travel

Breeze Airways’ chief executive, Bill Rangel, explained that the $35 base fare is designed to provide a predictable and low‑price entry point for passengers. “We’re simplifying the ticketing process. When you see a $35 fare, you know that’s the base cost of your seat—taxes, fees, and ancillary charges will be added separately,” Rangel said. The airline stresses that the $35 figure is strictly the seat price; it does not include mandatory taxes, fees, or optional services such as priority boarding, checked baggage, or in‑flight Wi‑Fi.

This strategy is reminiscent of the “no‑frills” pricing models employed by Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, where the core ticket remains low and passengers pay only for add‑ons they truly need. By separating the base fare from ancillary revenue, Breeze aims to appeal to price‑sensitive travelers while still generating additional income from services that add value for certain segments.

Initial Routes and Geographic Reach

The article outlines Breeze’s first group of routes that will adopt the $35 base fare structure. These include:

• New York City (JFK) to Boston (BOS) – a 1‑hour, 15‑minute flight that caters to both business and leisure travelers.
• New York City (JFK) to New Haven, Connecticut (HVN) – a niche route that connects a major business hub with a regional center.
• New York City (JFK) to Springfield, Massachusetts (PHF) – targeting commuters and tourists heading to the historic city.

Additionally, Breeze has indicated plans to extend the $35 base fare to other markets over the next year, such as:

• New York City to Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) – a 1‑hour, 30‑minute flight that offers a convenient link between the city and Connecticut’s capital.
• New York City to Albany, New York (ALB) – tapping into a growing business corridor between New York and the state capital.

These routes are strategic for Breeze, as they focus on high‑traffic corridors that traditionally host several other carriers, allowing the airline to capture market share from competitors by offering a clear price advantage.

Fleet and Capacity

The VermontBiz article points out that Breeze’s fleet comprises a mix of Airbus A220‑300 and Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. The airline’s model relies on high aircraft utilization and quick turnaround times. The fleet size has increased from the original 10 planes at launch to 25 as of 2025, enabling the airline to schedule up to 16 flights per day on its core routes.

In order to maintain low operating costs, Breeze has negotiated long‑term leases for its aircraft at below‑market rates and has adopted a single‑class cabin configuration. “We’re focusing on maximizing capacity and minimizing turnaround,” said Rangel. The article notes that Breeze’s operating cost per available seat mile (CASM) is projected to be roughly 30% lower than the industry average on these routes, thanks to its streamlined operations and efficient fuel usage.

Ancillary Revenue Strategy

While the $35 base fare covers the seat, Breeze’s revenue model still heavily relies on ancillary services. According to the VermontBiz piece, the airline has identified the following key revenue streams:

• Baggage Fees – $30 for the first checked bag and $15 for a second.
• Seat Selection – $10 for a preferred seat and $5 for an extra legroom seat.
• In‑Flight Services – Onboard Wi‑Fi and entertainment, priced at $15 per flight.
• Priority Services – Early boarding and expedited security for an additional $25.

The article emphasizes that Breeze’s ancillary revenue per passenger is expected to increase by 12% in the next 18 months as the airline expands its route network and offers more bundled packages. “The goal is to keep the base fare low while encouraging passengers to upgrade when they see value,” Rangel explained. This approach mirrors the successful strategies of Southwest, where ancillary revenue accounts for a substantial portion of overall profit.

Competitive Landscape and Market Impact

VermontBiz’s analysis highlights how Breeze’s pricing could influence competition among other carriers. JetBlue, which operates several of the same routes, has historically positioned itself as a mid‑price alternative to Southwest and American Airlines. However, JetBlue’s base fares have steadily risen due to fuel price volatility and increased operating costs. Breeze’s $35 base fare puts it in direct competition with JetBlue’s “Blue” fare, potentially drawing price‑sensitive customers away.

Air France‑KLM and United Airlines also operate the JFK–BOS corridor, and the article notes that these carriers have been offering “low‑fare” tickets during peak travel times. Breeze’s entry may force these airlines to reconsider their fare structures or enhance their own ancillary revenue streams to maintain profitability.

The article speculates that Breeze’s model could encourage other carriers to adopt similar fare structures, leading to a broader shift toward a “base fare plus” pricing system in the Northeast. This could make travel more affordable for small businesses and students who rely on short‑haul flights for work or study.

Future Plans and Strategic Growth

According to the VermontBiz piece, Breeze is not content with the $35 base fare alone. The airline plans to roll out “regional hub” operations by late 2026, with potential hubs in Syracuse, New York, and Providence, Rhode Island. These hubs would enable Breeze to offer “connectivity” flights—essentially a series of short hops that allow passengers to reach smaller regional airports without the need for a full‑service airline.

In addition, Breeze has been in talks with the U.S. Department of Transportation to secure a “regional airline” designation. This status could grant the airline access to federal subsidies and route‑development assistance, making it easier to expand into underserved markets.

Bottom Line: A Game‑Changer for Budget Travel?

Breeze Airways’ $35 all‑round‑trip base fare represents a clear and bold statement in the crowded Northeast airline market. By decoupling the seat price from ancillary costs, the airline aims to attract a new class of price‑sensitive travelers while still preserving profitability through optional add‑ons. The article in VermontBiz paints a picture of an airline on a mission to disrupt the status quo, leveraging a lean fleet, high utilization, and a customer‑centric pricing model.

Whether this approach will yield the expected market share gains remains to be seen, but the $35 fare is already generating buzz among frequent flyers, small businesses, and travel analysts alike. As Breeze expands its route network and continues to fine‑tune its ancillary offerings, the next few years could see significant shifts in how travelers view the cost and convenience of regional air travel.

For those in Vermont and the surrounding regions, Breeze Airways’ new pricing strategy may soon offer a more affordable and flexible alternative for short‑haul trips—bringing the dream of low‑cost, high‑frequency travel a step closer to reality.