As the summer heats up, Annie and I are always looking for a quick getaway to recharge. But to be completely honest, we’ve never paid much attention to discount airlines. Like most people, we’ve heard the horror stories of hidden fees, cramped seats, and endless delays.
That all changed recently when Breeze Airways expanded its footprint at RDU. When we saw they added a direct flight to Key West—one of our absolute favorite places on earth—we knew we had to check it out.
Honestly? Our experience could not have been better. Consider us officially converted!
Why Breeze Got the “Pro” Treatment
I’ll be the first to admit, at 6’4″ with a couple of fake knees, flying isn’t always the most comfortable experience for me. But Breeze completely blew us away.
Here is why they earned a spot on the Lowdown:
- Affordable Luxury: We opted for their first-class tickets for just $500 each. That included checked bags, carry-ons, and incredibly comfortable, spacious seats.
- The “Fake Knee” Test: The aircraft was brand new, pristine, and featured tons of legroom. My knees and I can officially give it a thumbs up.
- Fantastic Crew: From check-in to touchdown, the staff was exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming.
The Game Changer: The Three-Hour Escape
The absolute best part of the trip was the timeline. On Monday, we left RDU at a reasonable 8 a.m., landed, and were fully checked into our Key West hotel by 11 a.m. No layovers, no wasted days traveling.
On the way back Friday, we got to sleep in a bit, flew out of Key West at 11 a.m., and landed back in Raleigh at 1:30 p.m. We were unpacked and relaxing on our own couch by mid-afternoon!
The Important Detail: To make the most of it, you do have to plan your schedule accordingly. Many of Breeze’s direct flights only run on specific days of the week. For our vacation, the Monday-to-Friday route was absolute perfection.
The Lowdown: Plan Your Next Getaway
Breeze Airways is constantly adding new direct destinations out of RDU, and Annie and I are already talking about planning our next few vacations entirely around where they fly. If you want a seamless, stress-free, and affordable travel experience, they are highly, highly recommended.
Ready to look at their destination map and book your next escape? Check them out at FlyBreeze.com.
The Pro Tip: Because their direct flights run on select days (like the Monday/Friday Key West route), lock in your dates early before the prime weekend flights fill up!