• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Home  >  Flight Reviews • JetBlue  >  Review: JetBlue A321 Mint Business Class [2022]
Flight ReviewsJetBlue

Review: JetBlue A321 Mint Business Class [2022]

Matthew Klint Posted onJuly 7, 2022July 7, 2022 17 Comments

To begin my journey to London, I flew from Los Angeles to London on a JetBlue Airbus A321 in Mint business class. JetBlue remains a remarkably consistent product that really sets the standard for a transcontinental product.

In This Post:
  • JetBlue A321 Mint Business Class Review [2022]
    • Booking
    • Seat
    • Food + Drink
    • IFE + Wi-Fi
    • Lavatory
    • Amenity Kit
    • Service
    • CONCLUSION

JetBlue A321 Mint Business Class Review [2022]

Booking

As I outlined here, I booked my ticket using Emirates Skywards miles. Los Angeles – New York was 52,000 miles, which is high, but considering paid tickets were in the $1,800 one-way range, this resulted in over three cents per mile in value versus the retail price.

Check-In

I checked in online and totally bypassed the check-in desk at LAX since I was only traveling with hand baggage.

I find Terminal 5 rather depressing at LAX and JetBlue does not offer lounge access to its premium cabin or TrueBlue Mosaic elite passengers. LAX no longer has Priority Pass lounges (just a spa in Terminal 1, which is not connected). Consequently, I arrived shortly before boarding began.

JetBlue 324
Los Angeles (LAX) – New York (JFK)
Monday, May 30
Depart: 10:00AM
Arrive: 6:42PM
Duration: 5hr, 42min
Aircraft: Airbus A321
Distance: 2,475 miles
Seat: 1F (Mint Business Class)

A flight attendant greeted me as I entered while another in the cabin asked if I needed any assistance storing my bag. Imagine that…asking if you need help versus saying, “Our work rules prohibit us from lifting bags.”

Seat

By the time I booked my space the four closed-door “suites” (rows 2 and 4) were reserved. I assigned myself in row one, noting the bulkhead would provide more legroom for my feet. This marked the first time I had flown JetBlue and not been in a business suite, so it was good to try one of the “standard” seats in JetBlue Mint.

These are modified Thompson Aero Vantage seats, which you’ll find on Delta Air Lines, Austrian, and SWISS as well (among many others). I’m frankly surprised that JetBlue does not charge a premium for the throne suites because they do provide a lot more privacy.

My neighbor was a non-revenue employee (elite upgrades are still not a thing on JetBlue, so cabins often go out with open seats) and while he was perfectly polite, the shared armrest and floor space do make rows 1, 3, and 5 inferior to 2 and 4.

Standard business seats are 20.5 inches wide with 58 inches of legroom and a lie-flat bed that stretches 80 inches when flat. Choosing row 1 does make a difference in terms of foot space.

JetBlue provides two power ports per seat and seats are controlled on the center console. There’s also a handy mesh pouch for your mobile phone.

Between seats is a small compartment that can store your shoes.

Tuft & Needle bedding includes a blanket duvet with a “built-in foot pocket” as well as a memory foam lined pillow. The flight was too short to take an extended nap, but I did set up the bed and snuggled in the bedding for a few moments. The bedding was plush and warm, which should not be an issue because individual air nozzles are available above the seat.

Food + Drink

A menu was waiting on my seat, though I had already reviewed it online. I love that JetBlue posts it menus online, so I already had a good idea of what I wanted to order.

Very shortly after takeoff, flight attendant sprang up and went to work.

First, I was offered a welcome snack (cheese straws) and welcome drink. I love the “Mint Condition” cocktail, which includes Bombay Sapphire gin, ginger, lime, and cucumber, and mint.

Next, the table set was for lunch with a paper liner.

I chose a radicchio baby gem salad, cavatelli, and lamb shoulder for my lunch. Portions were huge (especially the pasta) and the food tasted great. Everyone received a bread roll with lunch along with olive oil and chili flakes.

Everything was so delicious I asked if I could have a chicken Milanese (my seatmate and the folks across the aisle from me did not eat) and was happily obliged.

This was also excellent, with a crisp crust and flavorful chicken.

