Spoiler: It didn’t cost me a fortune either.
Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve ever tried flying out of Orlando or even Palm Beach during peak season, you know the chaos. The parking garages feel like a scavenger hunt, TSA lines snake around like a theme park ride (minus the fun), and by the time you finally board your plane, you’re ready for a nap and maybe a glass of wine (or two). #IYKYK That’s why I’ve decided not to gatekeep my little secret…that hidden gem that has completely changed the game for me lately: Breeze Airways out of Vero Beach Regional Airport. Yes, Vero Beach! I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, there are real flights out of there?” Oh, honey, yes. And it is everything.
First, Let’s Talk Vero Beach Airport.
Imagine this: You drive up, park your car for free (yes, free parking!! Can you even remember the last time you got that at an airport?), stroll into the terminal and you’re done. There are no parking garages, no shuttles, no dragging your luggage through a maze of terminals. Vero Beach Airport has one gate. ONE. And that, my friends, is the magic.
I showed up about an hour before my flight, which honestly felt like overkill. Everyone was calm. No crowds. No lines wrapping around the building. I checked in, breezed (see what I did there?) through security, and was at the gate in under 10 minutes. Here’s the kicker: because Breeze is the only commercial airline flying out of Vero Beach, and they don’t have to wait for runway clearance from dozens of other flights, they often leave early. Seriously! Once everyone’s checked in and on board, they’re like, “Let’s roll.”
That means you get to your destination early too — a rare and beautiful thing in today’s travel world.
The Plane: Comfy, Chic, and Not a Cattle Call
Let’s talk seats. Breeze offers three options:
-
Nice
-
Nicer
-
Nicest (aka Ascent Seats)
I flew Nice, their lowest fare tier (though not their “No Flex” fare — more on that in a minute). Even in Nice, I had plenty of legroom and I’m not talking “squish-your-knees-into-the-magazine-pocket” type of space. And okay, I’m only 5’1″, so I admit, I don’t take up much room to begin with, but still these seats were wide and cushy with that built-in headrest that I love to fall asleep against.
And get this, I had an entire row to myself. While this probably isn’t the norm, and I happened to luck out, and I can’t remember the last time it happened, so…I had to brag a little. I stretched out, popped in my headphones, and finally watched that movie I’d been meaning to catch for months. I couldn’t believe how relaxed I felt. No crying babies. No elbow battles. No “Sorry, I have to squeeze past you again to use the bathroom.” Just me, my snacks (more on those soon), and a surprisingly fast and smooth flight.
Fare Options: Something for Every Flyer
Let me break down the fare classes for you, because Breeze gives you choices, and I’m all about options.
-
Nice: One personal item and one carry-on included. You can cancel or change your flight without a fee, which is HUGE for people like me who often shift plans at the last minute.
-
Nicer: All the perks of Nice, plus more legroom, a checked bag, and free WiFi.
-
Nicest: First-class style Ascent seats, two checked bags, a carry-on, drinks and snacks included, and of course free WiFi. If you want to fly in full-on comfort, this is your upgrade path.
Then there’s the No Flex Fare, which is ultra-budget. It’s dirt cheap, and I totally get the appeal, especially if you’re traveling light and know you won’t need to make changes. But heads up: you’ll have to pay for luggage, snacks, and you won’t get the free cancellation/change benefits. Still, it’s a steal if you’re just zipping up for a weekend and packing a backpack or tote that’ll fit under your seat.
Snacks That Are Actually Worth Eating
Even in Nice, I was able to buy some goodies onboard, and let me tell you, these weren’t your sad little 5-pretzel bags. I’m talking Zapp’s chips in good-size bags, sharing-size M&Ms, and more. I paid a few bucks and had a full-on movie snack moment at 30,000 feet. If I had splurged for an Ascent seat in Nicest, all of those snacks and drinks would have been included. Next time? I just might (really, the difference in price vs. what you get is like paying for economy on the big boys and getting first class).
Technology That Gets It
Ever had a phone dying at takeoff and nowhere to charge? Not here. I had both a USB and USB-C port at my seat. Yes, USB-C. Breeze gets that we live in 2025 now and not 2005. I charged my phone, watched a movie, and even considered upgrading to WiFi mid-flight, which is absolutely an option. Breeze doesn’t nickel and dime you on tech. They make it easy and seamless.
Providence Over Logan? A Big Yes from Me
Okay, let’s chat destinations. Breeze flies from Vero Beach to Providence, Rhode Island (among other cities), which is just about the easiest way to get to Boston without the drama of Logan. As a former New Englander, I’ve done the Logan shuffle more times than I can count. From terminal changes to city traffic to the Logan Express, it’s…a lot.
But Providence? Chef’s kiss. The airport is small, calm, and clean (FYI, T.F. Green JUST won 2025 airport of the year from Travel & Leisure magazine readers). I got off my flight, took the walkway over to the parking garage, and hopped right onto the commuter rail. Yes, the MBTA train picks up right there, and within a little over an hour I was dropped off right at Back Bay Station (my stop a couple of blocks from my brother’s house). No buses. No switching trains. Just pure, stress-free transit.
Honestly, it took me less time to get from Fort Pierce to Providence, including the flight, than it would have taken me to drive to Orlando, park, get to the terminal, and that’s not even including having to go through TSA, and then board a flight. Not kidding!!!
Friendly Faces in the Sky
Can we talk about the crew for a minute? The flight attendants were absolutely wonderful, friendly, helpful, and fun. Not the robotic, overworked vibe you sometimes get on big airlines. These folks were smiling, joking with passengers, checking to make sure everyone was having fun and knew how to use the technology, and clearly enjoying what they do. It made such a difference.
When the people around you are happy and at ease, it really sets the tone for the whole trip. I felt like I was traveling with a bunch of friends instead of total strangers.
The Price Is Right
Let’s not forget cost. My Breeze flight was literally half the price of what I usually pay on a major airline, and that doesn’t even factor in the free parking at Vero Beach. I’m talking hundreds of dollars saved. And considering how comfortable the experience was, I honestly can’t see myself flying the old way again.
It felt like I found the secret backdoor to affordable, enjoyable travel, and I’m letting you in on it, because if you’re anything like me, someone who loves to go back and forth between Florida and New England to see family (or maybe you’re a snowbird) — you need this in your life.
Bottom Line: Breeze from Vero Beach Is a Total Win
So let me sum it up for you:
-
✅ Free parking.
-
✅ No crowds, no chaos.
-
✅ Super comfy seats — even in the cheapest fare class.
-
✅ Options that let you customize your experience.
-
✅ Great snacks and charging options.
-
✅ Friendly, fun flight attendants.
-
✅ You often leave (and arrive) early.
-
✅ You skip the mess of Logan by flying into Providence.
-
✅ And you save a ton of money.
I had a great flight. I was relaxed, entertained, fed, and even a little pampered, and I wasn’t even in the fancy seats. I’m officially a Breeze fan, and if you’ve got friends or family up in the Providence or Boston area, or maybe a beach house on the Cape you love to visit like me, this route is a total game-changer. They also fly into New Haven (Hello Rachel) and Hartford (Hi, Suzie) – two other routes I’ll take often, as well as four NY State airports, as well as Dulles in D.C.
So next time you’re dreading the schlep to Orlando (or Palm Beach), do yourself a favor: take a drive to Vero Beach, pack a carry-on, and hop on Breeze. You just might find your new favorite way to fly. I know I did.
