JetBlue expands Caribbean service, but posts its first-ever quarterly loss

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

See recent posts by Josh Roberts

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It’s good news/bad news for low-cost carrier JetBlue this week. First the good: The airline received approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin flying its proposed New York/Bermuda route in May. It also announced it will expand its existing Caribbean service as well, adding two new flights from Orlando to San Juan and one new flight to Auguadilla. Both destinations are in Puerto Rico.

However, JetBlue also posted its first-ever quarterly loss for the period that ended in December, and expects to lose more money in 2006. This is in stark contrast to the airline’s previous profitability winning streak, and brings the carrier back to the pack with other airlines struggling to turn a profit in the face of high fuel costs and competition.

Chief Executive David Neeleman tells Reuters, “We need to get another $10 or so per ticket” to return to profits. Last week, the airline quietly raised prices by about $5.

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