I cannot say that I am surprised, but I had lovely flight on JetBlue from New York to London in Mint (business class) onboard the brand new Airbus 321neo. While not a game-changer, I found the JetBlue product superb in just about every way.
JetBlue A321neo Mint Business Class To London – My First Impressions
In 2021, JetBlue launched service to London Heathrow. It has since expanded to London Gatwick as well, offering daily flights from New York JFK. I missed out on the initial fare sales and put off trying JetBlue, but was happy to do so this week enroute to the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Let me start where JetBlue can improve: the ground product is really lacking. A lounge at JFK seems quite appropriate, though I did enjoy the T5 Rooftop Lounge open to all.
I loved the mood lighting onboard and found the cabin extremely attractive (gray leather seats, woodgrain, white doors).
A flight attendant, beaming with pride, told me the cabin was modeled in part after Etihad. I certainly saw the similarities in terms of the ceiling light.
Generally I am not a big fan of herringbone-style seats (because I like to look out the window during the flight), but found the seat is extremely comfortable and roomy in the lie-flat mode. The cabin was warm during the night, but the individual air nozzle helped to cool me down and fall asleep. The bedding from Tuft & Needle was also excellent.
Storage is limited in the suite and the wireless charger did not work.
Service was superb, with excellent care from Ashely and Dustin in the cabin. Both were friendly, attentive, and absolutely lovely to interact with.
I loved the fast high speed wi-fi and how easy it was to connect with just a single click (no login or entering of TrueBlue credentials needed, like on other aircraft).
Meal service was a highlight, with a trio of canapes to start:
Followed by a scrumptious salad, kale lasagna, and a flat iron steak, all very flavorful. The steak was somehow cooked a lovely medium well and JetBlue continues to show that you can enjoy truly delicious food on a U.S. carrier.
Dessert was another treat, with vanilla gelato topped with hot roasted apricots as well as a delicious cheese plate.
That would have been enough for the entire seven hour flight, but a full breakfast is offered before landing (for those who want it, and I appeared to be one of the only passengers in the cabin who got up to eat).
A poached egg, bacon, yogurt, a delicious cappuccino, and even a cold-pressed green drink? Simply fabulous. I had to pinch myself to remember this was an airplane as I sipped my coffee…certainly a highlight.
I prefer Heathrow over Gatwick, but preferred the timing of the Gatwick flight. Upon arrival around 8:00am, immigration lines were empty.
CONCLUSION
JetBlue did not disappoint, with a very solid transatlantic experience. I stop short of saying “game changer” because Virgin Atlantic and the new British Airways Club Suites also offer very competitive products with excellent catering, but JetBlue is very special and I cannot wait to fly it again.
My full review will have a lot more info on the extensive food and beverage menu, IFE selection, and other amenities onboard.
I don’t know how you to do all those carbs on keto! I’m on the same diet and if I splurged like that I’d feel horrible. It’s actually a decent deterrent.
Is that beans under the egg?
There are chickpeas, no?
“The steak was somehow cooked a lovely medium well”
Correct me if I’m wrong but haven’t you previously complained about steaks being cooked past medium? Or is that the somehow part?
That food looks great. I’m impressed. Really need to fly Mint.
I like arriving Gatwick because I think trains are simply more convenient, and I like departing Heathrow because it’s generally just more fun from a lounge situation.
Think again about arriving at LHR now the Elizabeth Line is running with trains every five minutes into central London and beyond!
Another great Matthew review.
In your opinion what is the deal with the always warm airplane cabins? LH is horrible with very hot cabins, AA and UA not much better. I see it even in Asia with JL and NH.
Is it a fuel use issue with the AC packs use driving up the fuel usage?
I used Emirates miles to book JFK-LHR for Tuesday night. Can’t wait!
I’d rather fly an eastbound daytime flight from the US to London in economy than an eastbound red eye flight from the US to London in business class. I do agree that if it’s a red eye, business class is more comfortable than economy.
Mint transcon is great when the plane takes off. Good use of any orphaned Emirates miles now that their surcharges are through the roof. Flying QSuites back from Africa in a couple of months. Thinking about flying Mint West Coast-JFK/BOS-LHR on my way over. Looking forward to your full review of the hop over the pond since I havent done that bit yet.
Mint is great. We’re vegan and the food offering was incredible. Service is top notch. We like the very first row as it has even more room! Flew in to both Gatwick and Heathrow. Prices have gone way up so back to American, unfortunately.