Air+Rail Lands in Florida: JetBlue and Brightline Launch Partnership

JetBlue and Brightline have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership that allows passengers to book air and rail travel in a single itinerary—a first for the U.S. aviation and rail industries.

This new collaboration will enable travelers flying to or from Florida cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando to combine JetBlue flights with Brightline’s high-speed trains via the airline’s website, eliminating the need to book separate tickets or arrange additional ground transportation.

Photo: Courtesy of Airbus SAS / J. Darcy

The move positions Florida as a national test case for integrated multimodal travel, where high-speed rail supplements air travel rather than competes with it.

Bridging the Gaps 

While other nations have long embraced high-speed rail as a solution to congested airports and short-haul flight inefficiencies, the U.S. has lagged behind.

This partnership takes a notable step toward changing that—especially in a state like Florida, where booming tourism, population growth, and sprawling cities place constant pressure on transportation infrastructure.

JetBlue customers can now fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), transfer directly to Brightline’s in-terminal station, and travel as far south as Miami without leaving the airport complex. In South Florida, Brightline offers shuttle service from stations to nearby airports, included with the JetBlue ticket.

Photo: Orlando station. Courtesy of Brightline

The integration comes as JetBlue expands its Florida footprint and looks for ways to streamline operations in a region prone to weather disruptions and flight delays.

“As we continue to grow in Florida, our partnership with Brightline helps us deliver even more value and convenience to our customers,” said Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships.

Why This Matters

Short-haul flights—particularly those under 300 miles—are among commercial aviation’s least efficient and most polluting segments. By connecting customers to Brightline’s all-electric, high-speed rail system, JetBlue is quietly moving toward a more sustainable model of regional connectivity.

Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue

It’s also a logistical win. Passengers can now avoid the hassle of renting a car, sitting in traffic on the busy I-95 interstate or Florida Turnpike, or making separate travel arrangements between Florida cities. The air-rail partnership also enhances flexibility: in cases of flight cancellations or delays, JetBlue can now rebook customers on Brightline segments as alternative travel options.

This makes Florida a proving ground for how airlines and rail operators can work together to improve travel reliability while reducing environmental impact.

Matched Comfort

To make the journey more seamless, JetBlue’s travel classes will align with Brightline’s onboard offerings. Travelers flying in JetBlue’s Mint cabin will be booked in Brightline Premium, which includes wider seats, complimentary food and beverages, and lounge access. JetBlue’s core customers are paired with Brightline Smart, the rail carrier’s standard class.

Photo: Brightline Station Orlando. Courtesy of Mary Bar

For passengers, this means not just fewer handoffs between travel providers—but consistent quality of service, from the gate to the railcar.

What Comes Next?

While the partnership is currently limited to Florida, it opens the door to similar models elsewhere—particularly as more regional rail projects gain traction across the U.S. Brightline itself is expanding: construction is underway on a new route connecting Southern California to Las Vegas, with similar airline partnerships likely under consideration.

Brightline’s MiamiCentral Station / Photo: Courtesy of Brightline

For now, JetBlue and Brightline’s alliance provides a much-needed solution in one of the country’s most heavily trafficked travel corridors. It also serves as a case study of how airlines and rail systems might finally begin working together—rather than competing—to move people more efficiently.

“We are proud to partner with JetBlue to enhance connectivity throughout Florida,” said Barbara Drahl, Brightline’s senior vice president of marketing and commercial strategy. “This is about providing travelers with a smarter, more flexible way to get where they’re going.”

Bottom Line

For travelers flying into or within Florida, JetBlue and Brightline’s new partnership promises faster connections, fewer headaches, and a greener way to move around the state. It may also mark the beginning of a larger trend: integrating air and rail to create a more connected and resilient transportation system in the U.S.