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Just days after unveiling a major partnership with United Airlines, JetBlue announced another new alliance — this time with Brightline, the Florida-based high-speed rail operator. This marks JetBlue’s first intermodal travel partnership and is designed to provide travelers with a smoother connection between flights and rail services in Florida.
According to Dave Jehn, Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships at JetBlue:
“As we continue to grow in Florida and offer more flights to and from cities like Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, our partnership with Brightline helps us deliver even more value and convenience to our customers…JetBlue and Brightline share a commitment to innovation and great service, and together we’re expanding transportation options for all of our customers to get to where they want to go, whether they're starting their journey, heading to their final destination, or adjusting plans along the way.”
Let's dig into the details.
What Is Brightline?
Brightline is the United States' only privately owned and operated rail network. The company operates a high-speed rail connection from Miami to Orlando, with plans to expand it from Orlando to Tampa. Currently, Brightline operates from the following six destinations.
- Orlando
- West Palm Beach
- Boca Raton
- Fort Lauderdale
- Aventura
- Miami
Below you can see the Brightline route map, which also includes some planned stations.
How JetBlue’s Partnership With Brightline Works
The partnership will allow travelers to book a combined air and rail fare in one seamless experience on JetBlue’s website. Currently, JetBlue flies to several cities in Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
For example, if you are traveling from Raleigh/Durham to Boca Raton, you would typically need to book two separate tickets, one for your JetBlue flight to South Florida and another for your Brightline train to Boca Raton. That takes more time and adds unnecessary hassle.
Now, you can book your entire trip from your origin to Boca Raton in one simple step on the JetBlue website. But only if you're using dollars; these itineraries aren't available for TrueBlue redemptions.
The level of service on Brightline will also match your JetBlue fare class. Travelers flying JetBlue Mint will receive a Brightline Premium ticket, which includes perks such as:
- Complimentary seat selection
- Premium seating
- Lounge access
- Complimentary drinks and snacks
Travelers on a JetBlue core fare will receive a Brightline Smart Class ticket, which includes benefits such as complimentary Wi-Fi and 19-inch-wide seats.
Related: A Complete Guide to JetBlue's TrueBlue Loyalty Program
Do JetBlue checked bags transfer to Brightline?
If you’re someone who prefers to travel with a checked bag, it’s worth understanding how luggage works between JetBlue and Brightline so you don’t run into surprises on travel day. In short, bags do not transfer automatically between air and rail. You’ll need to collect your luggage from the airport carousel before heading to the Brightline station.
Our Take
Anything that makes the travel experience from booking to arrival easier and more efficient is welcome news. This latest partnership between JetBlue falls nicely into the kind of travel integration we like to see between different providers. After all, being able to book everything in one simple stop makes life a lot simpler.
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