JetBlue Mint might be one of the most underrated premium products in the US.
It’s offered by an airline with a reputation for being a budget carrier but the Mint experience can be far from what you would expect based on that reputation.
In this article, I’ll give you an overview of JetBlue Mint. I’ll explain exactly what the product is, and go in to different things like the routes and prices as well as showing you what to expect when you’re actually flying it!
Table of Contents
JetBlue Mint overview
JetBlue Mint is the premium business class/first class product offered by JetBlue. It’s considered by many — including myself — to be one of the top ways to fly lie flat across the country (and now internationally).
So don’t let JetBlue’s reputation as a budget carrier deter you from trying out this product because your expectations might just be exceeded in a major way.
JetBlue Mint is a little bit confusing though because it comes in a few different forms. So to clear up some of the confusion, I’ll talk briefly about each of these below.
The older Mint product
The first Mint product is the older product that was announced back in 2013 and started flying in 2014.
You’ll mostly find this product on the A321 flying transcontinental and medium-haul flights across the US or to nearby international destinations, such as the Caribbean.
There are two versions of this product although you will find both versions on the same aircraft.
How is that?
Basically, the Mint cabin has two different types of seats.
One type is a fully enclosed suite, complete with a door and lots of extra space. Seriously, this seat feels like a throne when you’re sitting in it.
The other seat is a lie-flat seat that is side-by-side with another seat. It’s not a bad seat but it has very limited (practically nonexistent) storage and counter space compared to the suite.
On an A321, you’ll find four fully enclosed suites and 12 seats located side-by-side. So the rows alternate with a 2-2 configuration and a 1-1.
It’s really nice that the 2-2 seats have fully lie-flat seats. However, I would always go for the individual suites because it’s just a more comfortable and private flying experience. Also, you can select those seats for no additional cost (which was something that surprised me).
The newer Mint product
The newer Mint product was released in 2021 and it’s used for premium transcontinental routes, transatlantic routes, and on some routes to Latin America. You’ll find it on both the A321neo and A321LR (Long Range).
This newer Mint product also has a special type of seat called the “Mint Studio.” It’s located at the bulkhead row and has a lot of extra space, large 22″ TV, etc. You can even have a guest come and sit with you on your side seat. But the Mint Studio will cost you a little bit extra ($299).
The A321neo features 16 lie-flat seats, which includes 14 Mint Suites and 2 Mint Studios. You’ll have a lie-flat bed that extends all the way to 6’8” and a 17.1” TV screen. The A321LR is going to offer you an identical seat but the cabin will feature 22 Mint Suites and 2 Mint Studios.
JetBlue Mint video review
JetBlue Mint Pricing
Old JetBlue Mint
We analyzed many routes and found that the average one-way price for JetBlue Mint was $1,548.
If you search around long enough, you can find some for under $800 when flying across the country such as between Miami (MIA) and Los Angeles (LAX).
For example, on a recent flight from Miami to Los Angeles that we took, we flew Mint for about $730, which I consider to be great value given the level of the product.
It is possible that you could find even better deals. For example, there have been deals where the prices are almost comparable to economy prices.
So if you’re flexible with your travels you can always just sit back and wait until you hear news of a JetBlue Mint sale.
New JetBlue Mint
The new JetBlue Mint is obviously going to be a more expensive option because of the locations that it flies between.
The average Mint price from New York (JFK) to London (LGW) was $3,564 and from New York (JFK) to London (LHR) it was $3,640.
If you wanted to fly the new JetBlue Mint on a transcontinental route, the prices are a good deal cheaper.
The average transcontinental route from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) came in at $1,703 and it’s even possible to find these for under $1,000 if you’re lucky.
Just like with the old Mint product, you can find flash deals for the new one. I’ve seen deals for the new JetBlue Mint product going for under $2,000 round-trip between New York and London! So keep your eyes open.
JetBlue Mint Routes
Below is a breakdown of the JetBlue Mint routes as of spring 2023. (We will regularly update these routes but if you ever see spot a need to make a change just let us know!)
You’ll notice that the major hubs are Boston and New York as JetBlue has a strong East Coast presence. With that said, they do serve the West Coast at major airports like LAX and SFO.
In addition, it’s possible to get to places in the Caribbean like St. Lucia (UVF) and St. Maarten (SXM) with Mint.
