JetBlue has just unveiled its highly anticipated new Mint business class product, which will debut 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 the business class with a narrow body with the introduction of Mint, with flat beds on all seats and doors on some seats. Now JetBlue is again innovating the business class with a narrow body, with the introduction of the JetBlue Mint Suite, with direct access to the aisle and doors at every seat.
JetBlue’s A321LRs used for transatlantic flights will include a total of 24 herringbone business class suites. JetBlue has opted for Thompson Aero’s VantageSolo chair, which is not surprising. JetBlue’s current Mint product is also from Thompson Aero, so this is a natural evolution, and I think this is the product many of us expected.
The new JetBlue Mint Suite will include the following features:
- A 17 inch Thales AVANT backrest screen, in addition to fast and free WiFi
- Wireless charging options
- An integrated phone book for multitasking
- Easily accessible power in the seat
- Storage space for laptop, shoes and handbag
- A patented Tuft & Needle foam and a breathable cover “to create a cool and comfortable sleeping experience unlike anything in the air”
It is also noted that the product has a number of new residential-inspired design touches throughout the cabin, including:
- Residential structures, such as flannel-covered privacy dividers, concrete lampshades, wood grain table patterns, and vegan leather-covered chairs and headrests
- Bespoke suite gradient panels and patterned door casings with the signature Mint leaf
- Mood lighting and a blue floor arch that helps direct the customer’s entry flow
The new JetBlue Mint Suite
The new JetBlue Mint Suite
The new JetBlue Mint Suite
The new JetBlue Mint Studio
JetBlue not only introduces the new Mint Suite, but also the Mint Studio. Essentially, the plane’s front row in this configuration has some extra space, so the airline will be marketing this as a separate product.
Each plane has two Mint Studios in the front row, with some additional features including:
- A 22 AV Thales AVANT backrest screen
- An extra side table for extra productivity
- A guest seat that can accommodate an additional Mint customer at cruising altitude during flight
JetBlue claims that the Mint Studio:
- Offers the most space in a premium experience from any US airline
- The largest lounger of any US airline
We know that JetBlue charges a premium for the Mint Studio compared to the Mint Suite, although we don’t yet know how much premium the airline charges.
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 will debut this summer on A321LRs, on flights to London; this is a valuable update as it previously looked like JetBlue could not start transatlantic flights until the end of 2021
- The new JetBlue Mint will also be gradually available on domestic flights with a special 16 seat layout, as some future A321neos will include the new Mint Suite and Mint Studio; this is a valuable update as we previously did not know whether this product would only be available on transatlantic flights or not
My take on JetBlue’s new Mint experience
Overall, I’m ridiculously excited about JetBlue’s launch of 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 fares and a class-leading experience.
What do I think of the new JetBlue Mint Suite and Mint Studio as such? I’ve written about the VantageSolo chair in the past and my feelings haven’t changed. I am torn:
- For a narrow body, this looks like a great product, with direct access to the aisle and doors
- At the same time, objectively, a herringbone seat that has you facing the aisle and away from the window is a step back when it comes to the evolution of premium cabin products
- I think JetBlue does a phenomenal job with the finishes and attention to detail of the product
- It is innovative of JetBlue to introduce the Mint Studio and to create a special experience around it
- The new cabin (in the video below) looks ridiculously sleek, with so many premium seats on a narrow body plane
So yes, while I generally don’t like herringbone seats, I’m really excited about the new JetBlue Mint, the airline will be doing great things on transatlantic flights, and the product looks in line with what I expected.
Briefly
JetBlue is introducing a new Mint experience starting this year. The new Mint product will initially debut on flights to London in the summer of 2021 with a 24-seat layout, and will debut between 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 will provide additional space and amenities.
What do you think of the new JetBlue Mint Suite and Mint Studio?