JetBlue Mint review (I’ve never glazed an airline so hard)
JetBlue Mint is arguably the best domestic first class experience in the United States. They offer the highest quality food of any US airline. The single seat suites (rows 2 and 4) are ultra private. And the drinks? They’re very tasty, whimsically creative, and incredibly strong.
It just doesn’t get any better than this.
The following is a detailed overview of my experience on a 5 hour flight from New York’s Kennedy Airport to San Diego…
| Flight Number: | B6189 |
| Route: | New York, NY (JFK) – San Diego, CA (SAN) |
| Aircraft: | Airbus A321-231 |
| Registration: | N964JT |
| Flight Duration | 5 hours 13 minutes |
| Seat: | 4F (Mint business class) |
Checking in at JFK
JetBlue operates out of Terminal 5 at the John F. Kennedy Airport. My flight to San Diego was scheduled to depart at 8:50 AM, and I somehow managed to get there by 6:40. I certainly didn’t need to be that early considering that I had checked in online (and I didn’t have any bags to check).
JetBlue Mint customers get to use the priority lane at the security checkpoint. I didn’t have any problems finding it here at JFK, but it didn’t seem to be going any faster than the regular lane. Oh well. It’s not like I was running late or anything.
Good news: the TSA deemed me not to be a threat! I love it when that happens.
The JetBlue Mint ground experience
At the time that I took this flight, JetBlue Mint passengers didn’t get lounge access. Not because JetBlue was being mean or anything – there were just no lounges to send them to.
Fast forward to modern times, and those lounges are coming. Finally.
The boarding process for flight number 189 to San Diego
I’m a good little airline reviewer who takes thorough notes during my travels, so it gives me great pleasure to provide you with the fact that they started boarding process at 8:23 AM. And 27 seconds.
JetBlue Mint passengers are the first boarding group to be called (after those needing extra time down the jetway of course).
JetBlue Mint cabin and seats
There are 16 Mint lie flat seats on the JetBlue A321. It’s a staggered configuration:
- Row 1: four seats in a 2-2 layout
- Row 2: two seats in a 1-1 layout
- Row 3: four seats in a 2-2 layout
- Row 4: two seats in a 1-1 layout
- Row 5: four seats in a 2-2 layout
Rows 2 and 4 are the best (by far) in my opinion. These are single seats, with sliding doors for total privacy.
The first thing greeting me on this flight was a card sitting on my seat which was hand-signed by both flight attendants. When’s the last time you got one of those flying American, Delta, or United?
30 seconds later I was greeted by a very cheery Misch-ka who asked me if this was my first time flying JetBlue Mint.
The fact that I was taking pictures of everything probably gave her every reason to assume that I was a newbie, and I sensed a look of disappointment on her face when I told her that this wasn’t my first rodeo, and no, it was not necessary to show me all the features of the seat.
She also offered me the signature JetBlue Mint pre-departure drink, referred to as a “RefreshMint”. Basically it’s just a sugary minty-flavored alcoholic cocktail, which normally isn’t my style but, this was a special occasion. “Sure, I’ll have one – on the rocks please!”
JetBlue Mint amenity kit
Onboard amenities are plentiful here in JetBlue Mint. I’ve already showed you the pre-departure drink (and I’m already a little loopy). Even more impressive is the amenity kit. That’s right – a freakin’ amenity kit. The kind you get in long-haul business class on world class airlines.
The safety card
You know I’m excited when I start taking pictures of the safety card. This one for the JetBlue A321 was pretty neat. But probably not worthy of including in the review. But I’m gonna do it anyway.
Departure from JFK
Just sitting there, alone, in my JetBlue Mint private suite anticipating a great flight across the country in maximum comfort (and style) is a pretty darn good feeling.
We pushed off the gate five minutes early at 8:55 AM. Believe it or not, I was slightly miffed by this. Of all the times that I would have welcomed a delay (with open arms), this would’ve been it. These Mint seats are that good.
Unfortunately there was absolutely nothing interesting to see on our way out to the runway this morning.
JetBlue Mint meal service
Hot towels were distributed as we were making our way to cruising altitude. Smoothies were poured as well.
The flight attendants also came around taking our brunch orders. Here in JetBlue Mint, you are presented with five items in a nicely designed menu. You’re allowed to choose any three to make any combination you want.
In the end, I decided to go with the salmon, French toast, and polenta. And water.
The meal ended up being very good, and I was sufficiently stuffed afterwards and in desperate need of putting the seat into a lie flat position and getting some rest. Because hey – what’s more healthy than gorging yourself on bucket loads of rich delicious food and then laying down to take a nap for four hours?
In-flight entertainment
In-flight entertainment is probably the only part of the JetBlue Mint experience that falls short. At least compared to other airlines here in the US.
There are videos screens every seat. However, those screens are relatively small, and not very high resolution.
JetBlue Mint lavatory
You know all that deep blue mood lighting I just showed you? There’s absolutely none of that in the dedicated lavatory for Mint passengers. The bottle of soap is quite blue though. I guess there’s that.
Arrival in San Diego
I succeeded admirably in being a lazy bum for our entire journey across the country. I didn’t even put the seat back fully upright until we were on the descent into San Diego.
By that time the flight attendants were coming around with the signature JetBlue pre-landing snack (sugar cookies presented in a very neat looking box). They were delicious.
Touchdown on runway 27 happened at exactly 11:21 AM. Who cares, right? What if I told you that we were supposed to land at 12:20 PM? That deserves a mention I think.
A comfy seat with great service makes all the difference in the world. At least in terms of feeling fresh and chipper when stepping off the plane. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more energetic after arriving into San Diego after a 5 hour flight.
Well done JetBlue! I’m a believer.