In terms of the transatlantic routes, JetBlue is starting off with routes to London and Paris and I imagine that they will be expanding to other routes overtime. The routes below include both the old and the new product.
| Departing Airport | Arriving Airport |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| Aruba (AUA) | |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| San Diego (SAN) | |
| San Francisco (SFO) | |
| Seattle (SEA) | |
| Bridgetown (BGI) | |
| Liberia (LIR) | |
| St. Lucia (UVF) | |
| St. Maarten (SXM) | |
| St. Thomas (STT) | |
| London-Gatwick (LGW) | |
| London-Heathrow (LHR) | |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| San Francisco (SFO) | |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| Liberia (LIR) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | |
| Miami (MIA) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| Newark (EWR) | |
| West Palm Beach (PBI) | |
| Miami (MIA) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| Aruba (AUA) | |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| Palm Springs (PSP) | |
| San Diego (SAN) | |
| San Francisco (SFO) | |
| Seattle (SEA) | |
| Bridgetown (BGI) | |
| Liberia (LIR) | |
| Paris (CDG) | |
| Grenada (GND) | |
| St. Lucia (UVF) | |
| St. Maarten (SXM) | |
| London-Gatwick (LGW) | |
| London-Heathrow (LHR) | |
| Newark (EWR) | |
| Aruba (AUA) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| Palm Springs (PSP) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| San Diego (SAN) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| San Francisco (SFO) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| Seattle (SEA) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| West Palm Beach (PBI) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| Aruba (AUA) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| Newark (EWR) | |
| Bridgetown (BGI) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| Liberia (LIR) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| Grenada (GND) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| St. Lucia (UVF) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| St. Maarten (SXM) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| St. Thomas (STT) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| Paris (CDG) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| London-Gatwick (LGW) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) | |
| London-Heathrow (LHR) | |
| Boston (BOS) | |
| New York (JFK) |
JetBlue Mint experience
Below, I’ll give you an idea of what the JetBlue Mint experience is like.
I’ll focus on the older Mint product since I have not personally experienced the new one yet. But as soon as I do, I’ll be sure to update this section!
Check-in and baggage allowance
Whenever you arrive at the airport, you will have your own dedicated check-in desk. This should help you avoid longer lines if you need to check a bag or work out some other type of issue.
This line is also available for Mosaic members, which are the JetBlue elite members.
It’s one of the easier premium check-in experiences because unlike some airlines that have multiple lines for different elite members, there’s just one place to go for all elites/premium flyers.
Anyway, if you’re checking bags you’ll be allowed two checked bags of up to 70 pounds each, which is the standard for premium seats in the US. Of course, you also get to bring your carry-on and one personal item with you.
Priority security
With Mint, you can also sometimes take advantage of priority security which could help you get to the security checkpoint quicker. However, when flying first or business class in the US, I just rely on CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check.
Lounge access for Mint?
Unfortunately, JetBlue does not have a lounge network like the legacy carriers do.
Personally, I feel like at some point JetBlue is going to enter the lounge game, especially now that they are serving transatlantic flights. And that’s just not me speculating — there is some evidence that they have plans in the works.
I think JetBlue will be able to deliver a lounge product or airport dining experience at a really high level, although balancing their low costs with the expenses of a high quality lounge may not be so easy. We’ll see how it plays out.s
Boarding
During boarding for your JetBlue flight, you will be the first to board right after pre-boarding. There should be a priority line for Mint and Mosaic members and that is where you will line up.
Just be aware that sometimes JetBlue may be using a boarding area of a different airline, such as British Airways, so your boarding signs may look a little different. You’ll still get priority though.
Your seat or suite
Depending on the type of seat you were able to choose, you will either be in a 2-2 or 1-1 configuration.
If you are in a 2-2 seat you will have less extra space but will still have a fully lie flat seat. If you are in the window seat, then you will have to hop over the person next to you to get aisle access.
As you can tell from the photos below, there is limited space between you and the other passenger so it could get a little bit awkward but the middle divider does provide some level of privacy.
However, if you have selected one of the amazing suites then you will have tons of extra space including extra compartments for storage and counter space. It’s actually a great workstation with three power outlets in addition to USB ports.
With one quick push of a button, you can close the suite door and have a much more private flying experience.
If you want to get extra comfortable, you can play around with the inflatable seat cushions which can provide you with enhanced lumbar support. They also have a massage function which works pretty well. All of these can be controlled from a small panel located on your armrest which I found to be pretty responsive and easy to use.
