Jet Blue airlines has just announced plans to service Newark Airport. Beginning October 5th, they will begin flights from Newark’s Liberty International in New Jersey. Jet Blue will offer introductory fares for as low as $69 one-way from Newark to Florida cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Tampa and Fort Myers. Later on November 17th, Jet-Blue will begin flights from Newark to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This is a very good thing for travelers to and from the city. Jet Blue is a discount airline known for their low fares, straightforward pricing and unique service. All of their planes are one class with leather seats and live satellite television available at every seat. I’ve flown them before and had a very good experience. The move to Newark is excellent because it means that travelers from Manhattan will have easy access to Jet Blue via the rail service that goes directly from Penn Station to Newark in about 20 minutes for a cost of about $11. Previously, Jet Blue only flew out of Kennedy Airport which is difficult to get to and from via public transportation. It’s also good because Continental Airlines (with whom I have hundreds of thousands of miles) will likely adjust their prices to compete with Jet Blue’s discounts.