JetBlue and Brightline Partner to Expand Seamless Travel Options Across Florida
JetBlue , a leading carrier known for its customer-focused service and low-cost travel options, has entered into a strategic partnership with Brightline, the first and only privately owned, operated, and maintained passenger rail system in the United States. This groundbreaking collaboration brings a new level of integration to travel in Florida by enabling customers to book combined air-and-rail journeys through JetBlue’s website, jetblue.com. The partnership is set to redefine multi-modal transportation in the region by offering unprecedented convenience, flexibility, and connectivity for travelers across Central and South Florida.
A Seamless Booking Experience Across Air and Rail
For the first time, JetBlue customers planning trips in and around Florida can book Brightline train tickets as part of their air travel itinerary. This new capability simplifies travel logistics by allowing passengers to manage both legs of their journey—air and rail—through a single booking platform. The new functionality is available for flights connecting to Brightline-served cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Aventura, and Orlando. By streamlining the booking process and eliminating the need for multiple reservations or transfers, JetBlue and Brightline are aiming to improve the end-to-end travel experience in one of the country’s most dynamic and heavily visited states.
“This partnership with Brightline supports our ongoing commitment to deliver a better travel experience for our customers,” said Dave Jehn, Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships at JetBlue. “Florida is a key market for JetBlue, and as we continue to grow our presence in cities like Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, Brightline offers us the opportunity to add value and convenience to our product. Together, we’re enhancing connectivity, expanding options, and making it easier for people to move throughout the state without the need to rent a car or rely on other, less predictable ground transportation methods.”
Connecting Florida’s Major Cities Through Innovation and Speed
Brightline has made a name for itself by reinventing train travel in the U.S. with a focus on speed, comfort, and sustainability. Operating high-speed passenger rail services across major urban centers in Florida, the company offers fast and efficient connections between key destinations that are often too close for flying but too far for convenient driving. With Brightline stations located in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, the system serves as a natural extension to JetBlue’s air routes.
One of the most notable aspects of the partnership is the integration at Orlando International Airport, where Brightline’s Orlando station enables smooth transitions between flights and train departures. This setup is ideal for travelers flying into or out of Orlando, who can now transfer directly to a high-speed train for seamless travel to South Florida cities—without the hassle of navigating airport shuttles or local ground transport providers.
In South Florida, Brightline further enhances accessibility by offering shuttle services between the airport terminals and nearby train stations. These transfers are included in the price of the combined JetBlue-Brightline booking, making the entire journey frictionless from start to finish. This thoughtful attention to convenience is expected to resonate especially well with leisure and business travelers alike.
Tailored Travel Classes to Match JetBlue’s Experience
Travelers who book JetBlue’s Mint® premium service can expect a similarly elevated experience on the Brightline rail segment, with the system automatically matching them to Brightline’s Premium fare class. Meanwhile, those flying JetBlue’s core experience are paired with Brightline’s Smart fare class. This thoughtful integration helps maintain a consistent level of service throughout the journey, allowing customers to enjoy the quality and amenities they’ve come to expect, regardless of the mode of travel.
Brightline’s trains offer spacious seating, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, complimentary refreshments (in Premium class), and a clean, modern design aesthetic. The Premium fare also includes access to Brightline’s exclusive station lounges and onboard meal and beverage service. These features align well with JetBlue’s own reputation for customer service, comfort, and innovation, making the partnership a natural fit from a brand values perspective.
Barbara Drahl, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at Brightline, emphasized the mutual benefits of the alliance: “JetBlue is an ideal partner for Brightline as we work to connect Florida in faster, more sustainable ways. By offering travelers the ability to book air and rail travel together, we are eliminating common pain points and helping reduce travel-related stress. This integrated model not only offers a better passenger experience but also supports our shared goals around innovation and sustainability.”
A More Sustainable and Resilient Transportation Network
Another important aspect of the JetBlue-Brightline partnership is its contribution to more sustainable transportation infrastructure in Florida. Brightline trains are powered by environmentally friendly Tier 4 clean diesel engines, making rail travel a lower-emission alternative to driving. With increasing concern about the environmental impact of transportation, this collaboration offers a greener way to connect the state’s busiest travel corridors.
Moreover, the partnership also provides operational benefits for JetBlue during times of disruption. In periods of irregular operations—such as bad weather, airport congestion, or mechanical delays—JetBlue can now offer alternative itineraries that incorporate Brightline rail segments. This capability provides greater flexibility and recovery options for customers, reducing the number of canceled or missed trips and improving overall service reliability. It also allows JetBlue to maintain customer satisfaction even in the face of unexpected disruptions.
Unlocking New Opportunities for Travelers and Tourism
Florida remains one of the most visited states in the U.S., attracting tourists from around the world to destinations such as Walt Disney World, South Beach, the Everglades, and a wide array of cultural and entertainment attractions. The state is also home to several growing business hubs. As a result, efficient intercity travel is essential for maintaining and growing Florida’s tourism economy and regional productivity.
With this partnership, travelers from across the JetBlue network—many of whom fly into Florida from the Northeast, Midwest, or Latin America—now have a more streamlined way to explore multiple cities in a single trip. A visitor landing in Orlando, for example, can easily take Brightline to spend a day in Miami or West Palm Beach, then catch a return flight from a different airport. This opens up new opportunities for multi-city itineraries, business meetings across regions, and more flexible vacation planning.
A Model for Modern Travel Integration
The JetBlue-Brightline partnership represents a major leap forward in the evolution of connected travel in the U.S., setting an example for how airlines and ground transport providers can collaborate to improve passenger experience and optimize transportation infrastructure. It demonstrates how technology, customer-centric service, and sustainable planning can come together to create a better way to move people across cities and regions.
As demand continues to grow for more seamless, efficient, and eco-friendly travel options, this type of multimodal integration may become a blueprint for other markets across the country. For now, travelers in Florida can enjoy the benefits of a smarter, more connected journey—courtesy of JetBlue and Brightline.