• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  Flight Reviews • JetBlue • Ukraine 2023 Trip Report  >  Review: JetBlue A321 Mint “Reverse Redeye” New York – Los Angeles
Flight ReviewsJetBlueUkraine 2023 Trip Report

Review: JetBlue A321 Mint “Reverse Redeye” New York – Los Angeles

Matthew Klint Posted onMarch 3, 2023March 3, 2023 35 Comments

For the final segment of my Ukraine trip, I took a JetBlue “reverse redeye” (a late-night westbound transcontinental flight) from New York JFK to Los Angeles. This will be a short review, because I spent most of the flight fast asleep…mission accomplished.

JetBlue A321 Mint “Reverse Redeye” Review

After my delayed arrival into JFK and then the construction delay on the Air Train, I hit a massive security line in T5.

The line moved very slowly and I barely made it before the doors to my aircraft shut. Had my Ukrainian art been sent to secondary screening, I would have missed the flight.

But thankfully, I settled into my Mint Suite just after being paged for a second time that this was my last call…

The doors closed before 10:00 pm.

JetBlue 1823
New York (JFK) – Los Angeles (LAX)
February 2023
Depart: 10:15 PM
Arrive: 01:40 AM+1
Duration: 06hr, 25min
Distance: 2,475 miles
Aircraft: Airbus A321
Seat: 2A (“Mint” Business Class)

First, let me say how much I appreciate “reverse redeyes” from the East Coast to West Coast. These flights, which leave late in the evening, allow for a full day (or late arrival, in my case) into New York and still a chance of getting home to Southern California before morning. Sure, you arrive home after 2:00 am, but if you sleep on the flight you still wake up fairly well-rested in the morning.

The “classic” Mint product on most JetBlue A321 aircraft features 16 Thompson Aero Vantage seats arranged in an alternating 2-2, 1-1 pattern (three rows of 2-2, two rows of 1-1). The “suite” seats in rows two and four have doors that shut, three electrical outlets, and are both spacious and private. The bed is 80 inches when fully lie-flat.

Waiting on the seat was a menu and wine list, amenity kit, and bedding pack with pillow and duvet.

Before takeoff, a flight attendant stopped by each seat to introduce herself and encouraged me to use the call button if I needed anything at all during the flight. I love the JetBlue approach to the flight attendant call button.

Generally, at JFK there is a long gap between pushback time and wheels-up time due to the congestion at the airport, but at 10:15 pm we did not have to wait long to take off.

Shortly after takeoff, noise-canceling headphones were distributed and then dinner orders were taken. Meals are always a treat on JetBlue and looking over dinner, I saw five choices, all of which looked nice.

The meal began, however, with a bowl of Marcona almonds drizzled in olive oil, which were just perfect, and Mint Condition cocktail.

In Mint, you pick three of five “small plates” for your meal.

Having had fish for lunch in Warsaw and fish for dinner (now many hours ago) on LOT Polish, I chose the following three dishes for my late-night supper:

  • 7 Green Salad
    • marinated cucumber, goat cheese, Italian vinaigrette
  • Chicken
    • braised artichokes, mint, rosemary breadcrumbs
  • Flat Iron Steak
    • braised escarole, pistachios

The meal was served on a single tray with a warm bread roll and every bite was delicious. I ate it all.

I highly recommend everything I ordered, but the chicken was particularly savory.

During dinner, I started watching Ticket to Paradise with George Clooney and Julia Roberts. I have not finished it yet…

Then for dessert, I had a (decaf) cappuccino and a delectable bowl of vanilla gelato with passion fruit and coconut shortbread.

What a lovely meal!

And then I slept…for the next five hours.

I awoke as we were preparing for final descent into LAX. A packet of chocolate-covered cashews from Hu had been placed beside me, which I took with me, but I did consume a bottle of water before landing.

As it was past midnight, we did not take the usual approach into LAX but went around and landed over the Pacific Ocean.

It was now 4:45am in New York, 1:45am in LA, but I felt well-rested and energized.

And my art made it too…

CONCLUSION

I love “reverse redeyes” and am thankful that JetBlue runs two each evening, which allowed me to get back to my family without having to overnight in New York. I wish more carriers would offer similarly-timed flights and think this is a great concept for westbound transatlantic flights as well.

This was a lovely flight in every way and I cannot help but to rave about the consistency and quality of the JetBlue product.

