Elite Airways launches new route between Florida and Newark
Editor's Note
Editor's note: This post has been updated with new information.
New York-area travelers now have a new way to get to the Northeast Florida coast and vice-versa.
Last week, Elite Airways, the Maine-based Canadair Regional Jet operator, launched service between St. Augustine (UST) and Newark (EWR).
Elite's entrance into the market restores scheduled airline service to St. Augustine's Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located 42 miles southeast of Jacksonville International (JAX).
Via Airlines last served the airport, which ended service to Charlotte (CLT) in 2018. Frontier also served the airport until 2017.
The new service operates with two weekly flights in each direction. Southbound flights depart on Mondays and Fridays, with an 11:30 a.m. departure out of EWR, arriving at UST at 1:45 p.m. Northbound flights depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with an 8 a.m. departure out of UST, arriving at EWR at 10:30 a.m. For the holidays, northbound flights will operate on Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31 in lieu of the Saturday departures those weeks.
As the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the continental U.S., St. Augustine is a city full of history, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort. It's also an excellent destination for families.
"We believe passengers will enjoy the convenience of flying nonstop to and from St. Augustine for family vacations, weekend getaways, and major golfing events like the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra," said John Pearsall, Elite's president, in a statement.
"We are excited to welcome more visitors from New York and New Jersey as they explore the many authentic, unique experiences in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches," said Richard Goldman, president and CEO of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau, in a statement.
More: Why St. Augustine is a way cooler family destination than you thought
St. Augustine is Elite's third destination in Florida — it also flies between the Northeastern U.S. and Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) and, temporarily, Melbourne (MLB). Service will revert from Melbourne to Vero Beach (VRB), Elite's normal base on the Central Florida coast, in the spring. The airline also offers seasonal service to Martha's Vineyard (MVY) and Nantucket (ACK).
Tickets start at $129 each way and are bookable through Elite's website. A ticket on Elite includes a free seat assignment, a free checked bag and snacks. Know that Elite does not participate in any frequent flyer programs and does not partner with other airlines.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app