VERO BEACH, Fla. — More flight options have landed on the Treasure Coast.
JetBlue Flight 1715 arrived at Vero Beach Regional Airport from New York's JFK Airport at 12:13 p.m. Thursday.
WATCH BELOW: JetBlue lands in Vero Beach
According to the FlightAware online airline tracker website, the flight lasted two hours and 58 minutes. The departure flight to JFK was scheduled to leave Vero Beach at 1:49 p.m.
JetBlue Flight 1231 landed in Vero Beach at 2:01 p.m. after departing from Boston's Logan International Airport at 10:38 a.m. The return flight to Boston was scheduled to depart at 3:05 p.m.
This comes after the airline announced in August that it would begin its first-ever service to the airport, providing flights to and from New York and Boston.
Passengers aboard the inaugural flight from JFK expressed enthusiasm about the new service.
"Really enjoyed it. It was smooth," one passenger said.
Another traveler noted minor delays but overall satisfaction: "Flight was good. We were a little delayed going off."
Krysta, who lives in New York but grew up in Vero Beach, was among those celebrating the new route. She booked the flight specifically because of its destination.
"When I heard it was coming to Vero, I was like, OK, I'm obviously booking that," Krysta said.
She was visiting family for her brother's wedding this weekend and appreciated the convenience for her mother.
"Be able to drive 15 minutes to pick me up. You can't beat it," Krysta said.
Mark and Doug, also visiting family, called the service transformative.
"This is a game changer," Doug said. "I think it's going to really make a big difference for people down here with family up in New York, you know, up everywhere."
Susan, who booked her Boston flight months in advance, was traveling for multiple family celebrations.
"Lots of birthdays right now, our grandson, my daughter, my nephew, my best friend," Susan said.
After living in Vero Beach for 15 years, she described this as her easiest trip yet.
"It's like roll out of bed and come," Susan said.
JetBlue becomes the second major airline at Vero Beach Regional Airport, joining Breeze Airways. In February, American Airlines will begin service with flights to Charlotte.
"This is a very, very interesting thing to have happen here at Vero Beach," said airport director Todd Scher.
Scher outlined expansion plans for next year, including covered walkways, baggage claim areas and passenger pavilions.
"We are going to put in some things that are going to make it a little more comfortable for the passengers," Scher said.
For Susan, the new service means easier access to family celebrations.
"Yes, it's gonna be a party (in Boston)," Susan said.
American Airlines begins flights in February
In September, airport officials announced that American Airlines will launch nonstop, daily, year-round flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, starting Feb. 12.
Before these additional flights, Breeze Airways was the only airline flying to the Treasure Coast.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist, portions have been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
