The transatlantic flight is one of the staples of international air travel. We’ve all heard reference to taking the red eye out of New York, and for many, it’s a consistent and oft’ times fraught journey to make. In fairness, it seems that most air travel is the same. The London-New York route is one that is serviced by a wealth of traditional carriers, yet has long been the target of many a disruptor. As a route taken by so many for so long, to crack it, or crack into the incumbents, would represent a good bit of business.
In walks JetBlue.
A relative newcomer in a world of BA, Lufthansa, Delta and Qantas, JetBlue has been serving customers since 1998 and has opened service transatlantic for a little over a year. Into this service, they have introduced their new Mint suite offering. Providing a quasi-hybrid First/Business class, it elevates the brand ideals and is presented in a decidedly contemporary and glossy package.
Met by Marius, JetBlue marketing associate extraordinaire, I was efficiently guided through my check-in and bag requirements before heading to the gate to await boarding. Now, would I have preferred a lounge? Obviously, I’m lazy and hate the public, but Gatwick that day was seemingly devoid of the hordes of international incompetents. This meant a leisurely rather than combative gate experience. An unfortunate issue with the intercom meant a slight delay in proceedings but once given the green light, I was whisked aboard and introduced to my attendants for the flight ahead. Nicer people one couldn’t hope to meet, especially in the confines of a passenger jet fuselage. Attentive without smothering, they were always there yet never there at the same time. The best style of service, I always feel.
The Mint suites form part of a two-class arrangement and allow for ten rows, therefore twenty suites in the fore of the plane. JetBlue uses the Airbus A321LR, selected for its extended range, reduced noise footprint and improved fuel savings. Aviation seems to be moving towards a longer-range more efficient plane over the behemoths of recent years.
There are 22 fully enclosed Mint suites plus two Mint studios. The suites all include lie-flat beds, are all aisle accessible and include a door for what creates a genuinely private environment should you be sleeping, working or viewing. The viewing option comes via a 17” flatscreen television that swings, pivots and contorts to as many positions as you need, meaning that one can comfortably view whilst horizontal or sat bolt upright. Noise-cancelling headphones by Master & Dynamic are provided to give the best entertainment experience possible. The cabin is adorned with various nooks and crannies for one to store as many trinkets as necessary, and the Tuft&Needle sleep experience; a wonderfully soft pillow and light but warm blanket, really aided the brief sleep I did get.
A partnership with the Delicious Hospitality Group brings New York hotspots Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones and Legacy Records to Mint travellers. A rotating small plate menu gives variety and a sense of fun, and the partnership has enabled the Mint experience to include a huge variety of drinks including a particularly strong cocktail menu, mixed on board. I can attest that they are ALL very good.
Wi-Fi is provided for free and allows for continued work or play. The ability to freely message makes sure that one is never stranded or inaccessible, and the privacy and ergonomic design of the suite itself means that whether one wants to relax, or needs to work, the space provided allows for both and more besides. Should one want to extend the Mint experience further still, the Mint Studio features the largest bed on a US airline, as well as the largest television at 22”. The studio also contains a table and an extra seat, should you wish to host a colleague or friend.
With routes to both major London airports from both JFK and Boston, the JetBlue Mint experience gives travellers a viable alternative to the traditional carriers. Modern planes and contemporary well-thought provisions and service make for a relaxing and intimate experience; one in which travellers can choose from a vast array of amenities, with the comfort to make sure arrival is as fresh and unflustered as possible. Now I just need a solution for the TSA.
