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In an effort to grow its market share, Breeze Airways made a trio of announcements — all of which will make the self-proclaimed “nice” carrier look more like the big guys. To do so, Breeze is renaming its loyalty program as “Breezy Rewards,” introducing a co-branded Barclays credit card, and adding its first online travel agency (OTA) partner.
Here's what you need to know about what's moving and shaking over at Breeze Airways.
Breeze Debuts “Breezy Rewards”
The first rendition of Breeze's frequent flyer program is getting a new look. Outside of a brand new name, not much is changing with what's now known as “Breezy Rewards.”
Like with the former Breeze Airways Rewards program, travelers can continue earning 2% to 6% worth of BreezePoints on fare and add-on purchases. Nothing is due to change with the earning rates.
BreezePoints are redeemable for 1 cent apiece, which will remain the norm. However, with other changes announced today, there's another way to rack up BreezePoints, which means a quicker path to cheaper flights.
A New Co-Branded Credit Card: The Breeze Easy Visa Signature Card
The focal point of today's announcements is the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card, which is open to new applicants. Breeze Airways' first foray into the co-branded credit card space offers a new way to build a balance of BreezePoints.
The $89-a-year Barclays-issued Breeze Easy Visa Card will award 50,000 bonus BreezePoints to new applicants who spend $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days. Breeze's point currency is redeemable for 1 cent apiece, so the welcome offer is worth $500 towards travel.
On continued spending, cardholders can earn BreezePoints at the following rates:
- 10X BreezePoints per $1 spent on “Nicer” and “Nicest” bundles and trip add-ons — 5X when you buy and 5X after you take the flight.
- 4X BreezePoints per $1 spent on “Nice” bundles — 2X when you buy and 2X after you take the flight.
- 2X BreezePoints per $1 spent on No Flex Fares — 1X when you buy and 1X after you take the flight.
- 2X BreezePoints per $1 spent at eligible grocery stores and restaurants.
- 1X BreezePoints per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Cardholders can also take advantage of the following benefits:
- One-Way Bundle Upgrade with every $15,000 in purchases
- 7,500-point cardholder anniversary bonus
- Priority Group 1 boarding on Breeze flights
- Complimentary inflight Wi-Fi
For individuals who can leverage Breeze's route map, the Breeze Easy Visa Card can be a compelling way to earn a little extra on flight purchases.
Expanded Booking Options Through Priceline
Traditionally, the only way to book a flight on Breeze Airways was directly with the airline. Effective today, however, Breeze flights are bookable on the airline's first online travel agency (OTA) partner, Priceline.
Booking through Priceline will quickly become the best way to book Breeze flights. Breeze is known for charging a hefty amount in carrier fees, such as with its infamous technology development charge.
After a few comparisons, it's clear that you can book the same flight in the same fare class for less on Priceline than you can on flybreeze.com.
For example, here's a Breeze itinerary for a flight between Bangor (BGR) and Orlando (MCO). On Breeze's website, the “Nice” bundle fare costs $139.
On Priceline, the same “Nice” ticket is available for $101.09 — nearly a 28% discount. Even better, there's no need to pay extra for a technology development fee.
A price differential this big won't always be the norm, so it's worth cost-comparing before you book your next Breeze flight.
Final Thoughts
Breeze Airways has had a busy day. With a renamed loyalty program, a new co-branded credit card open to applicants, and expanded booking options, hopefully blue skies are on the horizon for one of the U.S.' newest airlines.
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