First look: JetBlue's brand-new Mint Suite, Mint Studio business class
It's almost here! After five years of research and development, JetBlue is finally ready to show off its next-generation business-class product, launching soon on flights to Europe and within the U.S.
Each new business-class seat will offer a sliding door, and every cabin will feature two versions of the new product.
First, the airline's extra-spacious Mint Studios will be positioned at the bulkhead row, with two windows each, more personal space, a belted side seat (for guests to join for a chat or meal) and a larger 22-inch display, as seen in the rendering below.
Mint Studios will be sold at a slight premium, though the airline hasn't detailed pricing just yet. I'd expect a modest up-charge at booking or after purchase — similar to the airline's Even More Space economy offering, today.
The remaining seats will be branded as Mint Suites. While window alignment varies, they're otherwise identical — all suites are ADA compliant, and include doors that slide completely shut.
Suites also include 17-inch displays that tilt down for easy viewing when reclined (more on that below); several storage areas, including a large slide-out drawer below the display, a bottle compartment to the side of the seat and bag storage underneath the ottoman; and integrated Qi power for wireless device charging by the window, compatible with the latest iPhone models and Android smartphones.
The airline's new product clearly offers more privacy than the 2-2 seats available in odd rows today, and possibly even the current Mint "suites" in rows 2 and 4 — though we'll have to give it a try before issuing a final verdict.
Notably, JetBlue is able to fit the same number of seats into a similar space — 16 "new" suites occupy the same footprint as 16 of the airline's current staggered seats, opening up the door to possible A321 retrofits down the line.
A Mint mockup tour
Like most of you, I can't wait to experience the new Mint on a plane — I had an opportunity to check out a near-final version at the airline's New York-JFK maintenance hangar in the meantime though.
While it wasn't quite as polished as the finished product seen up top, I was able to get a sense of the space, seat and overall layout.
JetBlue's new suite is based on the Thompson Vantage Solo, though the design adds more privacy, thanks to an extended dividing wall and sliding door. Notably, the current Mint seat is based on Thompson's original Vantage design, and the new version, while more private, comes along with an almost identical footprint.
JetBlue added its own touches throughout, including a Tuft & Needle mattress embedded in the seat, wireless charging by the window and fun design elements, such as the "jetblue" written in Morse code below.
The airline also added a notch within the side table, as a second spot to store your device, along with a cord organizer by one of the two universal AC outlets, a "do not disturb" indicator (that glows blue instead of red from the aisle) and a "cement" LED sconce.
JetBlue's design team clearly shares my frustration when it comes to viewing angles, too. Now, you can tilt the display down so you can see it when the seat's reclined or in bed mode — a much-welcome boost. (Note that the display below, like many other design elements, is not yet final.)
I also love that there's a dedicated spot for your laptop — I'm always jamming mine into the magazine holder or seat-back pocket, and who knows what else ends up in there (read: dirty diapers and other... hazardous waste).
Personally, I'm most excited about the sliding door, which you can see in action below. The mock-up I saw doesn't close completely, but the final version will.
As with the carrier's existing product, customers flying in the new suites will get to experience the "soft product" improvements JetBlue rolled out toward the end of last year, including improved catering, new bedding, amenity kits and more.
How to fly the new Mint
Initially, JetBlue's new Mint product will be available on the airline's latest A320-series planes, including the Airbus A321LR, which will operate transatlantic flights and offer a total of 24 Mint seats, and the A321LD, a subset of the airline's A321neo fleet, with 16 seats in business class.
While JetBlue's map is always evolving, as of now, you can generally find Mint on the following routes, though certain flights — such as those to the Caribbean — only offer business class on certain days.
JetBlue is expected to launch service to London with the A321LR later this year, and all of those flights will offer the new Mint Studio and Mint Suite. You'll actually find the new product flying domestically first, though — the carrier's set to begin service with the A321LD between New York-JFK and Los Angeles (LAX) as soon as June 2021.
We don't yet know which JFK-LAX flights will offer the new product, but we'll be sure to let you know just as soon as we do. Either way, that's great news for budget-conscious travelers — JetBlue consistently offers transcon Mint flights starting at $529 each way, though premium-cabin redemptions aren't quite as appealing, at 47,900 points and up.
Bottom line
I'm very excited to see that JetBlue will still be rolling out the new Mint this year, despite various pandemic-related setbacks. Mint Studio looks especially exciting, with a slick design and lots of extra space, but the new Mint Suite feels like a notable upgrade as well — especially when compared to the airline's current paired (2-2) business-class seats.
Most of all, I love that the JetBlue team took customer and flight attendant feedback to heart, and implemented some much-welcome improvements, including doors and aisle access for every passenger, a real integrated mattress, clever storage compartments and a display you can actually see clearly from the bed.
Featured rendering courtesy of JetBlue.
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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
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- 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.
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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
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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.