JetBlue Mint, 6 months in...

- March 02, 2015

I've been a cheerleader for JetBlue Mint since it launched in Summer 2014. The legacy carriers had all upgraded their premium SFO/LAX-JFK service to lie-flat beds in the past 2 years when JetBlue came along and one-upped them by adding closing-door suites on their first foray into premium cabins. I snagged an introductory $499 flight from LAX back in August and I flew them again on a round trip this past week, JFK-LAX was at 11am, the flight home was a redeye that landed at 5:07am.

Here's a few of the things that changed between August and February:

United, Delta, and American have all dropped their fares on this route from $3500 round-trip to about $2300. I love competition!
JetBlue listened to feedback and upgraded to much better headphones (Brooklyn-made Grado SR60e headphones)
The LAX departure gate now has several of the JFK T5-style high counters with lots of power plugs so people can charge their devices and work while they wait.
~~They've added a coat check service to T5 so you don't have to schlep your coat around with you when you fly from JFK to warm destinations.~~ UPDATE: This closed late 2015

What hasn't changed:

Service, food, Wi-Fi, and seats are still unquestionably the best of any US carrier.
The legacy carriers are still racing to find new ways to nickel-and-dime even their best customers while offering a substandard experience in the air.
JetBlue still doesn't offer lounge access.
The Birch Box amenity kit still has an odd assortment of things, most of which you don't need in-flight

This was my first redeye flight on Mint and I should point out that they have limited, 3-item "prix fixe" menu on those flights, followed by a hot breakfast sandwich with fruit prior to arrival. The seats also have a "do not disturb" button in case you'd like more sleep instead of a sandwich :) I arrived just as the coat check was opening and had no trouble jumping right into a cab back to Manhattan, even at that early hour.