JetBlue’s arrival in ATL sparks major fare war (Image: Google Flights)
Today JetBlue launched new nonstops between Atlanta and Boston, sparking one of the craziest fare wars I’ve seen to date- even in first class.
As of today, JetBlue is selling roundtrips as low as $109 on its five ATL-BOS flights per day. That’s crazy.
But even crazier? Spirit Air, which offers one daily nonstop, is selling seats for just $80 roundtrip (plus fees).
Delta, long the major player in this market (with 11 roundtrips per day), seems to be keeping above the low-fare fray, but just barely. Its lowest round trips are going for just $136 roundtrip. But for $136, you get one of Delta’s new bare bones basic economy fares. For regular main cabin seats, you’ll pay $165 roundtrip– still cheap by historical standards.
Delta is also discounting its first class seats on ATL-BOS— a nice upgrade for the 2.5 hour flight! We’ve found found first class round trips for $335 to $475 in April and May.
Southwest has jumped into the fray as well… with roundtrips going for as little as $121 round trip on its three daily ATL-BOS nonstops.
Last week JetBlue announced that it was fighting a decision by ATL authorities to make it use gates in ATL’s Concourse D when it was told it would be able to use gates at the much nicer Concourse E. As of today, the issue has not been resolved, and JetBlue is using gates in both D and E concourses according to a spokesperson.
In any case, these are great deals for Bostonians who’d like to soak up some southern springtime hospitality. They are also perfect for the many cash strapped students traveling between ATL and Boston– or elsewhere.
Go get some beans with these low fares!
Note: These fares were available on Google Flights on Thursday March 30 and are subject to change.
ICYMI, see the 25 most recent TravelSkills posts right here
In the market for a new credit card? See our “Credit Card Deals” tab to shop around! It helps us help you.
.
Don’t miss out! Join the 200,000+ people who read TravelSkills every month! Sign up here for one email-per-day updates!
Hopefully SWA will pickup more routes in ATL. Perhaps they haven’t so far because they don’t want to be yanked-around like JetBlue is apparently being by the Airport.
ATL is too much of a target rich environment to let DL have it with such a Lions share. SWA does not seem to be serious.
A Jetblue ticket is a far better deal than spirit. way more space, free internet, free carryon bag, free non-booze drinks and package snacks. Really hope no one is biting on this Spirit sale. Have to imagine Jetblue is in this one for the duration, they had to expect a fight from Delta with this move and waited a long time to pick that fight.