JetBlue is significantly expanding its service to Puerto Rico, announcing five new nonstop routes from various U.S. cities starting in March 2026. This move solidifies the airline's position as the largest carrier serving the Caribbean island, offering more travel options for passengers with fares beginning at $99 one-way.
Key Takeaways
- JetBlue adds five new nonstop routes to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Flights begin in March 2026 with one-way fares from $99.
- New departure cities include Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Norfolk, Richmond, and Buffalo.
- JetBlue will serve 22 destinations from San Juan, with over 40 daily departures.
- The expansion cements JetBlue's status as Puerto Rico's largest airline.
New Direct Connections to San Juan
The new services will connect San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia; and Buffalo, New York. This strategic expansion aims to meet growing demand for travel to the popular island destination.
Flights from Philadelphia will operate daily. Services from Jacksonville and Buffalo will be available four times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Norfolk will see flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while Richmond will have three weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Flight Frequency Breakdown
- Philadelphia: Daily
- Jacksonville: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Buffalo: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Norfolk: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Richmond: Tue, Thu, Sat
JetBlue's Dominance in the Caribbean
This expansion will bring JetBlue's total number of nonstop destinations from San Juan to 22. The airline expects to operate more than 40 daily departures from the island by next spring, underscoring its long-standing commitment to Puerto Rico.
"Puerto Rico has shaped JetBlue's identity for more than two decades," stated Marty St. George, JetBlue's president. "Our newest routes only deepen our commitment to the island and the communities that have been part of JetBlue's story since 2002. We're proud to continue investing in Puerto Rico and creating more travel opportunities for customers across our growing network."
Six other U.S. carriers also offer nonstop flights to Puerto Rico. These include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit. However, JetBlue's new routes reinforce its position as the leading airline for the island.
A Long-Standing Relationship
JetBlue began serving Puerto Rico in 2002. Over the past two decades, the airline has steadily increased its presence, connecting the island with numerous U.S. cities and becoming a crucial link for both tourism and the large Puerto Rican diaspora in the mainland United States.
Explore Puerto Rico's Diverse Attractions
Puerto Rico offers a wide range of attractions that appeal to various travelers. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and unique natural wonders. Travelers can find soft sands and clear waters across the coastline.
Flamenco Beach in Culebra is often cited as one of the island's best, featuring turquoise waters and powdery white sands in a horseshoe-shaped bay. Luquillo Beach provides a stunning backdrop with the El Yunque rainforest nearby. For snorkeling enthusiasts, Playa Crash Boat offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Historic Old San Juan and Natural Wonders
Beyond its beaches, Puerto Rico boasts the historic charm of Old San Juan. Its narrow, cobbled streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and ancient forts. These sites offer a glimpse into the island's Spanish-Caribbean heritage.
A visit to the bioluminescent waters of Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island is another highly recommended experience. This natural phenomenon creates an otherworldly glow, making for a memorable evening swim.
- Beaches: Flamenco Beach, Luquillo Beach, Playa Crash Boat
- History: Old San Juan, ancient forts
- Nature: El Yunque rainforest, Mosquito Bay (bioluminescent)
Culinary and Agri-Tourism Experiences
Puerto Rico also offers unique culinary and agri-tourism experiences. Visitors can explore local farms and enjoy farm-to-table dining. For example, the family-run Frutos del Guacabo offers tours and brunches featuring ingredients grown on site.
Another option is Finca Artesanal in Río Grande, which showcases ecological agroforestry practices. These experiences allow travelers to connect with the island's agricultural heritage and enjoy fresh, local cuisine.
Traveler's Budget Tip
With one-way fares starting at $99, exploring Puerto Rico's diverse attractions, from its beaches to its historic streets and natural wonders, becomes even more accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
Recent Operational Updates for JetBlue
The announcement of these new routes follows recent operational updates for JetBlue. The airline has been working to address a flight-control software issue across its A320 fleet. This glitch was caused by intense solar radiation.
The software problem was suspected in a sudden altitude drop of a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, on October 30. That incident resulted in injuries to at least 15 passengers, some requiring hospital care. JetBlue has updated most of its 6,000 A320 passenger jets to fix this issue.
