The company, which was founded by airline entrepreneur David Neeleman, started with all-economy Embraer 190/195 jets.
A Breeze Airways Embraer E195.
Breeze Airways
Neeleman’s business plan is to fly between mid-size markets that don’t currently have nonstop service but have enough demand to be profitable, such as Huntsville, Alabama, to Charleston.
David Neeleman’s inaugural Breeze Airways flight.
Thomas Pallini/Insider
The CEO coined “We can get you there twice as fast for half the price” as the airline’s slogan.
Breeze Airways A220.
Breeze Airways
Since its maiden flight, Breeze has expanded its network with new routes, hubs and aircraft.
Breeze Airways
My trip started at Las Vegas airport at 11am for my departure at 12:10pm. Breeze departs from Terminal 3 and has its own check-in area.
Taylor Rains / Insider
The flight was heading to Charleston via Syracuse, New York, in what the company calls a “BreezeThru.” This is a stopover where continuing passengers do not have to disembark before taking off for the final destination.
I had two BreezeThru tickets.
Taylor Rains / Insider
Unfortunately, at the airport, I discovered that the flight had been delayed for five hours due to staffing issues on the inbound route from Syracuse. Breeze accommodated the delay without apology and remained transparent with passengers throughout the wait.
Our new departure time was 5:10 p.m.
Taylor Rains / Insider
At the door, customers were told they could get reimbursed for up to $20 for food by submitting the receipt to Breeze online. The officer said this was to ensure people could eat where they wanted rather than at a specific restaurant.
I offered myself to Aunt Anne.
Taylor Rains / Insider
I was frustrated with the delay but appreciated Breeze’s response. The carrier prepared the meals and constantly updated us on the status of the flight.
The employees working were communicative and helpful.
Taylor Rains / Insider
Finally, after hours of waiting, the plane arrived in Las Vegas. However, the ramp was so hot that the mechanics couldn’t fix a maintenance issue that occurred on the inbound flight, so they had to wait until evening when it was cooler.
Taylor Rains / Insider
The standard economy, or “Nice,” is Breeze’s most basic seat, offering 30 inches of spacing, which is more than Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant, which only offer 28-29 inches.
Spirit Airlines economy seats.
Thomas Pallini/Insider
… adequate padding, although the seat was still thin compared to some mainline carriers…
Taylor Rains / Insider
Overall, I was very pleased with Breeze’s budget product, despite the long delay in Las Vegas. It felt more like flying on a mainline carrier than a budget airline, which is perfect for budget travelers who want a bit more space and comfort.
Taylor Rains / Insider