JetBlue has unveiled its re-designed Mint business class product and introduced a new concept called Mint Studio, which will offer unparalleled spaciousness and privacy on an Airbus A321. All new suites will have closing doors.
JetBlue Unveils Next-Generation Mint Suites
JetBlue chose a herringbone configuration for its new Mint product, which will initially appear onboard the Airbus A321LR and A321LD. A VantageSOLO seat from Thompson Aero will be used, the first carrier to utilize this new seat product.
The A321LD (part of the A320neo family) will feature 16 Mint Suites and begin operating service between New York (JFK and Los Angeles (LAX) later this year, likely in June 2021.
Later in the summer, JetBlue plans to launch service to London utilizing an A321LR, which will feature 24 Mint Seats.
As JetBlue describes it, the new product will feature:
- Residential textures, such as flannel-covered privacy dividers, concrete lampshades, woodgrain table patterns and soft, vegan leather-covered seats and headrests
- Custom-created suite gradient panels bring light into the cabin, while patterned door shrouds with the signature Mint leaf make a bold brand statement in a functional way
- First-of-its-kind mood lighting enhances the inflight experience, and a welcoming blue floor arc helps direct the customer boarding flow
The new suites will also optimize storage, including a special compartment designed for laptop computers. Wireless charging will also be available.
JetBlue Mint Studio
Within its new Mint cabin, JetBlue will offer two Mint Studio suites in the first row. JetBlue calls these seats “game-changing” and claims they offer the most space in a “premium experience” of any U.S. airlines.
The studios will features a separate work and sitting area along with a longer lie-flat bed that merges with the sitting area to create an even wider and longer bed. A side table and sliding door create a premium cabin within a business class cabin.
These seats will be available for a “slight uncharge” though JetBlue has not announced specific pricing yet.
CONCLUSION
While the herringbone configuration makes gazing out of the window difficult, offering aisle access from every seat is a reasonable tradeoff on a narrowbody aircraft. JetBlue goes beyond lie-flat seats to reimagine the premium travel experience. I look forward to sampling this product between New York and Los Angeles and then to London later in the year!
What are your thoughts on the new JetBlue Mint product and the new Mint Studio?
Having a seat angled away from the window = one more reason not to fly JetBlue over the Atlantic.
And how much time do you spend sightseeing over the Atlantic? Really?
My main issues with these new seats and Mint to London are:
1. We don’t even know if they are going to LHR
2. Their mint fares are generally good but their award redemption rate is horrible. Especially for Europe bound where I’m looking for the cheapest lie flat bed, the better jetblue catering is not worth it. More times than not Mint on JFK to LAX won’t drop below $1000.
3. Not a fan of the herringbone seats and the doors just make it more claustrophobic.
Oh and did I mention I hate LGW and STN?
Looks like a great product…
LGW + Priority Pass at Grain Store is awesome for O/D traffic. Unless you’re *G, OWE, or coming directly from Paddington, what’s the great desire to be at Heathrow?!
I prefer the old Mint seats to this Herringbone ones