JetBlue announces launch of its first-ever direct flight to the Bahamas

The summer travel season is among us and although an island getaway sounds nice, it might not be worth combating the large crowds to some travelers. Luckily, JetBlue has added a new flight to a tropical destination this fall, making it the perfect opportunity to jet-set after the hectic summer months.

Starting Nov. 4, the airline will launch a new flight to Nassau in the Bahamas. The flight, which will operate once per week on Saturdays, will depart from Los Angeles International Airport and arrive at Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport.

“We are continuing to see a strong visitation to Nassau Paradise Island from Los Angeles, and we are excited to expand access and offer the first nonstop flight from LAX in the history of the destination,” Joy Jibrilu, the CEO of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, said in a statement to Travel + Leisure. “Nassau and Paradise Island are the perfect getaway for those on the West Coast craving a tropical vacation with our white sand beaches, turquoise waters, world-class resorts and unmatched Bahamian hospitality.”

JetBlue’s new route makes it the first nonstop flight for the airline from the West Coast to Nassau. Travel + Leisure notes that the airline does fly to other islands from major cities including Fort Lauderdale, Boston and New York.

After you’ve enjoyed all that Nassau has to offer, getting back home will be a breeze. Lynden Pindling International Airport offers travelers preclearance, allowing them to go through customs prior to heading back to the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration also debuted its first TSA PreCheck location outside of the U.S. at Nassau’s airport.

JetBlue isn’t the only airline that is embarking on a “first.” Detour reported that American Airlines launched the first-ever nonstop flight to the British Virgin Islands. The new route, which launched June 1, will operate seasonally through August 14, pause during the fall, and restart in November. The direct flight departs from Miami International Airport and arrives at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport in Beef Island.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.