JetBlue has just launched its highly anticipated new Mint business class product, which will launch on the Airbus A321LR when the airline launches transatlantic flights. Not only that, but the airline is actually introducing two separate new Mint experiences here!
The new JetBlue Mint Suite
In 2014, JetBlue innovated a narrow business class with the introduction of Mint, with flat beds on all seats and doors at some seats. Now JetBlue is once again renewing a narrow business class with the launch of the JetBlue Mint Suite, with direct access to and doors on every seat.
The JetBlue A321LRs used for transatlantic flights contain a total of 24 herringbone business class suites. JetBlue chose Thompson Aero’s VantageSolo seat, which is not such a surprise. JetBlue’s current Mint product is also from Thompson Aero, so it’s a natural evolution, and I think it’s the product many of us expected.
The new JetBlue Mint Suite includes the following amenities:
- A 17 ″ Thales AVANT backrest screen, in addition to fast and free WiFi
- Wireless charging capabilities
- An integrated multitasking phonebook
- Easily accessible power on the seat
- Laptop, shoe and handbags
- A Tuft & Needle foam and breathable cover “to create a cool and comfortable sleeping experience, other than in the air”
It is also noted that the product throughout the cabin has new design with residential inspiration, including:
- Residential textures, such as flannel-covered privacy dividers, concrete lampshades, wood grain table patterns, and seats and headrests with vegan leather
- Custom suite gradient panels and patterned doorknobs with the distinctive Mint leaf
- Mood lighting and a blue floor arch that helps guide customers’ walk-in flow
The new JetBlue Mint Suite
The new JetBlue Mint Suite
The new JetBlue Mint Suite
The new JetBlue Mint Studio
JetBlue not only launches the new Mint Suite, but also launches the Mint Studio. In essence, the first run of the aircraft in this configuration has extra space, so the airline will market it as a separate product.
Each aircraft will have two Mint Studios in the first row, which offer additional features, including:
- A 22 ″ Thales AVANT seat screen
- An extra side table for extra productivity
- A guest seat that can accommodate an extra Mint customer during the flight at altitude
JetBlue claims that the Mint Studio:
- Provides the most space in a first-class experience of any US airline
- The largest bed of any US airline
We know that JetBlue will charge a premium for the Mint Studio compared to the Mint Suite, although we do not yet know how much a premium the airline will charge.
The new JetBlue Mint Studio
The new JetBlue Mint Studio
The new JetBlue Mint Studio
When will the new JetBlue Mint Suite & Studio be available?
Here are some interesting updates:
- The new JetBlue Mint experience starts this summer on A321LRs, with flights to London; this is a valuable update, because previously it looked as if JetBlue would only start transatlantic flights in late 2021
- The new JetBlue Mint will also be gradually available on domestic flights with a special 16-seat layout, as some future deliveries A321neos will include the new Mint Suite and Mint Studio; this is a valuable update because we did not know before if this product would be available only on transatlantic flights
My look at JetBlue’s new Coin experience
Overall, I’m ridiculously excited about JetBlue launching transatlantic flights. The airline disrupted the premium transcon market in 2014, and I trust it will do the same on transatlantic flights, with reasonably priced premium prices and a leading-edge experience.
What do I make of the new JetBlue Mint Suite and Mint Studio as such? I have written about the VantageSolo seat in the past and my feelings have not changed. I am divided:
- For a narrow bowl, it looks like a wonderful product with direct access to the hallway and doors
- At the same time, a herringbone chair where you look down the hallway and from the window is objectively a step backwards when it comes to the evolution of premium cabin products.
- I do think JetBlue does a phenomenal job with the finishing and attention to detail of the product
- It’s innovative from JetBlue to launch the Mint Studio and create a special experience about it
- The new cabin (in the video below) looks ridiculously smooth, with so many premium seats on a narrow body
So yes, even though I generally do not like herringbone chairs, I am very excited about the new JetBlue Mint, the airline will do good things on transatlantic flights, and the product looks in line with what I expected.
Bottom line
JetBlue launches a new Mint experience from this year. The new Mint product will initially debut on London flights in the summer of 2021 with a 24-seater layout, and will debut in New York and Los Angeles later in 2021.
Not only is there a new JetBlue Mint Suite, but JetBlue is also introducing the Mint Studio, which offers extra space and amenities.
What do you make of the new JetBlue Mint Suite and Mint Studio?