Writer Stephen Rafferty laces up his vagabond shoes after waking up in a city that doesn’t sleep
North American airline JetBlue is benefitting from fed-up Scots keen to escape a wetter than normal summer with it’s Edinburgh to New York route proving a popular getaway option.
At just under seven-and-a-half hours flying time and arriving on the Big Apple’s doorstep at John F. Kennedy International Airport, thousands of Scots have taken advantage of the daily seasonal route which runs until 30 September.
It seems the city that never sleeps is an appealing alternative for holidaymakers awake to the glamour of a Stateside vacation over traditional European destinations including, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece.
JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. Known for its low fares and great service, the airline carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada, the United Kingdom and France.
When JetBlue launched its first Scottish route in May, expanding its transatlantic offerings with a new, daily nonstop flight between Edinburgh and JFK, company president Marty St George said the company had “redefined transatlantic travel by introducing low fares and great service in markets dominated by high fare legacy carriers”.
Serving the United Kingdom’s second most popular tourism destination, the service is only the second direct offering from JFK to Edinburgh, providing much needed competition for customers traveling in and out of New York.
For those willing to push the budget, JetBlue’s business class product, Mint, is indeed minted. When travelling Mint, passengers have access to a dedicated check-in queue and fast track security lane, while priority boarding means you are first on and off the plane.
Passengers can luxuriate in a private “suite” – a pod with an automated seat which converts to lie-flat bed if beauty sleep is needed. Wi-fi is available throughout the trip and a wide selection of the latest movies can be viewed on a tilting 17” tv screen.
Attentive cabin crew take care of drinks on demand, serving a range of cocktails, beer, wines and soft drinks. There are snacks aplenty and a generous hot dinner consisting of four small plates is served – it varies but on my flight tomato cucumber salad, lasagne, chicken Milanese and Flat Iron steak were options, followed by a healthy portion of gelato and chocolate cake. If that is not enough, as we reached the final stage of the journey, a cheese plate and scone with butter and jam appeared.
JetBlue has a partnership with leading hotel group YOTEL which benefits all members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue® loyalty programme. Members of all levels can earn TrueBlue points on stays at YOTEL locations around the world, will be eligible for exclusive discounted room rates, and receive a complimentary amenity on arrival, while TrueBlue Mosaic® members benefit even more with complimentary room upgrades and late check-out.
Christopher Buckner, Vice President of Loyalty and Partnerships, JetBlue, said: “JetBlue is proud to partner with YOTEL, a company that also values maximum comfort at a lower price, to give our TrueBlue members an elevated experience when traveling to our top domestic and international destinations.”
After a few whirlwind days in a city that indeed never sleeps, it was a breeze navigating myself through departures at Terminal 5 – JetBlue’s dedicated terminal at JFK.
I was glad of the extra leg room and comfort offered in JetBlue’s standard Core seats on the return flight, where Wi-Fi is also available during the flight. For those looking for some shut-eye on the overnight journey, a warm blanket was provided and complimentary drinks and snacks were provided throughout, with earphones offered to those wanting to watch a movie.
On landing back in Scotland, the super-quick disembarkation process meant that, unusually for Edinburgh, I was through passport control in no time.
For more information and the best fares, visit www.jetblue.com
YOTEL.com has a dedicated booking page for JetBlue customers – to find their travel inspiration and book stays with points and receive perks. Visit: www.yotel.com/jetblue
*Stephen Rafferty travelled courtesy of JetBlue and YOTEL. Limited roundtrip fares from Edinburgh to New York start at £399 and $499 in Core and £1,999 and $2,999 in Mint. Rates for YOTEL Times Square start from $139 in low season and $249 in high season.
