Flying in Mint Condition
Despite being known as a purely coach carrier, JetBlue has been working to upgrade its image on some of its longer cross-country and international flights. The blue jets which once were filled entirely with rows of coach-equivalent seats are being renovated to accommodate a new first class style experience for those willing to burn some extra cash for creature comforts. The new class of seats has been dubbed Mint, per the Evolution Continues experience JetBlue has debuted today in New York City.
While this won't be the case for all flights, longer routes will enjoy the upgrade first and foremost, as mentioned in the new offer below:
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| JetBlue's new "first class" option. |
Right now the only flights available with Mint tickets are flying from JFK to LAX in June of next year (6/15/14-6/18/14) so if you're ready to plan that far ahead, then this might be for you. While the flight will still offer the classic well-priced seats we all know and love, Mint is definitely going to cost a premium.
That's $189 for a normal seat, $741 for refundable, $499 for a Mint seat, and $999 for a refundable Mint seat. At $500, the first class option is still highly competitive compared to what many other airlines charge for this route - often times in the thousands of dollars quite regularly. And $189 is still keeping the price point low for those who value one of the things JetBlue does best - cheap and comfortable coach flights.
Even at a solid price though, what's a being one of the first people to fly Mint Class going to really get you?
For the upgraded ticket you'll be getting featured movies, enhanced food & beverage service, a second checked bag, expedited boarding and security and the cherry on top: a seat you can actually sleep in. Now, if JetBlue is able to make a Mint Class seat experience that is better than other carrier's, just as they do with coach, then I think this could be a real win for JetBlue and perhaps a class worth paying money to upgrade to even if I'm short on miles.
It seems they're on their way to doing so already since the enhanced food service will feature tapas style food by Saxon + Parole and flyers will receive amenity packages from BirchBox - which sure beats the heck out of the "food" most other airlines have gotten used to selling us. Not a bad start and at a dangerously low price point to attract both business and leisure flyers, Mint could be the next game changer for JetBlue as it matures in the industry and keeps taking on the big carriers for more profitable routes.
- John
