JetBlue launching flights to Atlanta

JetBlue launches service at Hartsfield-Jackson International today, initially with only a single route but with hopes to add more.

The New York-based carrier will start with five daily flights between Atlanta and Boston. Flights to New York-Kennedy, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are planned in the future, though the airline has struggled to get its desired gate space at Hartsfield-Jackson.

JetBlue started in 1999 as a discount, low-frills airline and has since grown to more than 200 aircraft flying to about 100 destinations.

While maintaining a low-cost approach, JetBlue aims to distinguish itself with some extra perks, such as free unlimited snacks like Cheez-Its, Craisins and Terra gourmet potato chips, and free wi-fi. It also sells upgrades to seats with extra legroom.

JetBlue has three tiers of fares: Blue, Blue Plus and Blue Flex, offering anywhere from 0 to 2 free checked bags. Blue Flex is a flexible fare class that includes expedited security screening. The airline also has an upscale class of seats called Mint on certain transcontinental and Caribbean routes.

For the Atlanta-Boston route, JetBlue plans to use Airbus A320 jets with 150-seats, which don’t have Mint service.i

JetBlue tried Atlanta service in 2003 but withdrew within months after bruising competition with Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways.

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JetBlue starts new service at Hartsfield-Jackson

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