The battle for America's best lie-flat seat just heated up
Two of the most competitive airline routes in the U.S. are those between New York and Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The lucrative corporate contracts and deep-pocketed leisure travelers who frequent these routes are incredibly important to carriers. So it's no surprise that each of the major U.S. airlines competes with top-notch, lie-flat premium seats.
As part of the new partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue, the two carriers are trying to bolster their position in the premium transcon market. They'll codeshare on their nonstop coast-to-coast service giving customers tons of options to choose from.
And with two of the best domestic products joining forces, Delta and United are in trouble.
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Mint is the best domestic biz product
JetBlue's Mint product is a two-time TPG Award champion. When JetBlue introduced Mint over five years ago, it took the market by surprise. The primarily leisure-focused carrier promised to disrupt the transcon business-class market. And disrupt it did.
The industry-leading hard product (including four suites) became the gold standard for those looking for the most comfort when flying coast to coast. Mint's fresh take on the inflight food and beverage service was immediately well received. And the carrier's service, with two dedicated and specially trained Mint flight attendants, was leagues ahead of what the competition was offering.
With fares starting at around $600 each-way, JetBlue also disrupted the pricing model. From end-to-end, JetBlue offers the best business-class product for a domestic airline.
JetBlue also nails the coach experience
In addition to Mint, JetBlue also offers a comfortable coach experience.
The leather seats are 18-inches wide and have 33 inches of pitch. Plus, all passengers can enjoy free DirecTV, high-speed Wi-Fi and access to SiriusXM.
All customers are served an assortment of drinks and unlimited brand-name snacks. And if you're feeling peckish, you can walk up to the onboard pantry and grab a snack or drink at your convenience. (Note that many of the service elements are currently limited due to the coronavirus.)
Related: Comparing premium transcon flights in the age of coronavirus
American's A321T offers Flagship First
American Airlines' premium domestic offering is also quite special.
The carrier operates a fleet of Airbus A321s, dubbed the A321T, on these cross-country flights. With 10 Flagship First suites, 20 Flagship Business pods and 72 coach seats, it's one of the most premium commercial jets in the sky.
American's business-class product isn't as revolutionary as JetBlue's, but it's much larger and takes up a greater proportion of the plane than Mint does.
What's really cool about the A321T is that the carrier has added 10 Flagship First suites at the pointy end of the plane. It's the most exclusive commercial flight experience in the country. Many business executives and celebrities choose American because of it.
Related: Is American Airlines Flagship First worth it?
Could this mean lounge access for JetBlue passengers?
When describing the seamless experience that customers can expect from the new partnership, the airlines tout an "improved on-the-ground experience."
And one area where JetBlue falls short is that it doesn't offer or operate any airport lounges. But with American's help, it could easily bridge that gap. In fact, American Airlines' flagship ground experience is leagues ahead of both Delta and United. The latter two carriers only admit premium customers to their domestic lounges.
AA, on the other hand, invites premium passengers into their Flagship Lounges. If JetBlue Mint flyers could access Flagship Lounges, it'd only serve to strengthen the product.
AA and JetBlue both operate out of Terminal 5 at LAX. The Flagship Lounge, however, is located in Terminal 4 (American's second LAX terminal), so it'd require an easy, short walk for JetBlue passengers.
At JFK, AA and JetBlue operate from completely separate terminals that aren't connected airside. It's possible some JetBlue transcons shift terminals at JFK, but either way, lounge access at LAX would certainly be better than nothing.
Related: Listen to JetBlue's COO talk about why the carrier doesn't build a lounge
Combined, American and JetBlue offer the best transcon experience
As part of their intention to codeshare, American and JetBlue will offer the top transcon experience across the board.
In terms of onboard product, the partnership will include award-winning cabins across all levels of service — all the way from American's Flagship First to JetBlue's core economy experience. There's a seat for every price point and willingness to pay.
Consider the frequency, too. With JetBlue's recent expansion at Newark (EWR), the two carriers will offer dozens of daily transcon flights. It'll saturate the market from both New York-JFK and Newark when combined with the schedules offered by Delta and United.
Related: The best transcon US flight: Comparing American Flagship First, JetBlue Mint and United Polaris
Delta and United are in trouble
Without the American and JetBlue coordination, the "big three" plus JetBlue each competed fiercely for premium passengers. No single carrier dominated the market.
Yet now, Delta and United are in trouble. Neither carrier currently offers as robust a schedule as AA and JetBlue, nor can they compete on variety of onboard product. Plus, Delta's only got a transcon presence in New York, and United only has Newark flights.
For flyers headed to the tri-state area, having the option of flying to either JFK or EWR is amazing. If American and JetBlue indeed launch a deep frequent flyer partnership, Delta and United will really need to play catch-up.
In fact, today's move is reminiscent of what American did in the transatlantic market with British Airways. AA realized it could strengthen its hand on the there by partnering with British Airways. The pair struck an alliance in the late 1990s and have since formed a joint-venture partnership that covers their transatlantic flying.
Related: Why I'm excited about JetBlue's Mint expansion to Newark
Bottom line
The premium transcon market is one of the toughest to crack. With today's announcement, American and JetBlue are putting their best foot forward.
Between the top-notch onboard experience combined with the breadth of schedule, these two carriers are going after Delta and United.
Time will tell how they respond, but one thing's for certain — the competition just got more intense.
Featured graphic by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.