Previous Article I Almost Missed My Flight At JFK. Allow Extra Time For Connections.
Next Article Garlic Bread Returns To United Airlines Polaris Business Class

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • Lufthansa A320neo Business Class Review

    Review: Lufthansa A320neo Business Class

    March 25, 2023
  • Review: Turkish Airlines 777 Business Class Los Angeles – Istanbul

    March 24, 2023
  • United Airlines 737-700 Business Class Review

    Review: United Airlines 737-700 Business Class

    March 22, 2023

35 Comments

  1. Alvin Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 1:14 pm

    Welcome home! Have been praying for you to get back to the U.S. safely.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks Alvin! Nice to see all your posts on BA.

  2. Ryan Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 1:16 pm

    Seems like you hand carried the art. Did you not check a bag? If not, any pushback on having a third carry-on?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 1:17 pm

      No pushback, but I was in business class on both legs.

      I declared it when speaking to the agent at Global Entry. He didn’t seem to care and waved me through.

      • Ryan Reply
        March 3, 2023 at 1:34 pm

        Yeah, I didn’t Immigration and Customs would care. But what about security in WAW and JFK? No pushback from the airlines?

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          March 3, 2023 at 1:45 pm

          No pushback. In WAW, the agents all had a chuckle over the Lenin bust. Some were old enough to remember when Mr. Lenin stood watch over Warsaw.

          • Mick
            March 3, 2023 at 2:28 pm

            Looks like a rug not a bust!

            Surprised they were all chuckling. Warsaw had the nazis and then a Russian occupancy back to back eek.

          • Matthew Klint
            March 3, 2023 at 2:37 pm

            There was both! I brought back a painting (on canvas) and a Lenin bust.

  3. Santastico Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 1:43 pm

    You ate the chicken and the beef? Wow!!!

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 1:44 pm

      So, so delicious!

  4. AJ Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 1:47 pm

    Goes without saying that Kirby and his catering team need to fly Mint ASAP to see how it’s done.

    Please excuse my ignorance but can someone tell me what the +1 is on Arrive: 01:40 AM+1

    • Jerry Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 2:01 pm

      I can’t tell when you’re trolling or not. It means +1 day (flight lands after midnight). On some TPAC flights you can even see +2

    • Ryan Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 2:01 pm

      One day later, since technically it’s after midnight.

    • AJ Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 2:21 pm

      Thanks to you both! Duh–had forgotten. Not trolling.

  5. Evan Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 2:32 pm

    JetBlue does Mint right…and it puts AA, DL and UA to shame. The issue with the “big three” is the accountants have taken charge. All three of them could provide the same quality meal service, but they’re too busy penny pinching. What blows my mind even more is they’re penny pinching on customers that may pay thousands of dollars for business class. Really?

    • AJ Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 3:08 pm

      AA & DL > UA as I don’t think they are using anything close to the UA’s awful plateware. Simple bowls work well as evidenced here

  6. AJ Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 3:04 pm

    Only visible criticism is that I don’t love the clear tilde dividers.. Could have made them solid for more privacy so you don’t feel like someone is looking over your shoulder. https://liveandletsfly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/JetBlue-A321-Mint-Reverse-Redeye-Review-4.jpeg

  7. Mike Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 3:16 pm

    Did you miles to pay for the flight? With the emirates gone, what is the best way to redeem points for mint these days?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 4, 2023 at 12:02 am

      Got a good deal on r/t.

      Check for last-minute I-space.

  8. PolishKnight Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 3:25 pm

    I see you rolled up the artwork. I presume you probably will use a local frame?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 11:32 pm

      Correct. It came rolled up. As much as I’d love an ornate gold leaf frame with hammers and sickles carved on it, I’m going for a more contemporary look in my office and will probably do a simple frame.

  9. Jake K Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 4:18 pm

    There’s Cacio e Pepe on the menu! Very curious to see what JetBlue’s version of that looks and tastes like.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 11:32 pm

      Next time I’ll try it. Normally I’d have beef or chicken with a pasta course, but I had just had a plate of pasta on LOT and am trying to limit carbs.

  10. Greg Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 5:13 pm

    Why oh why can’t they offer to serve some of these courses separate as an option. Cabin is small, can default to all at once for most, but those who care and don’t want to be rushed can eat in peace.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 11:34 pm

      I know that is a common criticism of JetBlue, but on a late-night flight this is exactly how I like it. Maybe not on a 6pm departure.

