There’s good news for folks in Suffolk County who enjoy flying to Florida. You may no longer hit heavy traffic on your way to JFK. An airport closer to home will now offer flights to the Sunshine State.
Tickets are on sale right now for anyone in Suffolk County who wants to fly on JetBlue out of MacArthur Airport.
“A tremendous step forward for the people of Long Island who are headed to Florida this fall,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico.
While those JetBlue flights won’t be taking off from MacArthur until October 24th, 2024, the carrier made a big announcement at the airport letting folks know they’ll be offering low-cost flights to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.
"Long Island is an integral part of the New York Metro area, and we are excited to bring our award-winning service to customers in this community," said Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships. "The addition of Long Island MacArthur Airport to our network will offer more options and greater convenience for customers, and we are proud to provide new opportunities for more Long Islanders to experience our unique combination of low fares and great service."
Right now, JetBlue employs 8,800 workers, or “crewmembers,” with that number now increasing with expansion at MacArthur Airport. It is the only major U.S. airline based in New York City. They currently operate out of JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.
“We have all worked hard to ensure Long Island travelers have more choices for nonstop destinations. Our hometown airport is convenient, has efficient security lines, and provides an overall stress-free travel experience,” said Shelley LaRose-Arken, Long Island MacArthur Airport commissioner.
“I applaud JetBlue for their decision, and I will continue working with all stakeholders to build MacArthur Airport into a roaring economic engine and world-class transportation hub,” said United States Senator Charles Schumer.
The three-hour JetBlue flight from MacArthur to Orlando will take off daily at 11:15 a.m. The flight to West Palm is also three hours and will depart Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays starting at 2:40 p.m. The Fort Lauderdale flight leaves on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 12:40 p.m.