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Watch us fly JetBlue 2 different ways: Mint Studio vs. economy

Aug. 10, 2021
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3 min read
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Watch us fly JetBlue 2 different ways: Mint Studio vs. economy
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With JetBlue about to launch flights to London from New York-JFK for the first time ever on Aug. 11, I was very eager to get on board to see if this airline lived up to all the hype.

Related: A business-class boost: Reviewing JetBlue’s new Mint Suite that will fly to London

While JetBlue will fly its new Airbus A321LR aircraft to London, it's already flying its almost-as-new Airbus A321LD planes between New York-JFK and Los Angeles (LAX). This is important because both aircraft feature the new and exciting Mint Suite and Mint Studio products, as well as a refreshed economy cabin.

I was determined to test out and show everyone what they can expect when JetBlue finally arrives in the U.K. So, along with TPG credit cards writer Stella Shon, we hopped on board this transcontinental U.S. flight to experience JetBlue's new product.

Watch the full video of our experience here:

Mint Studio (business class) — Nicky Kelvin

We paid: $1,556.40

As part of the total ticket price, we paid $199 to select one of two seats in the front row of the plane, known as “Mint Studio” seats. The rest of the business-class cabin on this aircraft features “Mint Suites,” which are slightly smaller with no buddy seat but still have a door.

I thought the new suite was fantastic, especially for a narrow-body jet. The Mint Studio felt comfortable and spacious, which is helped by the generous 1-1 configuration. The buddy seat was a great addition that allows you to dine or meet with others in the air. The food offered was both comprehensive and delicious, and there are great amenities on offer for a domestic flight.

On the downside, the overall ticket price for a flight from New York City to Los Angeles was a little steep. While the door on the suite is a nice gimmick and adds privacy, to an extent, the door is still quite low and doesn’t offer true privacy even when closed. Finally, for a great night’s sleep on overnight flights, you may miss a mattress pad and a more comprehensive bedding selection.

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Core (economy) — Stella Shon

We paid: $267.40

We booked a Blue fare, which includes seat assignment and a carry-on bag.

Shon loved the brand-new plane. There were many positives to mention especially for a relatively cheap economy ticket, including fast and free Wi-Fi, an updated, user-friendly inflight entertainment screen with lots of shows and movies to choose from, a comfortable seat with headrest adjustment and plenty of legroom.

It wasn't all rosy, though. The return to the normal boarding process (instead of back to front) made boarding a somewhat chaotic experience, especially for a full flight. There were no sandwiches or salads to purchase yet, just snack boxes which can be rough for a nearly six-hour transcontinental flight. Finally, because the flight was completely full, it was hard to be totally comfortable, though this is not necessarily JetBlue's fault and signals that, indeed, travel is back.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.