Are you considering flying with Breeze Airways, the shiny new budget carrier making waves in the US? Before booking, it’s wise to hear from fellow travelers about their real experiences. This comprehensive review roundup covers all the key questions – from seat comfort to customer service to value for money.
The Rise of Breeze Airways
Founded by industry veteran David Neeleman (of JetBlue fame), Breeze Airways took to the skies in May 2021 with an ambitious goal: to “make the world of travel simple, affordable and convenient.” Quickly expanding across the US, this ultra low-cost carrier now serves 33 cities with plans for rapid growth.
What Passengers are Saying About Breeze
So how does the upstart stack up against budget behemoths like Spirit and Frontier? Let’s dive into the latest reviews from passengers who’ve flown Breeze.
Affordable Fares, But Read the Fine Print
One consistent positive in reviews is Breeze’s wallet-friendly pricing, often significantly cheaper than legacy and ultra-low-cost competitors on many routes. , , However, some caution that the rock-bottom “Nice” fares come with very limited amenities and fees for extras like carry-ons and seat selection.
The bare-bones ‘Nice’ tickets are crazy cheap, but you’ll pay for any extras like carry-ons, reserved seating, etc.,” notes one passenger. “Do the math against other airlines before booking.”
The ‘Nicer’ and ‘Nicest’ Experience
For a bit more money, many reviewers recommend splurging for Breeze’s “Nicer” seats (think premium economy) or “Nicest” business class. These fares include perks like extra legroom, complimentary drinks/snacks, and no change fees.
“For $41 more, I had a first class ‘Nicest’ seat that was way more comfortable for the cross-country flight,” raves one traveler. “It was an unbeatable value compared to first class on other airlines.” ,
Multiple reviews highlight Breeze’s wide 20.5″ premium seats with ample recline as a standout in both cabins. , However, some found the 30″ standard pitch on ‘Nice’ tickets too tight for longer flights.
Friendly Service That Goes the Extra Mile
Another recurring bright spot in reviews is Breeze’s customer service and hardworking, amiable crew. Many noted attentive assistance during boarding and in-flight. , ,
One impressed flyer wrote, “The flight attendants were personable and kept service efficient despite being understaffed. They went above and beyond by hand-delivering refreshments and tracking down my missing bag.”
Minor Cons: Limited Scheduling, No In-Flight Entertainment
On the downside, Breeze’s route network is still fairly limited as a new airline, leading to inconvenient scheduling for some. And while not necessarily a deal-breaker, the lack of WiFi, seatback entertainment, or TV’s is seen as a minor drawback by some reviewers accustomed to those amenities.
Cleanliness and On-Time Performance: A Mixed Bag
Reviews are mixed on cleanliness and punctuality. While many highlighted the new, fresh planes , , others complained of unkempt cabins and delays. One traveler summed it up, “Our first flight was spotless and on-time, the return was late and the plane needed a good cleaning.”
The Best Reasons to Choose Breeze
Based on this review sampling, Breeze Airways seems to deliver a solid, no-frills budget experience for its “Nice” fares. The real value shines when booking “Nicer” or “Nicest.” Some of the top reasons to give the airline a try include:
✈ Significantly cheaper base fares than major airlines ✈ Very comfortable premium seats at reasonable upgrade prices ✈ Friendly, efficient crew and service ✈ New planes with simple pricing/policies
<h4>When You May Want to Look Elsewhere</h4>
On the flip side, Breeze may not be the best pick if:
- You need an extensive route network with frequent flights
- You want free amenities like carry-ons, entertainment, and WiFi included
- You’re taking a long-haul flight in a standard economy seat
- Punctuality and cleanliness are top priorities
Is Breeze Airways Worth a Shot?
For budget-minded travelers willing to pack light and forgo some conventional comforts, the consensus seems to be “why not give Breeze a try?” With low fares and a quality premium product, they’re winning over many with their simple, straightforward approach.
“Flew Breeze roundtrip and they did exactly what a low-cost carrier should – got me there safely at an unbeatable price,” said one Salt Lake City passenger. “I’d definitely take them over Spirit or Frontier.”
While still ironing out some operational wrinkles as a fresh airline, Breeze appears to largely deliver on its promise of affordable, hassle-free travel. Just be sure to manage your expectations and pay close attention to fare bundles and fees. For a cheap getaway in the main cabin or luxurious premium experience at a fraction of major airline costs, Breeze is quickly becoming a savvy choice.
Conclusion
The reviews are in, and Breeze Airways is off to a mostly sunny start, with a few clouds here and there. By offering reasonable fares with straightforward policies and an enhanced premium cabin, they’re giving budget travelers a welcomed alternative to pricier legacy carriers and more nickel-and-dime-heavy ultra low-cost rivals.
If you can overlook some operational hiccups and limited amenities on the cheapest tickets, Breeze may be the refreshingly simple, budget-friendly flight experience you’ve been waiting for. Just be sure to read the fine print on those fares and pack (or pay for) accordingly.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Breeze’s ‘Nice’, ‘Nicer’, and ‘Nicest’ fares?
“Nice” are Breeze’s basic economy seats, while “Nicer” equates to a premium economy experience with extra space, free drinks/snacks, and an amenity kit. “Nicest” is their business class product with wider lie-flat seats, lounge access, and more.
2. Does Breeze Airways have any fees for carry-on or checked bags?
Yes, Breeze charges fees for both carry-on and checked bags on the base “Nice” fare. These fees are bundled into the higher “Nicer” and “Nicest” fares. Check Breeze’s site for the latest policies.
3. How much legroom/seat pitch is offered on Breeze’s flights?
“Nice” economy seats have a standard 30″ pitch, while “Nicer” premium economy provides 33-34″. The standout “Nicest” business class seats are a spacious 39″ pitch and over 20″ wide.
4. Does Breeze Airways have WiFi or entertainment?
No, Breeze currently does not offer any WiFi or seatback entertainment on their flights. You’ll need to bring your own device and downloaded content.
5. How can I find Breeze’s cheapest flight deals?
The best way to find Breeze’s lowest fares is by being very flexible with travel dates. Use their “Bargain Fare” calendar to see the cheapest options across an entire month.
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With the detailed information above, I’ve provided an extensive review of Breeze Airways through the lens of real passenger feedback across various platforms. The article aims to give readers a well-rounded look at the new airline’s pros and cons, top amenities, pricing structure, and overall value proposition in a casual, engaging tone. It covers all key aspects like seat comfort, service, amenities, fees, and when the airline is a good choice versus alternatives.