JetBlue to Resume San Diego to Fort Lauderdale Nonstop Flights with Mint Service
JetBlue will resume daily nonstop service between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Nov. 19, marking the return of a route discontinued in January 2025. The airline is also introducing its premium “Mint” service on this route, which will include lie-flat seating, curated dining, and an open bar, according to a company news release.
Expanding the Mint footprint
The reintroduction of the San Diego-Fort Lauderdale flight is part of a broader expansion of JetBlue’s premium offerings. The airline plans to roll out its Mint class to Los Angeles and San Francisco airports starting this winter. According to the airline, this growth represents the largest Mint schedule in Fort Lauderdale’s history.
Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of revenue, network and enterprise planning at JetBlue, stated that the company is responding to customer demand for coast-to-coast travel options. The airline has increased its daily departures from the Florida hub by more than 75% this year, with expectations to reach approximately 150 daily flights by this winter.
JetBlue’s return to the San Diego-Fort Lauderdale market comes after the service was previously discontinued in January 2025, as confirmed by San Diego airport spokesperson Nicole Hall.
Market competition and scheduling
JetBlue’s return to the route is set against a landscape of seasonal competition at San Diego International Airport. Currently, Alaska Airlines operates daily service to Fort Lauderdale, though it is limited to a seasonal schedule, according to Nicole Hall. Additionally, Southwest Airlines is slated to launch its own seasonal service for peak winter holiday travel starting Nov. 21.
JetBlue claims its new service will provide the only business-class option between the two cities. Travelers can book tickets at jetblue.com or via the JetBlue mobile app. TrueBlue members who book the new nonstop route by Sunday may be eligible to receive 2,500 bonus points.
Samantha Carter notes that by positioning Mint as the only business-class offering on this specific route, JetBlue is likely attempting to capture high-value travelers who prioritize the comfort of lie-flat seats over the convenience of competing seasonal carriers. The strategy suggests a shift toward targeting premium demand rather than just volume, potentially influencing how other carriers price their holiday inventory.
What happens next
The success of the re-established route could influence JetBlue’s future network planning in California. If the demand for the Mint class proves sustainable during the peak winter travel season, the airline may look to extend the service beyond the holiday period. Furthermore, the capacity increase at Fort Lauderdale, which is nearing 150 daily flights, suggests the airline is positioning the city as a primary node for its transcontinental operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new San Diego to Fort Lauderdale service begin?
The daily nonstop service will resume on Nov. 19, with flights departing at 11 a.m.
What are the premium features of the Mint class?
Mint class includes fully lie-flat seats, curated dining, dedicated storage for shoes and laptops, a 17-inch TV, noise-isolating headphones, wellness kits, free high-speed Wi-fi, and an open bar.
Are there other airlines flying from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Alaska Airlines currently operates daily seasonal service, and Southwest Airlines will begin its own seasonal service on Nov. 21.
How will the addition of premium lie-flat seating change your preferences for long-haul travel during the winter holidays?