Introduction: Mint Suites And Mint Tea In London

Welcome to my next trip report, a whirlwind trip to London to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. I’ve already shared about the jubilee events; now it’s time to focus on the travel-related portion of the trip.

Introduction – A Mint Trip To London To Celebrate Platinum Jubilee Of EIIR

It’s not every day that a distinguished monarch celebrates 7o years on the throne. Although I’m not British, I herald the Queen’s life of public service and wanted to be part of the celebration for this very rare and momentous event.

With flights running full this summer, I took advantage of some open JetBlue award space and booked the outbound ticket using Emirates Skywards miles:

• 52,000 Skywards miles – Los Angeles to New York
• 64,000 Skywards miles – New York to London

That’s quite a bit considering I could have (theoretically) flown all the way on a Star Alliance carrier for 63,000 points with Avianca LifeMiles, but it finally gave me a chance to review JetBlue and paid tickets were several thousand dollars.

I’m glad I did, because right now you cannot even book JetBlue business class space with Emirates miles (it remain to be seen whether this is a temporary glitch or a new unwelcome change to the program). I offered my first impressions of JetBlue’s new transatlantic service here.

I had hoped to book both segments one PNR, taking advantage of the 88,000 one-way price for both segments (since LAX-JFK-LGW falls into the 5,001-6,000 mile distance tier), but Emirates charges on a per-segment basis and could not book both segments on a single PNR, which was annoying.

Here’s what the report will look like:

• JetBlue A321 Mint Business Class Los Angeles – New York
• JetBlue Rooftop Lounge (JFK – T5)
• JetBlue A321LR Mint Business Class New York – London
• Hyatt Regency London Stratford
• Hyatt House London Stratford
• Afternoon Tea At The Ritz London
• Great Scotland Yard, Part Of Hyatt Unbound Collection
• Report: My Platinum Jubilee Trip To London
• Photo Essay: Platinum Jubilee Of Queen Elizabeth II From The Perspective Of An American Visitor In London
• The Mad Dash To Make My Flight Home
• United Club London (LHR)
• United Global Services Lounge London (LHR)
• United Airlines 787-9 Business Class London – Los Angeles

I left on a Monday afternoon and returned on Thursday evening, so it was a quick trip.

CONCLUSION

London is always a special city, but visiting during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was very special. I look forward to sharing with you about my time there and some of the great flights, hotels, and lounges I experienced during my visit.