JetBlue Launches Boston–Vancouver Flight

JetBlue has announced a new seasonal route that will provide direct service between Vancouver (YVR) and Boston (BOS). The route is scheduled to debut on June 15, 2023. 

This is JetBlue’s second Canadian destination, following in the footsteps of the service between New York (JFK) and Vancouver (YVR) that was announced in June 2022.

It’s worth mentioning that this route was previously scheduled and then cancelled, so it’s nice to see it set to launch once again.

JetBlue’s New Boston–Vancouver Flights

JetBlue will be flying direct between Boston (BOS) and Vancouver (YVR), based on the following daily schedule:

• B649 Boston (BOS) to Vancouver (YVR), departing 5:40pm and arriving 9:07pm
• B650 Vancouver (YVR) to Boston (BOS), departing 10:10pm and arriving 6:20am the next day

The flights are loaded into JetBlue’s schedule, and can be booked online. The seasonal route is scheduled to operate from June 15, 2023 to September 5, 2023.

One-way flights between the two cities can be found for as low as $186 (USD).

JetBlue will operate the Airbus A320 on this route, which features an all-economy configuration. Passengers can choose to pay more for a seat with extra legroom, although JetBlue also boasts that it offers the most legroom amongst North American airlines in economy.

While the all-economy configuration on the aircraft doesn’t make for much of a premium appeal to this route, especially for the red-eye eastbound flight, it gives West Coast travellers another option for a direct flight between Boston and Vancouver. Likewise, it connects East Coast American travellers with Vancouver on a direct route.

Air Canada also operates a direct flight between Vancouver and Boston, so be sure to compare the costs in cash and Aeroplan points with the cash fares on JetBlue.

Many Star Alliance and Oneworld carriers offer long-haul international flights from Boston, so the addition of this route gives West Coast travellers another option for accessing a major US hub. If cash or redemption prices with Air Canada are high, then consider making a positioning flight to Boston with JetBlue, and then continue onward to your international destination with an award booking.

How Is Flying with JetBlue?

JetBlue has an extensive network across the United States and to many sun destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, as well as some flights to South America.

Despite having a more limited network than a major carrier, JetBlue offers all passengers free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and beverage service, and plenty of legroom in economy. In some ways, the service offered is similar to that of Porter Airlines on the new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, although Porter has a 2-2 configuration.

The majority of JetBlue’s flights have a 3-3 configuration in an all-economy cabin; however, on some transcontinental and international routes, you can find JetBlue’s flagship Mint product.

Booking JetBlue Flights On Points

JetBlue has its own loyalty program, known as TrueBlue. There aren’t many accessible ways for Canadians to access it, aside from flying a lot with JetBlue. 

Furthermore, the award chart uses a dynamic pricing model, and the program leaves a lot to be desired in terms of squeezing lots of value out of points.

You’re able to transfer points from US credit card issuers, such as Amex, Chase, and Citi. However, keep in mind that there are much more compelling uses for points from these programs. 

Instead, you can always consider using a credit card with a fixed-value currency to offset the cost of your flights. For example, you could redeem points from the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, the HSBC World Elite Mastercard, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, or any other credit card that lets you use points as a statement credit towards travel purchases.

Conclusion

JetBlue is set to launch a new seasonal daily service between Boston and Vancouver. The flights are set to begin on June 15, 2023, and can be booked through to September 5, 2023.

This is JetBlue’s second Canadian route, which comes in addition to the direct service between Vancouver (YVR) and New York (JFK) which began in Summer 2022.

JetBlue competes with Air Canada for direct service between Vancouver and Boston, and it’s always great to see another option available for direct flights. As a major US hub, this provides another choice for West Coast travellers to reach Boston, and then continue onwards on a Star Alliance or Oneworld carrier.