Start Spreading the News, New York City is Back… With JetBlue

With daily non-stop service, JetBlue is making it easy for Canadians to again enjoy all the isle of Manhattan and its surrounding communities have to offer

New York City is famously dubbed ‘the city that never sleeps.’ But JetBlue’s new daily non-stop service to and from Vancouver offers so many perks, even the most excited traveller will feel refreshed upon arrival—and wake up ready for adventure in the Big Apple.

Taking off daily at 11:30 p.m. (with a return flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport scheduled each day at 6:58 p.m.), the new service launched last month and offers impressive leg room, unlimited snacks and much more. Though they operate more than 900 daily flights, JetBlue can now boast of the only direct service from JFK to Vancouver–and it’s an important step in their ongoing expansion. “The addition of Vancouver to our route map marks an important milestone for JetBlue as our first Canadian destination,” said Andrea Lusso, vice president of network planning, JetBlue. “We look forward to not only introducing our outstanding service and competitive fares to Canadian customers but also providing access to all the cities we serve from New York.”

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, another carrier cancelled their popular Vancouver-New York red eye and travel options became less bountiful for those wishing to whisk off from the west coast for a little big city fun. Thankfully, JetBlue has stepped up.

Here’s what to expect–and what to do when you land happily…

The experience

Facebook/JetBlueJetBlue may be a slightly less-familiar face in the Canadian aviation and travel industry, but it’s well-known in the United States, with the airline actually ranking as the sixth-largest carrier in the country to our south. Planes are often touted as some of the most sparklingly clean in use, and both ground and in-flight staff demonstrate a dedicated focus on ease of travel. The company’s award-winning ‘Mint’ class is not offered on the New York-Vancouver Airbus A320s, but keep your eyes peeled for its high-end dedication to comfort and style on flights to one of their other “blue city” routes. And, don’t fear, all seats departing from YVR offer complimentary DirectTV service and free Fly-Fi broadband internet access. (The airline also happens to be carbon neutral on all domestic flights.) For a limited time, passengers can also find fares as low at $119 on the Vancouver-JFK calendar as JetBlue celebrates this exciting, new addition.

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The photo ops

Once you touch down, the fun continues. The largest metropolitan centre in America has always provided copious choices when it comes to leisure and cultural activities. With the world finally opening up again (cautiously) to travellers, New York is brimming with fun this season.

Just three short years ago, a majorly reimagined Hudson Yards made its debut. This shopping and dining centre on the city’s west side is a great spot to exercise both your debit card and your appetite. With stores ranging from Uniqlo to Chanel, the mall is just one of the exciting features in the area, which also include a cultural centre, a major green space and residences. The Vessel, built by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, is a 16-storey artistic wonder that provides a visually stunning gem in the heart of the development and is popular with locals and tourists alike. (Though it is currently closed to members of the public who wish to climb the steps, while additional safety measures are taken into consideration.)

Facebook/Edge NYCNot far from the excitement of Hudson Yards is Edge, the perfect afternoon adventure for thrill-seekers. Stand 100 stories above the city below and enjoy expansive, incredible views on the recently-opened tourist spot. It’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere, and encourages visitors to “hold your breath, take a step and feel the thrill.”

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark in the city and improvements over the years have made it a walkable experience unlike any other. Begin in Manhattan and stroll across for amazing views… and the promise of amazing ice cream and pizza in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighbourhood on the other side.

If you’re sticking close to the isle of Manhattan, Little Island is a marvel to behold. A man-made park that covers nearly 2.5 acres, investors (including famed fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg) aimed to provide the city with a public outdoor space along the Hudson River that offered incredible views while also creatively making use of the aging pillars and structures that dot the waterfront.
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The curtain goes up

The dedicated Broadway theatre community truly struggled during the pandemic, with ghost lights keeping theatres lit but few people strolling the boards. Finally, live theatre is back—and with gusto!

New shows are rolling out, but past favourites are taking their final bows. Before the summer is up, try out one of the Tony-winning wonders that are facing a pending curtain call.

Tina: The Tina Turner MusicalTheatre legend Patti Lupone headlines the latest incarnation of Stephen Sondheim’s thoughtful, engrossing Company until July 31st. Two weeks later, the incandescent Tina: The Tina Turner Musical sees its jukebox-musical story come to a close. The empowering production traces the oft-told tale of the tragedy and triumph of the life of the queen of rock and roll. While not always easy to watch (owing to graphic violence), it routinely sees crowds in the aisles bellowing along to the sounds of rock classics “The Best”, “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to do With It.”

Facebook/ComeFromAwayDear Evan Hansen is in the spotlight still at the Music Box Theatre until September 18th. Heralded as “one of the most remarkable shows in Broadway history” by The Washington Post, it tells the tale of an anxious young man struggling to understand his place in the world. And then there is Come From Away, the crowd-pleasing musical that recounts the heroism and heart of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who rallied to support shocked American air passengers stranded by the horrifying events of September 11, 2001. A Tony winner for its direction, the emotional tale doesn’t just tug at the heartstrings, it infuses audiences with compassion and joy.

The hot spots

Facebook/Il Melograno NYCWork up an appetite during travel? The boroughs of New York City have never lacked amazing dining options. Whether you opt for proven favourites like Fig and Olive or stick to selections unearthed on previous visits, you can’t possibly decry the abundance of choice. Il Melograno in Hell’s Kitchen is Italian class and simplicity perfected. Soho’s La Sirène will dish up escargot that would make even the most hardened French culinary type gush. For added adventure, jump on the train or dial up Uber and head to Brooklyn’s gorgeous Park Slope. Famed for brownstones and community spirit, the neighbourhood offers up a farm-to-table favourite Al Di La, billed as a “Northern Italian mainstay.” The food is endearingly rustic and truly rewarding.

For a taste of everything the city has to offer, delicious plates are certainly on the menu at NYC Restaurant Week (now until August 21, 2022). Returning this year for 30 days, the event celebrates its 30th anniversary and sees prix-fixe menus at hundreds of the city’s finest restaurants and eateries, across all five famed boroughs. 

For more information on JetBlue flights from Vancouver to New York’s JFK, visit www.jetblue.com and, to plan an exciting stay in the city, head to www.nycgo.com

CREATED BY BCLIVING, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JETBLUE