To finish off lunch, I enjoyed a cappuccino and some vanilla gelato with roasted pineapple and salted oats.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you really cannot beat the catering on JetBlue for a U.S. domestic flight.

Prior to landing, I enjoyed some chocolate-covered walnuts and drank an espresso.

IFE + Wi-Fi

In terms of value, you cannot beat the complimentary high-speed wi-fi on JetBlue, which worked like a charm throughout the flight and allowed me to stay very productive ahead of my hop across the Pond.

JetBlue makes it so easy – just enter your TrueBlue number and connect (or sign up for an account if you don’t have one). No spam, ads, or time limits.

On the other hand, I find the interface of JetBlue’s in-flight-entertainment system quite dated by now, not in terms of content (there is a great selection of movies, TV shows, games, live TV and satellite radio, and a moving flight map) but in terms of the display…the resolution is not sharp and there is a lag at times.

JetBlue offers high-quality noise cancelling headphones (MH40) by Master & Dynamic. The trouble is that flight attendants collect these about an hour before landing, which is quite annoying if you are watching a movie, listening to music, or particularly sleeping.

I understand that these are pricey headphones and JetBlue wants to discourage theft, but it is quite annoying (complimentary disposable headsets are offered when the noise-canceling headphones are picked up).

Here are some picture I took out the window during the flight:

Lavatory

The lavatory was clean but barren, with no extra amenities.

Amenity Kit

I’ve always found the amenity kits on JetBlue to be quirky and the latest iteration includes a number of fun but fairly unorthodox (at least in terms of what you usually find in an airline amenity kit) items. The pouch is made of paper, though intended to be reusable.

My “wanderdfuel” kit included:

  • Conscious coconut face wipes
  • Crushed Tonic anti-aging collagen elixir crush (drinkable)
  • Scentuals aromatherapy balm
  • Lumion face mist
  • B. Soothed elderberry lozenges
  • socks

Service

Let’s talk about the flight attendant call button. Even on JetBlue, I hate to use it. As we neared New York, I felt like an espresso and the flight attendants were nowhere to be seen. I waited patiently, hoping one would walk by. Nope.

Finally, I hit the call button and a flight attendant quickly appeared with a smile on her face. She was happy to make me an espresso.

It’s so sad that I’ve been “scarred” by the annoyance of (some) flight attendant on United that I hesitate to use the call button at all. That’s what it is there for and flight attendants actually encourage you to use it.

CONCLUSION

We landed on a busy tarmac at JFK and quickly taxied over to our gate in Terminal 5. These late morning flights are really quite ideal in terms of maximizing sleep…in your own bed. I did not have to wake up early and enjoyed five hours of immense productivity onboard thanks to the high speed wi-fi. I also enjoyed a huge lunch and continue to appreciate the lovely cocktails and coffee JetBlue offers its premium cabin passengers.

Is JetBlue the still the best when it comes to domestic premium transcontinental service? Without a doubt, yes.

Previous Article Prowling American Airlines Passenger Steals $10,000 In Cash From Seatmates On Flight To Miami
Next Article Los Angeles To Amman Via Tokyo And Doha

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

  • United Airlines Johannesburg Newark Business Class Review

    Review: United Airlines 787-9 Business Class Johannesburg – Newark

    May 26, 2023
  • JetBlue spirit airlines

    Dismantled JetBlue-American Airlines Northeast Alliance Complicates Spirit Purchase

    May 21, 2023
  • JetBlue American Strategy

    Will Northeast Alliance Survive On Appeal?

    May 20, 2023

17 Comments

  1. Greg Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 1:42 pm

    It would make a world of difference to serve the first 2-3 courses separately so you’re not rushing on something getting cold. With a cabin of that size they should be able to pull this off and really compete well with Virgin, BA first.

  2. Aaron Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    “the shared armrest made floor space do make rows 1, 3, and 5 inferior to 2 and 4.”

    Huh?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 7, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      “and” instead of “made”

  3. Stuart Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 3:49 pm

    I no longer worry about using the call button, the heck with it. I just press it. Why? Because now U.S. flight attendants will do everything to pretend not to hear, “Excuse me” and will avoid eye contact at any cost. Fine, I just press the button now.

    • ECH Reply
      July 7, 2022 at 5:01 pm

      There should be no button shaming from any FA’s. Answering call lights is a basic part of their job description.

