Why I'm excited about JetBlue's Mint expansion — and you should be too
Earlier Thursday, JetBlue announced that it's going to be expanding its route network over the next few months. While most airlines are looking to cut routes during the global pandemic, the New York-based carrier has launched service on 30 new routes, beefing up its presence in some Florida focus cities and some smaller outstations like Philadelphia.
Most interestingly, though, is the fact that JetBlue is bringing its TPG award-winning Mint business class to two new transcon routes. Starting July 23, JetBlue will fly between Newark (EWR) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) on its Mint-equipped Airbus A321.
Here's why that's great news.
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Drive down fares
When Mint was introduced five years ago, JetBlue promised to disrupt the transcontinental business-class market. And disrupt it did.
Aside from the industry-leading hard product, JetBlue's pricing strategy forced the competition to adapt to the new reality. Before Mint, the legacy carriers were charging thousands of dollars for flights in biz between the coasts. They could fill their premium cabins with corporate flyers who had deep expense accounts.
When JetBlue started pricing Mint at around $500 each way, American, Delta and United began matching these fares. Five years later and it's pretty easy to find a one-way biz seat between New York and Los Angeles starting at around $500 — on every carrier.
Now, with Mint's Newark expansion there's going to be even more pressure on United (which has a mega-hub in Newark) to compete head-to-head with the new offering. This could start a fare war between the two, which would likely spell the end of the last-minute, sky-high United transcon fares.
Related: The Mint Effect — Why transcon business fares are dropping
A great way to socially distance
Premium cabins offer a lot more space than coach seats, making them a great way to socially distance onboard. JetBlue's Mint offering is perhaps the best way to maximize your personal space on a domestic flight.
Of the 16 seats in the Mint cabin, four of them are suites. Rows 2 and 4 are arranged in a 1-1 configuration, and each suite has two large tables, as well as a door. Of the premium transcon products, Mint suites are definitely the most private.
But even if the suites are already assigned when you're booking, Mint is still a great product for social distancing. That's because JetBlue is one of the airlines that's capping the number of seats sold in order to keep middle seats unoccupied. In Mint, that means six of the 16 seats will remain unoccupied. So even if you end up in one of the couple seats, you won't have a stranger next to you.
Related: Review of JetBlue Mint on the A321
Added choice for flyers based in New York
Depending on where you live or are headed in the tri-state area, you're going to want to choose your airport carefully. The three major New York-area airports, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark, each have their pros and cons.
At JFK, there's already plenty of competition on the premium transcon route. American, Delta and JetBlue all fly multiple daily frequencies between the coasts. At Newark, United's the only carrier with lie-flat seats to California. (LaGuardia doesn't have any transcon routes due to its perimeter rule.)
Along with the fact that Mint service from Newark should drive down the ticket prices, there's also the added convenience for anyone based in New Jersey or other points in tri-state area looking for more premium options closer to home. (Just remember that JetBlue flies from Newark's dated Terminal A.)
Related: JFK vs. LaGuardia vs. Newark: Which NYC airport should I fly into?
United could improve its premium transcon offering
In response to JetBlue's Mint expansion, United will likely start feeling some competitive pressure. Aside from matching or lowering its fares, UA may decide to improve its offering to convince flyers to stick with the legacy carrier.
When I last flew from Newark to Los Angeles, I was disappointed by United's ground experience and limited inflight amenities. Maybe United will decide to admit premium transcon passengers into the Polaris Lounge. Likewise, UA could improve its amenity kit too.
Only time will tell how United responds, but the Chicago-based carrier will definitely be monitoring the developments closely.
Related: Comparing premium transcon flights in the age of coronavirus
Bottom line
Mint service from Newark is great news across the board.
For one, we'll likely see a fare war between JetBlue and United, driving down the prices in the market. Additionally, United may improve its offering in an effort to convince flyers to remain loyal. Mint also offers one of the best cabins for onboard social distancing, and Newark is a more convenient airport for lots of people based in the tri-state area.
All in all, of JetBlue's 30 new routes, I'm most excited about the introduction of Mint service to Newark.
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| 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. |
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Intro offer
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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. (Partner offer)Pros
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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.