What Breeze Airways Is
Breeze Airways is a low-cost airline that operates flights within the United States. The airline focuses on point-to-point routes — meaning flights that go directly from one city to another without stopping at a hub — and charges lower fares than traditional full-service carriers by cutting out amenities that cost money to provide.
The airline began operations in 2021 and is owned by David Neeleman, who also founded JetBlue Airways. Breeze operates a fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft, which are newer, fuel-efficient planes. The airline's business model is similar to other budget carriers: you pay a base fare for your seat, and most extras — baggage, seat selection, food — cost additional fees.
If you are comparing Breeze to airlines you may already know, think of it as positioned between Southwest Airlines (which includes a bag and a carry-on in the base fare) and ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit or Frontier (which charge for nearly everything). Breeze's fares are typically lower than legacy carriers like Delta or United, but the trade-off is fewer included services.
Key Takeaways
- Breeze Airways charges a low base fare but adds fees for checked bags, seat selection, and other services that other airlines include for free.
- The airline operates point-to-point routes between smaller and mid-sized U.S. cities, not major hub-to-hub connections.
- You can book flights through Breeze's website, and the airline does not charge a booking fee for online reservations.
- Breeze does not offer frequent flyer miles or a loyalty program, so you do not earn rewards on tickets or flights.
- The airline's cancellation and change policies are stricter than full-service carriers, and refunds are limited to specific circumstances.
How Breeze's Pricing and Fees Work
Breeze's base fares are low because the airline does not include services that other carriers build into the ticket price. When you book, you are paying for your seat and the flight itself — nothing else. Everything beyond that is an add-on.
A checked bag costs money; the first checked bag typically runs $35 to $40 depending on the route, and a second bag costs more. Carry-on bags are free, but only one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) is included without charge. If you want to choose your seat in advance rather than being assigned one at check-in, that costs extra — usually $5 to $15 per flight depending on the seat location. Boarding priority, which lets you board before general boarding, also costs a fee.
Breeze does not include food or beverages on flights. You can purchase snacks and drinks onboard, or bring your own food through security. The airline also does not offer seat-back entertainment screens; you can stream entertainment to your own device if the flight has Wi-Fi, which is a paid add-on.
Booking a Flight and Checking In
You book Breeze flights through the airline's website at breezewair.com. There is no booking fee for online reservations, and you can also call the airline's phone line to book, though a phone booking fee may explore. You will need a valid government ID to fly, such as a driver's license or passport.
When you book, you will see the base fare first, then have the option to add bags, seat selection, and other services before you complete your purchase. Read through the add-on options carefully so you know the final cost before you pay. Breeze sends your confirmation to your email address; save this confirmation number because you will need it to check in and make changes.
Check-in opens 24 hours before your flight. You can check in online through the website or mobile app, or at an airport kiosk. If you have a checked bag, you will need to drop it at the ticket counter or bag drop area at the airport. Breeze does not have ticket counters at every airport it serves, so confirm where to check your bag when you arrive.
What Happens at the Airport and During Your Flight
Breeze operates out of smaller and mid-sized airports in addition to some larger ones, which means your airport experience may be different from flying a major carrier. The airline typically uses gates like any other airline, and you will board through the gate area. Boarding is assigned in groups based on whether you purchased priority boarding or not.
Once onboard, you will find a clean, modern aircraft with standard economy seating. Lavatories are available, and you can use them during the flight. Breeze flights are typically short to medium-haul — a few hours or less — so the flight experience is straightforward: you board, the plane takes off, and you land at your destination.
If you need to use the lavatory or move around the cabin, you can do so freely. Breeze does not restrict movement the way some airlines do on very short flights. If you have questions during the flight, flight attendants are there to help, though they are also selling food and drinks, so service is minimal compared to full-service carriers.
Cancellations, Changes, and Refunds
Breeze's cancellation and change policy is stricter than many other airlines. If you cancel a flight, you do not receive a cash refund. Instead, you receive a credit toward a future Breeze flight, valid for one year from your original booking date. This credit can be used by you or transferred to another person.
If you need to change your flight to a different date or time, you can do so through the website or by calling the airline. Changing to a different flight on the same route is usually free if seats are available. Changing to a flight on a different route may require you to pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more. If the new flight costs less, Breeze does not refund the difference; you keep the credit.
Breeze will issue a refund only in specific cases: if the airline cancels your flight, if there is a significant schedule change that you do not accept, or if you purchased a refundable ticket (which costs more than a standard ticket). For most bookings, the credit-only policy applies, so plan accordingly if you think you might need to cancel.
Baggage Rules and What You Can Bring
You can bring one personal item free of charge. A personal item is something small enough to fit under the seat in front of you — a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or similar. You can also bring one carry-on bag free of charge; a carry-on is a standard roller bag that fits in the overhead bin.
Checked bags cost money. The first checked bag is typically $35 to $40, and the second is around $50 to $60, depending on your route. Bags must meet size and weight limits; Breeze's limits are standard for the industry. You can check these limits on the website when you book or before you pack.
Special items like sports equipment, musical instruments, or pet carriers may have different rules. Pets are allowed on Breeze flights; a pet in a carrier counts as a carry-on bag, so you would need to pay for a checked bag if you have other luggage. Check the airline's website for specific rules about your item before you arrive at the airport.
Breeze's Routes and Where It Flies
Breeze operates flights between smaller and mid-sized U.S. cities, with some service to larger airports as well. The airline's network includes cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, and many secondary markets that do not have as much airline competition. This focus on underserved routes is part of Breeze's strategy to offer low fares without competing directly with major carriers on their busiest routes.
The airline is still expanding, so new routes are added regularly. You can see all available routes and current flight schedules on the Breeze website. If you are planning a trip, check whether Breeze serves your departure and arrival cities. If it does not, you will need to book with another airline.
Breeze does not have a frequent flyer program, so you do not earn miles or points on flights. Each ticket is priced individually, and there are no loyalty rewards or status benefits. This keeps fares low but means you do not accumulate benefits from repeat flying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a carry-on bag and a personal item on Breeze?
Yes. One personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) is free, and one standard carry-on roller bag is also free. Both fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If you have more luggage, you will need to check a bag, which costs a fee.
What happens if Breeze cancels my flight?
Breeze will rebook you on another flight to your destination at no additional cost if seats are available. If you do not want to take the new flight, you can request a credit toward a future Breeze flight. Cash refunds are not issued for airline cancellations; you receive a credit instead.
Does Breeze have a loyalty program or frequent flyer miles?
No. Breeze does not offer a frequent flyer program, miles, or loyalty rewards. You do not earn points on tickets or flights. Each booking is priced separately, and there are no status benefits or perks for repeat customers.
Can I change my flight after I book?
Yes. You can change your flight through the website or by calling the airline. Changing to a different flight on the same route is usually free if seats are available. Changing to a different route may require you to pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
What is included in the base fare on a Breeze flight?
The base fare includes your seat and the flight itself. One personal item and one carry-on bag are free. Everything else — checked bags, seat selection, boarding priority, food, beverages, and Wi-Fi — costs extra and must be purchased separately.