While the 15″ screens on JetBlue Mint were in need of updating (mostly for just lacking high definition and responsiveness on the touchscreen), the Master & Dynamic headphones issued were high-quality and did a solid job of canceling out the background noise. Just make sure that you request them if you need them because they won’t be waiting for you at your seat like some other airlines.
Another area where JetBlue does not skimp is the bedding. I think the Tuft & Needle pillow they issued me was one of the best I’ve ever been given in business class!
Service
One thing that surprised me on my recent JetBlue Mint flight was the service.
I have not flown a lot of Mint flights so I don’t know if the service is always that great, but on my flight from MIA to LAX, I experienced some of the best service I’ve ever had on a flight.
And that’s coming from someone who has flown on most of the top of international first class products, including Singapore, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, etc.
The main crewmember had anticipatory service down to perfection and was extremely professional and personable. I honestly could not have asked for a better flight attendant and that was something that really surprised me!
Dining and drinks
Another thing that was a pleasant surprise was the dining.
Pre-departure beverages will come out promptly during boarding and we even received multiple refills while waiting for the cabin to complete boarding.
If you’re a drinker you can go for one of the complementary alcoholic beverages known as the “Mint Condition” which consists of Bombay Sapphire gin or Tito’s handmade vodka, ginger, lime, cucumber, mint. (They also have a non-alcoholic version of this special beverage.)
You can check out their drink menu here.
As for the dining, back in 2020 JetBlue partnered with Delicious Hospitality Group to deliver their catering. So you’re going to receive quality dining from the same people who have brought you highly rated NYC restaurants like Legacy Records, Charlie Bird, and Pasquale Jones.
In the morning flight out of Miami, I enjoyed a pretty amazing Charlie Bird breakfast with avocado toast, crêpes, and delicious maple bacon. Compared to the breakfasts that I have had flying first class on American, Delta, and United, this was easily the best.
I’ve heard mostly good things about the dining on other JetBlue Mint flights so I think that you can count on a quality meal when you fly JetBlue Mint.
JetBlue likes to keep things fresh so they are constantly changing up the menu every couple of months. If you want to check out the menus you can do so here.
Amenity kits
Another way that JetBlue surprised us is that they issued us two separate amenity kits.
The first amenity kit had items like an eye mask, earplugs, toothpaste tablets, and toothbrush, while the second Wanderfuel amenity kit had various items like pain cream, moisturizing eye gels socks, lozenges, and lip balm.
I appreciated all the unique freebies and also liked how they utilized sustainable packaging as sometimes amenity kits feel very wasteful to me.
Wifi
You’ll be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi on your flight.
I found the Wi-Fi to be easy to connect to and relatively fast which allowed me to get work done and be pretty productive. The fact that the Wi-Fi is free and reliable is a major plus for Mint in my book.
Lavatory
I know a lot of people don’t pay too much mind to the lavatory but if you’ve ever had to go quite often on the plane, it helps to know what to expect. There is a lavatory at the front of the cabin and one just behind.
But what’s great is that there are two lights at the front of the cabin that will tell you which ones are open so you can easily get up and go when you need to and not play a guessing game.
Priority luggage
It’s not uncommon when flying first class to be offered priority luggage.
This means that your bag will be among the first to hop off the plane and it will cut down on your waiting time (and potentially stress and worry about the location of your bag).
The problem with this is that a lot of times the priority luggage tag basically means nothing. I understand that sometimes things happen and you can’t always count on it to work the way it is supposed to. But with some airlines, it’s like that tag is essentially meaningless 90% of the time.
However, on my first experience with JetBlue our bag was the second one to come out which was very impressive. Obviously, there was a little bit of luck that went into it but it was great to see the priority luggage perk actually mean something.
Final word
Overall, I can’t say enough great things about JetBlue Mint. It’s an amazing feeling whenever your expectations are exceeded in a major way and that was the case when I flew JetBlue Mint.
I can’t recommend the experience enough so if you have been on the fence about booking your first flight with JetBlue Mint, I’d highly recommend that you give them a shot!
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
I saw a comment somewhere else saying the throne seats on the older mint don’t incur an extra charge to book because of ADA guidelines. Basically in place so that disabled people that would need the throne seat can book it too without extra charge.
Thats’s very interesting. Thanks for sharing!