As a parent and frequent traveler managing a lively family of five, I have learned that planning air travel requires a delicate balance between comfort, convenience, and cost-efficiency. Airline ticket prices can escalate rapidly, particularly when multiplied by multiple passengers, so I have developed a keen eye for competitive fares and practical options that do not excessively burden our travel budget. When the time came to organize our family’s most recent journey — a holiday visit from Portland, Maine, to Pittsburgh — I combed through booking platforms and flight aggregators, comparing every possible route. That was when Breeze Airways, a relatively new and low-cost carrier, immediately captured my attention by offering not only the most affordable option but also the only available nonstop service between the two cities.
Although the promise of a direct route at a reduced price initially appealed to me, I hesitated to commit because I had encountered various negative reviews online. Many travelers described challenges such as delayed departures, unanticipated fees, and inconsistent customer service. With three children in tow and an already hectic holiday season ahead, my instinct was to avoid potential complications. Nevertheless, since alternative carriers required inconvenient layovers and started at more than $2,000 for five passengers, I eventually decided to take a chance on Breeze Airways — a decision that, as it turned out, I was grateful for in the end.
Our tickets, while not exactly cheap, still represented meaningful savings compared to traditional airlines. We paid a total of $1,790 for five seats and two carry-on bags, which was notably lower than the prices of other carriers with similar schedules. I purchased the tickets well in advance, around mid-summer, and deliberately selected the most restrictive fare category. This option came with considerable limitations: no checked luggage, no complimentary carry-ons beyond one paid upgrade, additional fees for choosing preferred seats, and only a single personal item permitted per traveler. To reduce costs, we paid $70 each for only two carry-on bags — one per adult — and emphasized minimalist packing for everyone else. Since we were staying with family upon arrival, I knew laundry facilities would be readily available, making it easier to travel with fewer clothes.
For the children, each personal item took the form of a small backpack, lightweight but thoughtfully filled with playthings and quiet entertainment — coloring books, beloved stuffed animals, and small sticker sets — to help the flight pass smoothly. When choosing our seats, I discovered that beginning at row 24, passengers could select their placements for free. I reserved the entire row in this section, which conveniently fell within Breeze’s designated family seating zone. The arrangement included two window positions, two aisle seats, and one middle, ensuring that all five of us could remain together without incurring further charges. Had I opted for any seats closer to the front, the cost would have increased by at least $25 per person. This arrangement struck the ideal compromise between affordability and comfort.
On the morning of our departure, a moment of confusion briefly overshadowed my optimism when I noticed that Breeze Airways flights were missing from the airport’s main departure screens and our assigned gate remained unlisted in the app. Fortunately, an attentive airport employee guided us to the correct concourse, where we found our flight listed as on time. Soon, boarding began, and to my surprise, the process unfolded with a greater sense of organization and courtesy than what I have often experienced on larger, legacy airlines. Families with small children were invited to board early, though we chose to hold back slightly so our kids could expend their boundless energy before settling into their seats.
Once on board, I was struck by the freshness of the aircraft’s interior. The cabin appeared almost brand new — the navy leather seats were smooth and bright, the flooring spotless, and the overhead bins intact and unmarred. Despite belonging to a budget airline, the environment did not feel compromised or worn. Although the seats offered minimal recline, they were adequately comfortable for a short flight of roughly an hour and twenty minutes. My legs, at five feet six inches in height, had enough clearance, and we easily arranged the children’s backpacks at our feet without issue. Our small tray tables doubled nicely as coloring surfaces, letting the kids remain happily occupied.
Unlike full-service airlines, Breeze did not offer built-in screens for entertainment, but that had been anticipated. The children scarcely noticed the absence of technology, fully absorbed in their sticker books and quiet games. Cabin service was limited to complimentary water, as turbulence prevented attendants from performing full drink and snack rounds. Given that we had packed fruit, crackers, and small treats in advance, this posed no inconvenience whatsoever. The brevity of the flight and the calm handled professionalism of the crew ensured that no luxuries were missed.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of all was punctuality. Having grown somewhat cynical after years of frequent delays, I found it refreshing that both our departing and return flights not only departed on schedule but actually landed a few minutes early. The efficiency added a reassuring note to the entire journey, helping to dissolve any lingering skepticism I had about flying with a budget carrier.
Reflecting on the experience afterward, I found myself comparing Breeze Airways to other low-cost airlines we had previously tried, including Frontier and Spirit. My past with Frontier had been mostly positive, though its departure times from our home airport were often inconveniently scheduled, such as the ill-advised 5 a.m. flight to Miami that left everyone exhausted before the vacation even began. Spirit, on the other hand, tested our patience with multiple delays en route to Mexico that very nearly caused us to miss a connecting flight. In contrast, Breeze’s performance offered a smoother, more predictable experience — something especially valuable to parents traveling with young children.
Although I cannot definitively declare Breeze Airways the best budget airline, I can confidently say that our single round-trip experience exceeded expectations. The carrier’s limited route network from Maine, serving roughly a dozen U.S. destinations, may restrict our options somewhat, yet I now consider it a reliable choice for future family adventures. Its combination of affordability, simplicity, and surprisingly polished service makes it especially appealing for our seasonal visits to relatives in Pittsburgh. For a family that values both practicality and pleasant travel, Breeze Airways will undoubtedly remain on our radar when planning upcoming journeys.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/flying-breeze-airways-first-time-kids-cheap-flights-family-review-2025-12
