How JetBlue's new Mint business class stacks up against the original
JetBlue's Mint business class disrupted the transcon market when it was unveiled in 2014.
With four individual suites and 12 lie-flat pods, the TPG award-winning Mint experience scores high marks from flyers headed between the coasts. But, JetBlue isn't resting on its laurels.
The carrier is launching a brand-new Mint cabin, in a unique, all-suite 1-1 configuration. These seats will be outfitted on the London-bound Airbus A321LR, and will be found on select transcon and regional flights operated by the carrier's latest Airbus A321neos.
So, how do they stack up against version 1.0? Read on to find out.
Start here: TPG’s first look at JetBlue’s super-posh Airbus A321neo
Welcome to the suite life
The biggest change in the Mint cabin is the new 1-1 configuration. With one suite on each side, every flyer will enjoy direct aisle access — a massive improvement compared to the current arrangement, which has three rows of 2-2 seating.
Solo flyers will stand to benefit most from the new suites, since they'll no longer need to climb over other passengers to use the lavatory or stretch their legs.
For passengers who lucked out with one of the four suites in Mint 1.0, the new configuration might be a bit disappointing. The latest Mint Suites, which are a customized version of the Thompson VantageSolo product, don't offer as much personal space as the old ones.
The good news is that the footwell in the new suites is noticeably roomier than the one in the current Mint suites.
Related: A pre-pandemic review of JetBlue's original Mint Suite
Privacy for all
This is big.
The new Mint features sliding doors for every passenger. Though the suites aren't fully enclosed (like the new Emirates first-class product), the door is quite high.
Additionally, the suites are arranged in a herringbone layout, with each passenger facing the aisle. That's not great for aviation enthusiasts who prefer a window view, but it's a notable upgrade compared to the forward-facing Mint 1.0.
Plus, with the door and elevated privacy partitions around the seat itself, the new Mint offers considerably more privacy than the original product.
Seat comfort
Another subtle yet welcome improvement is the seat padding.
JetBlue partnered with Tuft & Needle, a popular bed-in-a-box mattress brand, to create an adaptive foam layer built into the seat itself, which promises a far more comfortable sleeping experience.
I could immediately tell that frequent Mint flyers will instantly notice the difference.
The current Mint seat is supported by an air cushion with adjustable firmness. However, I prefer the new foam-based support, especially as my Mint seats have been partially deflated on recent flights.
From suites to studios
Mint's current layout affords four lucky flyers a private "throne," or suite that's substantially nicer than the other pods.
In the new JetBlue business class, there are two Mint Studios located in the bulkhead row that each offer additional living space, a buddy seat, a larger seat-back screen and added storage.
Unlike the old suites, the studio will come at a (yet) undisclosed upcharge.
Related: The new gold standard: JetBlue’s spiffy Mint Studio, with the largest bed in biz
Connectivity galore
Every JetBlue plane features free inflight Wi-Fi, but the new A321neos connect to the far-speedier ViaSat-2 satellite, which boosts internet coverage, speed and reliability compared to the older JetBlue planes.
Additionally, every Mint Suite has two power outlets, one standard USB-A port and a second USB-C port.
Adding USB-C is a nice upgrade to the current product, though the older generation suites have three outlets, compared to two in the new cabin.
Another nifty feature is the built-in wireless charging mat for Qi-enabled devices.
An inflight entertainment boost
If there's one element of the current Mint experience that could use a big improvement, it's the inflight entertainment system.
Fortunately, that's changing with the new jets.
JetBlue installed Thales AVANT Android-based software, which represents a massive upgrade compared to the clunky system currently installed on Mint-equipped planes.
Expect on-demand movies and TV shows, over 100 channels of live DirecTV, as well as a customizable 3D flight map.
The monitors also got a size (and resolution) boost. Mint Suites have a 17-inch screen, while the studios have 22-inch ones. All monitors tilt and swivel, too.
What's not changing
Late last year, JetBlue unveiled a comprehensive "soft product" refresh, which includes new bedding, food and beverage offerings and onboard amenities, in preparation for London service later this year.
The new Mint cabin looks great decked out with the latest Tuft & Needle comforter and pillows, as well as the collection of Wanderfuel amenity kit and Master and Dynamic MH40 noise-reducing headphones.
The food's great, too, but you'll have to trust us on that one.
Related: Review of JetBlue's new Mint "soft product"
Bottom line
JetBlue's latest business-class cabin is a massive improvement for (nearly) everyone. With direct aisle access, sliding doors, comfortable seat padding and more, there's lots to love about Mint 2.0.
However, flyers who've scored one of the four suites in the original Mint might still prefer the original configuration.
Of course, the oversized Mint Studios offer even more space than today's suites, but that'll now come at a (yet undisclosed) cost.
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| 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. (Partner offer)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. (Partner offer)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.