If you're based in New Orleans or planning a visit soon, there’s exciting news on the aviation front that could make your travel plans more convenient and possibly more affordable.

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Breeze Airways, the airline that made off-the-beaten-path destinations more accessible (and affordable), recently announced a new expansion from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Beginning this February, flyers can jet nonstop to Las Vegas (LAS) and Los Angeles (LAX) on Breeze's iconic Airbus A220 planes.

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Whereas the LA route is a return to form, the Las Vegas flight is new to the carrier and it may be a game-changer for locals and travelers alike passing through the Big Easy.

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Let's get into what this does for New Orleans flyers, onboard expectations, and why Breeze keeps making headlines for all the good reasons.

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Breeze Airways: The Quiet Game-Changer in U.S. Travel

Before we dive into route details, it's well worth pausing to admire what Breeze Airways has been up to in recent years.

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Founded by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, Breeze Airways was founded with a specific purpose: to bridge ignored U.S. cities that had been under-served by the big carriers. In contrast to employing the standard "hub-and-spoke" system, Breeze flies point-to-point routes, which generally equates to fewer layovers, shorter travel times, and lower fares.

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Within a matter of years, Breeze has expanded to operate in 76 cities in 34 states, opening new travel doors for millions. The airline has long been ranked highly in passenger satisfaction, with Travel + Leisure naming it a top 5 U.S. airline four years running including 2025.

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So, what sets them apart?

• Low base fares with an a la carte menu of extras
• Sleek and new Airbus A220-300 aircraft
• Ascent Class: A first-class-style experience at a quarter of the conventional cost
• Extra legroom seating, in-flight internet, and upscale onboard service

Now, let's discuss the newest additions to their network.

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New Route 1: New Orleans to Las Vegas (LAS)

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This is the top-of-the-page route. Beginning in February 2026, Breeze will operate nonstop from MSY to Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), a new destination for the airline from this city.

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For tourists, this presents a great chance to organize a weekend trip to the world's entertainment capital without fear of long layovers or high prices.

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Whether you're seeing a show, playing the tables, or simply immersing yourself in the Strip's ambiance, this nonstop route is an improvement over the normal multi-leg itineraries that eat away at your wallet and your time.

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Look for Breeze's chic Airbus A220-300 planes on this route, with a smooth ride and lots of flexibility in seats and prices.

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New Route 2: New Orleans to Los Angeles (LAX)

The second route should ring a bell with seasoned Breeze travelers. The company is reinstating its MSY to LAX route, which is a testament to its improved faith in the West Coast market.

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Why LA? For starters, it's not all glitz and glamour like Hollywood. Los Angeles is a hotbed of business, entertainment, and culture. It's also an important layover point for global travel.

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This route offers Breeze customers a convenient choice to fly straight into the center of Southern California, if you're going to Venice Beach or making a deal in Century City. And once more, the Airbus A220 will be the heavy lifter, providing you with a smoother flight with more tech and comfort than you may find on a budget airline.

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Inside the Airbus A220-300 Experience

Both of these new routes will be operated with Breeze’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which are quickly becoming fan favorites for their performance and passenger comfort.

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Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect on board:

• 12 Breeze Ascent seats (their version of domestic first class)
• 45 seats with extra legroom
• 16 standard economy seats

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The A220 features a quieter cabin, bigger windows, and additional overhead bin capacity. And if you splurge on Ascent Class, you'll get benefits such as bigger seats, free snacks and beverages, and priority boarding without sacrificing a small fortune.

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It's evident Breeze is trying to make travel in higher classes more affordable while still providing budget-friendly options for price-conscious travelers.

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Breeze's Strategic Expansion: A Larger Play at the West Coast?

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Both of these new routes are not standalone moves they're in conjunction with a broader push by Breeze to extend its presence on the West Coast.

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Just recently, Breeze said it would be taking on several routes that were once flown by Avelo Airlines, some of which had been suddenly trimmed when Avelo reorganized its network. That action was eyebrow-raising but strategically makes sense. Breeze is basically picking up unserved or underserved routes and providing a more developed experience with a newer fleet.

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This New Orleans expansion fits right into that plan. With New Orleans as an expanding Southern hub and Los Angeles and Las Vegas as giant demand generators out west, the connectivity possibilities are huge.

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In short, Breeze isn't merely pursuing volume it's being strategic about where it expands.

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Is Breeze Airways Worth Flying?

Well, let's get to the question everyone wants to know: is Breeze really any good?

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Short answer: yes. Particularly if you travel Ascent Class.

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Breeze has earned a loyal client base through its seamless booking experience, on-time flights, and elegant onboard experience. In an industry replete with ultra-low-cost carriers that nickel-and-dime passengers, Breeze is able to find a balance between comfort, affordability, and reliability that is the exception in an otherwise commoditized market.

Frequent travelers have been highlighting the way the airline provides consistently good service and courteous employees something that's unfortunately becoming increasingly rare these days.

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This is what you can expect with Breeze:

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Sleek app and booking experience

• Friendly customer service
• Spacious, new cabins
• Choices for premium flyers as well as budget travelers

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It's not luxury but it's not "no-frills" either. Breeze occupies that middle ground, and they're executing it successfully.

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When Can You Book?

Breeze's new flights from New Orleans to Las Vegas and Los Angeles will start in February of 2026, and tickets should be bookable soon if they are not already.

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As ever, the early bird catches the worm when it comes to booking, particularly Ascent seats or weekend flights. Breeze typically has promotion deals when opening new routes, so be sure to look for launch offers on their website or app.

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