      • Tony N Reply
        July 7, 2022 at 7:42 pm

        In my Job as Nurse, if you press the call light more than once an hour then there is something wrong with you (maybe legitimately since you are sick and in the hospital).

  4. Robert Smith Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 3:53 pm

    t strikes me as a bit unfair to single out United because one or more flight attendants didn’t meet your expectations.. Even though you placed the word “scarred” in quotes, I submit that your criticism is unduly harsh.

    As they state in their pre-flight briefings: they are there for the safety of their passengers. And, they are human. Like all of us they have good days and bad days. Unlike many of us, they have irregular daily schedules. On top of that they’ve had to deal with anti-maskers and passengers that are unruly for any of a host of reasons beyond their control.

    By the way, neither my wife nor any of my children are flight attendants. I however have flown over 3 million real miles with United and consider their cabin crews to be top notch.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 7, 2022 at 3:57 pm

      Overall, I do too. But in my 1.5MN on US I have encountered a fair number of angry reactions to using the call button.

  5. Uri Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 4:26 pm

    About the call button – of course it’s not for emergencies.
    When you push it on United – does the FA immediately come running? If not, then they don’t consider it an emergency.

  6. ECH Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 5:00 pm

    Food looks really good. Do you tell the FA’s that you are a travel writer which could lead to nicer presentation/portions?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 7, 2022 at 5:02 pm

      Never. I always try to be incognito.

  7. Graham Duncan Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    What an excellent article! I shall definitely look at a Transatlantic hop with Jet Blue!

  8. Tony N Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 7:36 pm

    Good review. How much money? But I would never go business unless it was over a 10-hour or so flight. Then again I’m not the type to go business class anyway.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      July 7, 2022 at 7:38 pm

      52K JetBlue miles (versus $1800).

  9. Tony N Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 8:06 pm

    Phew. Too much. For me flying is supposed to be a meditative, solo, quiet experience. I don’t want to be bombarded with food and drink and too many sounds and stimulation given too me. I think I would be bothered too much by the flight attendants in business class. But hey, everybody’s different.

  10. Oscar Feliciano Reply
    July 7, 2022 at 10:01 pm

    I believe that’s a Vital Proteins collagen packet and not Crushed Tonic.

  11. Jerry Reply
    July 8, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    I love everything about that flight. The food looks good. The wine menu looks great (I’m intrigued by a sparkling savvy B, plus an actual Black owned Provence is literally one in a million), they encourage you to listen to a curated Spotify playlist on their free WiFi, they have iced coffee with **oat milk!!**. How fun! I get that a lot of that won’t at all appeal to a certain generation, but for bougie elder millennials like myself, they’re really speaking my language. Unfortunately, as an AUS based EXP, B6 is nothing more than that funky airline that only has economy seats out of my airport.

Leave a Reply to Tony N Cancel reply

Search

Hot Deals for May

Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 60,000 Points
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles!
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Earn $750 Cash Back
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 120,000 Membership Reward® Points

Recent Posts

  • America The Beautiful May 29, 2023
  • United Airlines CEO Says USA Is The “Greatest Country In The History Of The Planet” May 29, 2023
  • Coat Overhead Bin
    Is It Rude To Place Your Coat In The Aircraft Overhead Bin? May 29, 2023
  • United Club Fly Lounge DEN Review
    Review: United Club Fly Lounge Denver (DEN) May 29, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Punches United Airlines Gate Agent
    Man Repeatedly Punches United Airlines Gate Agent After She Asked Him To Vacate First Class Seat He Poached May 3, 2023
  • Delta Air Lines Seat Recline
    Delta Air Lines Passenger Freaks Out After Passenger Pushed Her Seat When She Reclined May 1, 2023
  • American Airlines Pins Cockpit Door
    American Airlines First Class Passenger So Angry Over Meal Choices He Pins Flight Attendant To Cockpit Door May 11, 2023
  • Cursing Fight United Airlines
    “Don’t You Ever Tell Me To Speak English!” (Fight Breaks Out On My United Airlines Flight) May 17, 2023

Archives

May 2023
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Apr    

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

Privacy Policy

© Live and Let's Fly All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Live and Let's Fly with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.