Why JetBlue’s new Mint Studio biz product is this year’s best
Despite the pandemic, it’s quite easy to crown a winner for the best new airline business-class product.
Sure, we’ve seen some recent innovations from the U.S. “Big 3” airlines. American recently launched a new cabin on its 787-8 Dreamliner. Delta continues to retrofit its existing long-haul fleet with Premium Select and refreshed biz seats, while United is charging ahead with its fleetwide Polaris rollout.
But while the incumbents are making iterative updates to their jets, JetBlue is busy disrupting the industry once again — this time on one of the world’s busiest routes.
And in doing so, it's taking home some hardware, as it's the winner of the 2021 TPG Award for the best new business-class cabin in the sky.
JetBlue launches long-haul flights
Earlier this year, the New York-based airline launched its first-ever transatlantic flights from New York-JFK to London-Heathrow (LHR), followed a few weeks later with complementary service to London-Gatwick (LGW).
While the new flights are historic for the carrier, they’re also poised to give the competition a run for its money — and that starts from the minute you step onboard.
Unlike the incumbents, JetBlue isn’t flying a wide-body jet to London. Rather, it’s going with the single-aisle Airbus A321LR, or long-range.
With just 138 seats, this plane has a boutique feel, both in the Mint business-class cabin and “Core” economy cabins.
But it’s not necessarily the size of the plane or the number of passengers that's disrupting the status quo; it’s about the actual seats themselves, especially those in the pointy end of the cabin.
The new gold standard: the Mint Studio
When JetBlue first unveiled its next-generation Mint cabin in February, the airline surprised observers by installing two separate business-class experiences: there’s the Mint Suite along with the Mint Studio.
On the Airbus A321LR, JetBlue’s 12-row Mint cabin has 22 Mint Suites, featuring direct aisle access, lie-flat seats, 17-inch TVs, two power outlets and sliding doors.
Though the Suite itself is quite comfortable, the JetBlue product team really deserves kudos for what they did with the bulkhead Row 1.
Of course, the team could’ve just installed another row of Mint Suites, but they found themselves with an issue — what would they do with all the extra space in the first row?
Well, the solution — the JetBlue Mint Studio — is this year’s winner of the TPG Award for the best new airline business-class product.
The Studio is a mini-apartment in the sky. For one, the sleeping surface is the largest of any U.S. carrier. Additionally, thanks to a built-in mattress pad from Tuft & Needle (that's actually noticeable), it's quite comfortable, too.
Once you’re settled into the Studio and close the sliding door, it won’t be hard to catch some Zs.
There’s even a buddy seat for you to share with a friend or colleague. With a second tray table, you won’t even feel too cramped when eating or working side-by-side.
Other Studio enhancements include a folding closet with a coat hook and a shoe compartment, a larger 22-inch TV, additional storage compartments and an oversized footwell.
The innovation doesn't stop with the seat itself
In addition to a top-notch hard product, the airline recently revamped the Mint service, scoring high praise from TPG reviewers and industry analysts alike.
The airline’s new partnership with Delicious Hospitality Group brings restaurant-quality, tapas-style meals to the business-class cabin — along with a wine list and cocktails that are shaken at your seat, a uniquely first-class touch.
Once in flight, you’ll receive some additional amenities as a Studio passenger, including pajamas, slippers and an essentials kit with playing cards, a lint roller, chapstick and more.
Aside from the product itself, JetBlue is also innovating on pricing. For one, round-trip Mint fares start at $1,999. Compared to the $10,000 that some airlines charged on the New York to London route before the pandemic, the transatlantic Mint experience is doing what it first did in the transcontinental market — undercutting the competition on price yet doing so with a better product.
Once you’re booked in Mint, you can upgrade to a Studio seat for $299. Of course, that pricing might not be worth it on a short redeye to Europe, but it could definitely make sense on the long return journey.
Plus, the carrier’s Mosaic elite members can redeem 12,500 TrueBlue points for the seat upgrade, a lucrative 2.4 cent per point redemption value.
Bottom line
Between the industry-leading hard product, incredible meal service and attractive pricing, JetBlue hit a home run with its latest Mint cabin. Eight years since first unveiling the original Mint product, the airline continues to outdo itself — this time, in another continent.
For that, JetBlue deserves the award for the best new business-class hard product.
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. (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.