Getting to Aruba just got a whole lot easier thanks to JetBlue’s newest non-stop service from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to the island of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and even a variety of cacti. The new service is part of a strategy to boost JetBlue’s main South Florida hub as the gateway to the Caribbean. With JetBlue already providing Aruba (AUA) service from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood becomes the third gateway with flights headed to Aruba, providing convenient connections across the expanding JetBlue network.

As of Jan. 4, JetBlue Flight 1411 flies from its South Florida hub in Fort Lauderdale to Aruba at 11:22 a.m., arriving at 3:24 p.m. The return, Flight 1412, is from 4:20 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. The airline operates the FLL–AUA service using its 150-seat Airbus A320, offering the airline’s award-winning service featuring the most legroom in coach. Additional services include free Fly-Fi, complimentary snacks and drinks, free DIRECTV programs, more than 100 channels of SiriusXM radio at every seat and free first-run Hollywood movies. Tickets are available for purchase through JetBlue.com, starting at $99 for one-way tickets.

I was one of the lucky travelers to fly the inaugural FLL–AUA service on Jan. 4. With a celebration of food, cake, Champagne and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, press and fanfare greeted distinguished guests, aircrew, reporters and travelers. Our three-hour flight gave us time to enjoy complimentary onboard entertainment, snacks and Fly-Fi while still in U.S. space.

Once in Aruba — located 15 miles north of Venezuela, with consistent 82-degree days — I enjoyed three nights at the conveniently located Renaissance, which has a private island where guests luxuriate while mingling with resident flamingoes and iguanas. After mandatory shopping (I shopped for sales at Zara and also snagged a coveted Michael Kors wallet), I explored Arikok National Park with its stark cacti-studded landscapes, sailed and snorkeled in the sparkling turquoise waters of the southern Caribbean, photographed street art in San Nicolas and dined on local specialties including freshly caught fish, shrimp and lobster.

Dave Clark, vice president of network planning, JetBlue, said, “We are thrilled to announce more Fort Lauderdale growth and new non-stop service to Aruba. With miles of picturesque beaches, a variety of outdoor and beach activity options and fantastic resorts, Aruba continues to be a destination JetBlue customers can’t get enough of. With new flights from Fort Lauderdale we are making it easier than ever to get to Aruba no matter where our customers are flying from.”

JetBlue

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Aruba (AUA)
tel 800 538 2583