JetBlue Offers $1 Flights for Troops

May 05, 2009
Richmond Times - Dispatch

RICHMOND, Va. -- JetBlue is tossing a sharp salute this month to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. Active-duty service members will be able to fly out of Richmond International Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport on JetBlue Airways for $1 this month.

Men and women serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard can book the $1 fares on flights from the two Virginia airports for travel to any nonstop domestic destination.

According to JetBlue's Web site, reservations must be booked between today and Thursday, May 7 -- or while seats last -- for travel dates from May 8 through May 31.

Service members have to purchase the special-fare flights by tomorrow, the New York-based airline said.

Richmond International serves Fort Lee, which is home to about 7,900 active-duty Army soldiers.

Using 100-passenger Embraer jets, JetBlue provides three nonstop flights daily from Richmond to New York; one each to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and two to Boston.

"This is a remarkable gesture by JetBlue," RIC spokesman Troy Bell said.

From Dulles, JetBlue flies nonstop to Long Beach and Oakland, Calif.; New York; Orlando; Fort Lauderdale; and Boston.

JetBlue is offering the $1 fare in honor of National Military Appreciation Month, the company said in a statement. The airline also has pledged a $15,000 donation to the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project.

"JetBlue salutes the men and women serving in the United States armed forces during this special month of appreciation and every day of the year," JetBlue CEO Dave Barger said.

When they check in at the JetBlue ticket counter, military travelers must present a valid Department of Defense Common Access Card and documentation of their authorized leave from duty.