  11. Jack Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 5:20 pm

    UA is the worst for meals in North America. No question.

    • AJ Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 5:58 pm

      Garlic bread is back

  12. Albert Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    You had 9 minutes to board, not that close.

    • AJ Reply
      March 3, 2023 at 5:57 pm

      They close the doors early on the regular.

      • Average Republican Reply
        March 3, 2023 at 9:38 pm

        Mayor Pete should be fired for allowing the doors to close early

        • AJ Reply
          March 3, 2023 at 9:48 pm

          Or just be fired period.

  13. Mikwalen Reply
    March 3, 2023 at 11:17 pm

    The “reverse redeye” was also the flight in the movie AIRPORT 1975. The plane left Dulles before the sun came up (4am-ish?) and had the accident not occurred, would have landed in LA about 6-630am. That’s a great idea.

  14. Ethan Reply
    March 4, 2023 at 12:36 am

    When I read the menu I guessed exactly what you’d eat, LOL!

  15. Judy Reply
    March 5, 2023 at 4:37 pm

    Please post a photo which you get the art framed!

  16. Howard Miller Reply
    March 13, 2023 at 11:23 am

    Yes, those taking the AirTrain need to allow additional time at JFK for ongoing construction, both within the airport and to/from stations serving hotels/rental cars (Federal Circle), parking lots and mass transit connections (bus, subway, Long Island Railroad) for the foreseeable future.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Ukrainian Trip Report

  1. Review: JetBlue A321 Mint Business Class
  2. Review: JetBlue A321 “Even More Space” Economy Class
  3. Review: JetBlue A321 Mint Business Class [2022]
  4. Review: JetBlue A321LR Mint Business Class New York – London
  5. Review: JetBlue A321neo Mint Business Class London – Boston
  6. Review: JetBlue A321LD Mint Business Class Boston – Los Angeles
  7. Review: United Airlines 787-10 Business Class Los Angeles – Chicago
  8. Review: United Airlines 767-300 Polaris Business Class Chicago – Zurich
  9. Review: SWISS A320 Economy Class
  10. Review: LOT Polish 787-8 Business Class Warsaw – New York
  11. More Sleaze by Air France-KLM Flying Blue
  12. Air France Flying Blue Promo Awards – 50% Off Business Class from Washington to Europe
  13. Review: Alitalia 777 Business Class Rome to Los Angeles
  14. JetBlue-United Merger?
  15. Review: SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich
  16. Review: Finnair A350 Business Class Helsinki to Beijing
  17. Review: SWISS 777-300ER First Class Zurich to Los Angeles
  18. Five Airlines Awarded New Flights to Havana
  19. Review: ANA 777-300ER First Class Chicago to Tokyo
  20. Review: Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class
  21. Last Row. Middle Seat. My 11-Hours In Lufthansa Economy Class…
  22. Pictures: New JetBlue Mint Suites + Mint Studio
  23. JetBlue’s Carry-On Ban Will Backfire
  24. JetBlue Targets United Airlines At Newark
  25. Photo Tour: JetBlue A321neo With New Mint Business Class
  26. Is JetBlue A Trojan Horse For American Airlines?
  27. Review: Iberia Express A321 Business Class
  28. Review: Vueling A320 Economy Class
  29. Elizabeth Warren Asks DOT To Block JetBlue-Spirit Merger
  30. Review: American Airlines 777-200 Business Class Doha – New York

Recent Posts

  • Waldo Delta LAX
    “Where’s Waldo?” Jumps Out Of Delta 737-800 At LAX, Scoots Down Exit Slide March 27, 2023
  • Hilton Frankfurt Airport Review
    Review: Hilton Frankfurt Airport March 27, 2023
  • Thai entry requirements
    Thailand Entry Requirements: Updated Website March 26, 2023
  • Tin Building close up
    Review: Tin Building by Jean-Georges (New York City) March 26, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Kayleigh Scott United Airlines
    The Tragic Death Of A United Airlines Flight Attendant March 21, 2023
  • United Airlines Domestic First Class Menu
    United Airlines Refreshes Domestic First Class Menu February 28, 2023
  • Southwest Airlines Wife Slap
    Enraged Husband Attacks Man On Southwest Airlines Flight After He Bumps Wife March 8, 2023
  • United Polaris Lounge LAX Review
    Review: United Airlines Polaris Lounge Los Angeles (LAX) March 24, 2023

Archives

March 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Feb    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.