JetBlue Airways announced they would be announcing new non-stop service between New York’s JFK and California’s Palm Springs International Airport, with service starting January 14, 2016. To celebrate, they are offering $99 fares each-way on this route, which you can book on JetBlue’s site.

Per JetBlue, JetBlue Airways announced it will begin seasonal non-stop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in Southern California this winter, subject to government approval. Palm Springs will be JetBlue’s ninth destination in the Golden State.

The new flights will operate five times per week, Thursday through Monday, between January 14, 2016 and May 1, 2016. Seats are on sale beginning today with introductory fares starting at $99 one way between New York and Palm Springs (a).

The desert oasis has recently experienced a comeback by blending its nostalgic past as a playground for Hollywood with hip new development attracting a new generation of trendy travelers. Palm Springs was a favorite venue for The Rat Pack, and stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball all built homes in Palm Springs. Today, Palm Springs has become a gathering spot for architecture aficionados, musicians, artists, and trendy weekenders seeking a warm, retro-chic getaway with great hotels, restaurants and outdoor activities.

“With direct service to Palm Springs five days a week, winter-weary East Coasters can escape to this desert getaway with 350 days of sunshine easier than ever before,” said Dave Clark, vice president of network planning at JetBlue. “Palm Springs’ re-emergence as a destination and the area’s nationally recognized events like Coachella make it the perfect addition to our transcontinental route map.”

The Greater Palm Springs area’s abundant outdoor adventure offerings including the Joshua Tree National Park and the San Jacinto Mountains, as well as world-class events and festivals, including Coachella, Stagecoach and BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

“The City of Palm Springs continues to experience a tremendous renaissance and we are delighted to welcome JetBlue to Palm Springs International Airport,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “Their arrival is just more proof that Palm Springs is the premiere resort destination in Southern California and beyond.”

Palm Springs International Airport, located less than two miles from downtown, welcomes more than 1.5 million passengers annually from the U.S. and Canada. The airport is known for its shorter lines, friendly staff, stunning desert vistas and airport amenities including an outdoor courtyard, dining and retail. The airport services Greater Palm Springs, which includes the resort cities of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella.

JetBlue will serve the route with its Airbus A320 aircraft offering the airline’s award-winning service featuring the most legroom in coach (b); free Fly-Fi, the fastest broadband internet in the sky; complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and soft drinks; free, live DIRECTV® programming and 100+ channels of SiriusXM® radio in every seatback.

Bottom Line

I’m excited for this route as I think it will be great to connect New York to Palm Springs. JetBlue recently announced non-stop service from New York to Reno/Lake Tahoe.

Make sure to use a card that will earn you bonus points on your airline purchase, like the Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express which earns you 3X points for flights booked with airlines! You can read all about the additional new benefits of this card here, like the new $100 airline fee credit!

Or you can earn 6 points per $1 on JetBlue purchases with The JetBlue Plus Card or 3 points per $1 on JetBlue purchases with The JetBlue Card.