Tuesday Briefing: JetBlue Invests in Private Jets, Cheap Thanksgiving Airfare

jetblue

From JetBlue’s big investment in a private jet company to the latest research on cheap Thanksgiving destinations, here are the top travel industry headlines to follow today. 

JetBlue Invests in JetSuite

JetBlue Airways is making a move into private jet charter services with a minority equity investment in JetSuite, aimed at growing the latter company’s JetSuiteX service. 

Billed as a way to offer a private jet experience that it affordable and accessible to a broad audience, JetSuiteX flies 30 passenger jets to and from Burbank, CA, Las Vegas, San Jose, CA, Carlsbad, CA, Concord, CA, Mammoth, CA, and Bozeman, MT. Private jet-like amenities include no lines, the ability to check in 15 minutes before a flight, free Wi-Fi, free checked bags, free seat assignments, free drinks and free snacks. JetSuite said it plans to add more destinations soon. 

For travelers, right now the deal means that TrueBlue loyalty program members will be able to earn TrueBlue Points on all JetSuiteX flights. Looking ahead, the companies plan to explore opportunities for further cooperation, including new benefits for Mosaic customers in TrueBlue. 

Thanksgiving Countdown: Where the Flying Is Cheap

Speaking of airfare, the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend is edging closer, and FareCompare.com has released an early analysis of U.S. cities where travelers can find cheaper airfare. 

The study, which is based on an analysis of 3.2 million airfares for 25 of the busiest domestic markets, found that 17 of the top 25 cities in the U.S. saw a price decrease from 2016 to 2015. Those with the biggest drops were Minneapolis / St. Paul (down 15 percent), Cleveland (10 percent), Chicago (9 percent), Boston (9 percent) and Indianapolis (8 percent). Cities with the biggest price increases were Philadelphia (11 percent) and Houston (6 percent). Orlando and Washington, DC, saw so significant change. 

UK Government Approves Third Heathrow Runway

In Europe, ministers in a UK cabinet committee meeting have approved a long-awaited third runway at Heathrow aimed at expanding the airport’s capacity, the BBC reports. The issue has been under discussion for some time, according to the BBC’s analysis, with many business arguing for a capacity increase, but Members of Parliament with constituencies near the airport or under flight paths strongly opposed. 

According to the BBC, it could still be some time before construction begins on the project, as many legal and planning challenges remain ahead. 

Myrtle Beach: We’re Open Following Hurricane Matthew

Back Stateside, Myrtle Beach, SC, has released its latest post-Hurricane Matthew update reporting that the destination is back in business. 

Vacation Myrtle Beach properties welcoming guests back currently include:

Beach Colony Resort – BeachColony.com 
Beach Cove Resort – BeachCove.com 
Carolina Winds Resort – CarolinaWinds.com  
Forest Dunes Resort – ForestDunes.com 
Landmark Resort – LandmarkResort.com 
Ocean Creek Resort – OceanCreek.com 
Palace Resort – PalaceResort.com 
Palms Resort – PalmsResort.com 
Sea Watch Resort – SeaWatchResort.com 
South Wind on the Ocean – TheSouthWind.com 

Have a tip on major travel industry news, or an inspiring story you’d like to share? Reach out at [email protected]

And keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for the latest travel industry news, trends and updates.