Ever since JetBlue introduced its premium product, Mint, I wanted to fly it. With Mint, formerly all-economy class JetBlue ventured into a new territory. JetBlue has entered the highly competitive U.S. transcon market fighting head-to-head with established legacies of United, American, and Delta, as well as west coast power house Virgin America.
With the exception of Virgin America, all other airlines offer lie-flat seats in the transcon market. United with their “p.s.” (Premium Service) 757s, American with their new A321“T” (Transcon), and Delta with their “Delta One” international cabin 757/767s. In an age of airlines “racing to the bottom”, it is refreshing to see U.S. airlines recognizing a need and answering the demand for a premium product. With the transcon market locked up in a four-way battle – each airline with their loyal fliers – can yet another airline enter the same market taking a piece of the same pie?
For the all-Blue airline that added a hint of green, the answer is an emphatic YES! Mint service has been so successful that the program has expanded beyond the core San Francisco/Los Angeles – New York market. Mint can now be found on long distance markets in Boston, the Caribbean, and Florida.
Suite Score
On a recent work trip from San Francisco (SFO), I got rerouted to fly JetBlue to Boston (BOS) at the last minute. Looking at the seatmap, my flight was very lightly loaded on that Tuesday. Better yet, there was a number of Suite seats available in Mint. Being a daytime light, I decided to upgrade my ticket in order to fully experience Mint.
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JetBlue utilizes SFO’s International Terminal |
Not knowing any of this prior to my trip, I arrived at SFO sufficiently early. Fortunately, both the ticket counter and security lines were short and I arrived at gate A3 well before agents were open for check-in. After confirming seat 4F was still available, I broke out my credit card and paid the upgrade fee.
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ExciteMint is in the Air |
Boarding commenced shortly thereafter, more than 40 minutes prior to the 7:50 am departure time. Stepping on board, I was greeted with stylish Mint seats in contrasting black leather and white plastic casted in cool blue-purple mood lighting.
Amusingly enough, B and F seats were labeled as “center” seats. I couldn’t help but laugh that I had just paid over $500 for a middle seat.
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The dreaded middle seat? Not really. |
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More like your own throne! |
A thick blanket, pillow, amenity kit, and a welcome card signed by Jeff and Jessica were waiting at each seat.
There were numerous Mint newbies onboard given Jeff was providing seat introductions all around. Many economy passengers boarding noted the fancy Mint seats. Some said they would upgrade on their next flight.
Given our light load, boarding was complete 20 minutes before departure. A number of Even More Space seats were still available and an announcement was made offering them for sale. Captain added that our flight time was expected to be five hours at an altitude of 39,000 feet.
The Flight
Aircraft: Airbus A321-231
Registration: N967JT ExciteMint is in the Air
msn: 7257
Delivered: August 2016 (age 1 year)
Flight: B6 436
Scheduled Departure – Arrival: 7:50 am – 4:29 pm
Actual Departure – Arrival: 7:40 am (gate A3A) – 4:12 pm (gate C9)
Takeoff SFO Runway 01R: 8:01 am
Land BOS Runway 04R: 4:07 pm
Flight Duration: 5 hours 6 minutes
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I reclined my seat and extended the legrest to a more comfortable position. Unfortunately, the legrest does not extend very far, leaving my feet hanging from my short legs. I repositioned myself and adjusted the seat so that my feet can get into the foot well.
I was excited to see the Air Traffic Control (ATC) station on the audio channel, remembering that one of JetBlue’s transcon competitors is United with their ATC audio, Channel 9. Disappointingly, the ATC channel was silent (not unlike United Channel 9 nowadays). I asked Jeff if the captain is willing to turn it on. Jessica later returned and apologized for the channel not working. She said someone always want to listen to it, but despite her writing it up every flight, the channel never seems to work. I later found out via a google search that the airline (has not/will not) turn on ATC audio for whatever reason.
Incorporating “Mint” across service was obvious (nourishMint, refreshMint, Mint Limeaid, etc). However, while I was having my meal, I realized the rectangular tapered corner Mint shape was everywhere. On dishware, the tray table, even on a card and paper clip in the amenity kit. JetBlue really went the extra mile to ensure the branding was visible throughout the flying experience – whether you realize it or not.
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Streaming Netflix at 40,000 feet – a first for me! |
About two hours before landing, Jessica came through the cabin with a basket of “our signature snacks”. Fresh whole fruit (apples and oranges) were offered in addition to the usual selection of blue snacks.
Before landing hot towels were distributed about 40 minutes to go. It was followed by the ever helpful before-descend-seat-belt-on warning from the cockpit.
Speaking of which…
Jessica came by and reminded me my camera stored in the bin next to my seat. “Already put it away,” I replied but thanked (and appreciated) her for remembering that from earlier in the flight.
Upon exiting, Jessica smiled warmly as we exchanged our goodbyes. “Mr. Wang, I hope you enjoyed your flight and hope to see you again soon!” Charmed, I managed a simple “me too!”
Final Thoughts
I was truly impressed with JetBlue’s Mint. Flight attendants Jessica and Jeff provided top notch service. They performed their jobs with utmost professionalism along with genuinely warmth and sincerity. Based upon from what I read, this was not unique to my crew. High levels of service on JetBlue Mint is a consistent comment. I will go as far as saying the service I received on my Mint flight was comparable to those I have experienced on Singapore Airlines. And that’s saying something!
I would not hesitate dropping another $500+ to fly JetBlue Mint again. The all-blue airline had truly earned its green leaf!