I’ve written about JetBlue’s fabulous new business class product debuting later this year onboard the Airbus A321neo. A friend of mine toured the new cabin yesterday and sent me a number of photos I want to share with you.
Photo Tour Of JetBlue A321neo With New Mint Business Class
JetBlue will debut its new Mint business class product onboard two variants of the Airbus A321neo, the A321LD and A321LR. The A321LD will be used primarily for flights within North America and feature 16 business class seats. Over time, this aircraft may also serve Latin America and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the undelivered A321LR will features 24 Mint seats and be used for transatlantic flights.
First, let’s take a look at Mint Business Class. In the front of the cabin is JetBlue’s new Mint Studio product, a suite that contains extra legroom. Check here for more details. One nice feature of these seats, which will be available for an uncharge over standard business class seats, is that you can dine with a companion.
JetBlue A321LD Mint Studio:
JetBlue A321LD Mint Business Class:
Behind row one are seven more rows of herringbone-style business class seats, which include closing doors. My friend noted several observations:
- The suite does not feel claustrophobic because there is extra shoulder space when fully reclined
- Tray tables are activated by push button and can be deployed by flight attendants through a secondary button from the aisle
- Suites not only contain two conventional universal plugs, but a wireless charging port for mobile phones
- The innovative laptop drawer will fit tablets and smaller laptops
- Lamps include a mood-lighting feature that you can adjust to your preference
- Standard suites (but not Mint Studio) includes a compartment to store shoes
- The IFE screen can be opened during takeoff and landing because it flips forward (closes) if a quick exit becomes necessary
While Live and Let’s Fly focuses on premium travel, economy class looks great as well, with extra legroom seats called Even More Space, easily accessible electrical plugs, and seatback screens. Instead of two power ports for every three passengers, each passenger will have their own plug.
A self-serve snack and beverage station will be available just behind Mint Class.
Overhead bins can accommodate larger carry-on items.
Behind the scenes, the A321LD will have ViaSat-2 internet, meaning much faster speeds than already offered. JetBlue already offers complimentary wi-fi to all passengers and I found the speeds work just fine.
CONCLUSION
I hope to check out this aircraft personally in the days ahead, but this gives you a great idea of how beautiful the new aircraft is, particularly in Mint Business Class. Is this a game-changing product? It’s too early to tell, but it turned out very nice and will offer superb privacy and comfort on transcontinental flights and eventually flights to Europe.
Beautiful cabin. I can’t wait for them to expand, especially in DC. I’m itching to make them my go to but DC is so underserved right now by them
For daytime Transcons, I would prefer the throne seats in the current product. Bot for redeye transcons and TATL flights, the new product looks better and easier to fall asleep. I hope they keep both products, I will miss being able to look out the window at takeoff with the new product.
Meh. Definitely not a game changer. Absolutely zero privacy. It sucks facing the aisle for everyone to look at you and you look at them. I like looking out the window; not so easy with this arrangement. Reminds me of the Virgin Atlantic seats. I doubt that the monitor will be allowed to remain open during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
PepsiCo products.
I’d argue this has more privacy than a window facing seat. Why?
1 It has a door so people in their seats can’t see you.
2. The fact your facing out means that someone walking down the aisle can’t see your computer screen or otherwise spy on you. Especially without your knowing. If you were trying to work on something confidential mid flight this is far superior.