Jetblue's Belize Flights: Your Tropical Escape

As of December 6, 2023, JetBlue offers non-stop flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Belize's Phillip S.W. Goldson Airport. The airline, in partnership with the Belize Tourism Board, operates year-round roundtrip flights three times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. JetBlue is the only airline to offer service from New York-JFK to Belize.

JetBlue's first non-stop flight to Belize

The First Non-Stop Flight

On June 6, 2023, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced a new partnership with JetBlue Airlines, revealing the first-ever non-stop service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Belize's Phillip S.W. Goldson Airport. The inaugural non-stop flight was scheduled for December 6, 2023, marking a significant milestone for travellers eager to explore the beauty of Belize.

Flight Details

JetBlue's new non-stop flight service operates three days a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—providing convenient travel options for those looking to escape to the tropical paradise of Belize. The flight departs JFK at 8:29 a.m. and arrives in Belize at 12:14 p.m., with the return flight leaving Belize at 1:30 p.m. and landing in New York at 7:00 p.m.

Impact on Belize Tourism

The introduction of this non-stop flight route is a significant boost to Belize's tourism industry. Belize's Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with JetBlue, stating that it aligns with their efforts to make Belize more accessible to U.S. visitors. With JFK being a major travel hub, this route is expected to increase the number of American travellers choosing Belize as their vacation destination.

Exploring Belize

Belize has emerged as an enticing destination, boasting Caribbean beaches, indigenous culture, and the largest Barrier Reef in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. As one of Central America's most biodiverse countries, it offers pristine Caribbean waters, mystical Maya caves, lush tropical jungles, and a host of wildlife reserves. It is also the only English-speaking country in the region, and the U.S. dollar is widely accepted, making it a convenient and attractive choice for American travellers.

JetBlue's Commitment

David Jehn, vice president of network planning and partnerships at JetBlue, reaffirmed the airline's commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. He highlighted that their expansion to Belize demonstrates their dedication to connecting customers with popular and unique destinations. With JetBlue's low fares and renowned services, travellers can look forward to unforgettable journeys as they explore the wonders of Belize.

Flight times from JFK to Belize

JetBlue Airways offers flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Belize's Phillip S.W. Goldson Airport. The duration of the flight is approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes, and the distance covered is 1,800-1,814 miles.

The first JetBlue flight from JFK to Belize was launched on December 6, 2023, and the airline offers round-trip flights three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The flight schedule is as follows:

• JFK to Belize: Flight #2781, 8:29 a.m. – 12:14 p.m.
• Belize to JFK: Flight #2784, 1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

In addition to JetBlue, other airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and Copa also operate flights between JFK and Belize. The average price for a one-way flight from JFK to Belize typically ranges from $120 to $130, while round-trip flights can cost between $318 and $347.

When booking flights, it is generally recommended to book 28-35 days in advance for domestic travel and 3-4 months in advance for international travel to find the best prices. Additionally, for flights from JFK to Belize, Thursdays are typically the cheapest day to fly, while Fridays are the most expensive.

JetBlue's expansion plans

JetBlue Airways has announced its expansion plans with the introduction of non-stop flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Belize's Phillip S.W. Goldson Airport. This new route, commencing on December 6, 2023, will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The airline, in partnership with the Belize Tourism Board, aims to boost tourism and accessibility to Belize, a country gaining popularity for its Caribbean beaches, indigenous culture, and the Western Hemisphere's largest barrier reef.

The new non-stop flights will provide travellers with greater convenience and flexibility, with JetBlue's renowned low fares, renowned legroom in coach, live television, and on-demand entertainment. This expansion reflects JetBlue's commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and connecting customers to unique destinations.

In addition to this new route to Belize, JetBlue has also recently expanded its flight offerings to other destinations. The airline has introduced a brand-new flight to Bermuda and expanded its transatlantic options with new flights to Paris and Amsterdam. Furthermore, JetBlue will be the first airline to offer a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Nassau, Bahamas, starting in November.

JetBlue's vice president of network planning and partnerships, David Jehn, stated that their expansion to Belize reflects their dedication to connecting customers to popular and unique destinations. He added that they are excited to introduce their low fares and great service to Belize customers and provide access to all the cities they serve from New York.

With these expansion plans, JetBlue continues to solidify its position as a leading carrier in the United States and beyond, offering customers a wide range of travel options and enhancing their travel experiences.

Belize's popularity as a travel destination

Belize has become an increasingly popular destination for American travellers, and for good reason. The country offers a unique blend of natural wonders, incredible culture, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With its small size and easy navigation, visitors can easily experience both the beach and the rainforest, the reefs and the caves, and the vibrant villages.

One of the main draws of Belize is its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. From the treetops to the shore, Belize is home to incredible wildlife, including colourful tropical fish, reef sharks, and jaguars. The country is also known for its rainforests, mangrove swamps, and Mayan ruins. The beaches of Belize are sunny and tranquil, perfect for relaxation and water-based activities such as diving and snorkelling. The Great Blue Hole of Belize, considered one of the most spectacular dive sites in the world by famed diver Jacques Cousteau, is a must-visit destination.

In addition to its natural attractions, Belize also offers a rich cultural experience. The country is known for its diverse cultures, including the Garifuna people, who live predominantly in Hopkins, Dangriga, and Placencia. Visitors can explore the local culture through activities such as drumming lessons, which often turn into dance parties. The friendly Garinagu people, with their incredible nearby diving and snorkelling sites, make Hopkins a quiet coastal base for cultural exploration.

Belize also has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island and most popular destination, offers a vibrant but laid-back atmosphere with a variety of hotels, restaurants, and beach bars. For those seeking a more remote experience, there are hundreds of islands off Belize's coasts, such as Ray Caye, which offers modern and clean lodging and incredible dining options.

The accessibility of Belize is also a contributing factor to its popularity. With JetBlue's recent introduction of nonstop flights from New York to Belize, travellers now have greater convenience and flexibility in reaching this captivating destination.

The Belize Tourism Board's goals

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has a clear vision to foster responsible development within the tourism industry. With a focus on steady advancements, they aim to enhance the overall Belize tourism experience. This includes initiatives to improve sector governance and create an enabling environment for private sector investment in overnight tourism.

BTB has a comprehensive strategy, outlined in their Strategic Plan 2019-2022, which includes marketing and communications, industry development, cruise and capacity development, and administration and human resources. They also have a strong commitment to corporate responsibility and have launched initiatives like the ''No Barriers Reef' Project to celebrate World Oceans Day.

One of the key goals of the BTB is to increase tourism to Belize, with a particular focus on the US market, which accounts for the majority of arrivals. To achieve this, they have partnered with airlines like JetBlue to introduce nonstop flights from New York to Belize, making it more accessible to US visitors.

The BTB also recognises the importance of sustainability and has implemented programs like the Belize Rural Development Program (BRDP) to upgrade archaeological and historical sites. Additionally, they have projects like the Sustainable Tourism Program 2, which aims to increase tourism employment and income, promote disaster and climate resilience, and improve sector governance.

Through these initiatives, the BTB strives to showcase the beauty and diversity of Belize, from its vibrant culture and festivities to its natural wonders like the Belize Barrier Reef, the crown jewel of the Western Caribbean.

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