DAYTONA BEACH — Less than 10 months after making its inaugural flight to Daytona Beach International Airport, Breeze Airways has expanded its nonstop service offerings here to a fifth destination.
The low-cost airline on Wednesday, Sept. 3, launched twice-weekly nonstop service to Akron/Canton/Cleveland, Ohio, which will now be available Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Volusia County-run airport.
Breeze also offers twice-weekly nonstop flights here to Hartford, Connecticut, Providence, Rhode Island, and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.
“The community has really responded well to Breeze Airways,” said Joanne Magley, director of air service, marketing and customer service at Daytona Beach International Airport. “In general, the airport and the airline are very happy with the service (by Breeze) which is less than a year old.”
Where exactly is Breeze flying to in Ohio from Daytona?
While Breeze on its website lists its flights to the Buckeye State from Daytona Beach as being to “Akron/Canton/Cleveland,” the flights are actually to the Akron-Canton Airport in the city of Green, Ohio.
The Akron-Canton Airport is 11 miles southeast of Akron, 10 miles northwest of Canton and 51 miles, or roughly an hour’s drive, south of Cleveland.
What they’re saying about the new service to Ohio
Cyrus Callum, Volusia County’s director of aviation and economic resources, which includes Daytona Beach International Airport, in a news release hailed Wednesday’s inaugural incoming and outgoing flights from and to Akron-Canton as a big “win.”
“The new route brings more visitors to Daytona and offers our residents another great destination to visit,” he said. “It opens the door for Midwest travelers to discover Daytona Beach and an airport known for short lines, close parking, and a ‘Seriously Nice’ experience. We’re grateful for the partnership we’ve developed with Breeze and look forward to continued growth together.”
David Neeleman, the founder and CEO of Breeze, stated, “Breeze service in Daytona Beach launched about a year ago (Nov. 14, 2024), and we’re grateful for the reception we’ve received ever since. Breeze now offers five nonstop destinations from DAB, and we know our guests love all of the new, affordable, and convenient travel options.”
What is Breeze?
Breeze is based in Cottonwood Heights, Utah and was founded in 2001 by Neeleman, who previously helped start four other airlines: JetBlue, Morris Air, WestJet and Azul Linhas Aereas.
It bills itself as the “seriously nice” airline because it offers super-cheap air fares if you just buy a ticket with no frills. Like other discount airlines, Breeze charges fees for “extras” such as checked and carry-on bags, seat selection, more legroom, and changes or cancellations.
Consequently, its fares vary ranging from its cheapest rates which are its “no flex fare” tickets. Fares go up, accordingly, with its “nice,” “nicer” and “nicest” bundles.
Breeze currently flies to 78 cities in 35 states.
How much are introductory fares to Akron-Canton?
Breeze is currently offering an introductory rate for its new Daytona Beach-Akron/Canton, Ohio route of $54 each way if you buy a “No Flex Fare” ticket by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. The ticket must be used in the time period that begins Sept. 19 and runs through Jan. 31 of next year.
To book tickets, and for more information, visit flybreeze.com
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Breeze Airways launches nonstop Daytona Beach-Akron/Canton/Cleveland service
Reporting by Clayton Park, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
