JetBlue Mint: Your Guide to Flying First Class

Does JetBlue offer a first-class flying experience? Kind of — and it’s not too shabby an option, either. However, if you’re looking for seats specifically labeled “first class,” you may have a hard time finding them; the airline calls its premium seats “JetBlue Mint."

Depending on the flight, there are additional tiers of JetBlue Mint seats that are even fancier. Some flights offer Mint Suites, which gives you a private suite complete with a sliding door. And in the even bigger Mint Studio, there’s enough room for two people.

So what is it like to fly in first class on JetBlue? Is JetBlue Mint really worth it? We break it all down for you in this guide to JetBlue's first class.

Mint seats

When flying first class on JetBlue, expect a lot of space: You’re getting a fully lie-flat seat that’s 6 feet 8 inches long. The seats even have cushions with adjustable firmness and a massage feature.

The seat will include a 15-inch (or larger) TV fully-loaded with free on-demand movies and shows, live TV and other entertainment, including meditation and digital newspaper access.

Mint suites

On some flights, your JetBlue Mint seat is actually an entire suite, which includes a tilting 17-inch seat-back screen, wireless charging capabilities, a phone ledge, in-seat power and small-item stowage.

Mint Studios

Sit in the first row, and JetBlue will do you one better. Each aircraft that offers Suites will also have two "Mint Studios" in the first row. Mint Studios are even larger than the Suites, featuring a 22-inch tilting seat-back screen (versus the 17-inch screen), an extra side table for added productivity and a guest seat that can accommodate an additional Mint customer during flight at cruising altitude.

You’ll get quite a few extra perks besides just more legroom and lie-flat seats when you fly JetBlue Mint. Here are some of the highlights:

• A faster airport experience: With Mint, you’ll have access to a dedicated check-in queue and expedited security lane. You’ll have priority boarding, making you one of the first on and off the plane. Plus, it’s not just you who gets off sooner — your bags will too, thanks to a preferred bag claim carousel.

• Your second bag checked free: Mint Customers get not only their first bag checked free, but the second checked bag free too (up to 70 pounds). The two free bags benefit is only accessible to Mint flyers and JetBlue Mosaic members. Otherwise, Blue Plus customers and JetBlue Plus card members get their first bag checked free, but will have to pay $50-$60 for the second.

• Premium food: While menus vary by flight, expect items like chicken caesar salad, braised lamb jerk and sage cashew crusted red snapper. Before you go, you'll receive a parting gift as a snack. Past snacks have included a bag of premium chocolate-covered cashews.

• Mixed drinks: Mint flyers are also offered wine and cocktails. Opt for the "Mint Condition" cocktail, named after the first-class cabin. This drink consists of Bombay Sapphire gin or Tito’s Handmade Vodka, ginger, lime, cucumber and mint. There’s even an alcohol-free version, too.

• A sleeping kit by Tuft & Needle: Once onboard, you’ll receive a sleeping kit designed by Tuft & Needle, which includes a convertible blanket with built-in foot pocket, a memory foam-lined pillow with a pillowcase, an eye mask and earplugs.

Mint seats are available on some coast-to-coast, Caribbean and Latin American routes, along with all transatlantic flights. If you’re looking for a specific flight and want to know if Mint service is available, check out JetBlue’s Mint route map.

» Learn more: How to choose a seat on a plane

For fares with Mint

If your route does have a JetBlue Mint option, you’ll book as usual.

Simply search your route and choose the JetBlue fare class you want. At the booking window, you’ll be able to toggle between options such as paying in dollars or TrueBlue points or booking nonrefundable versus refundable (which are typically more expensive) fares.

If you want to apply points to your fare but don’t have enough to cover the whole thing, here’s another bit of good news: JetBlue airfares, including those in Mint class, can be paid for with a combination of cash and TrueBlue points. Here’s a selection of the same flights, but with points.

If you’re booking a class reservation for multiple people, you can’t put one person in Mint and someone else in a lower fare class. If you want Mint for you, but don’t mind leaving your buddies in Blue Basic, you’ll have to book them on a separate reservation.

» Learn more: Your guide to booking award flights on JetBlue

Can you upgrade to Mint after booking?

Yes, it’s possible to change your seat should you decide to upgrade to Mint later. But know that if you paid with points, you’ll have to use points to upgrade. Likewise, if you paid with cash or a card, you can only upgrade using that same payment method.

JetBlue’s first-class Mint experience rivals that of most other major airlines — and in some areas, outpaces the competition. With roomy lie-flat seats, semi-private suites, free meals and entertainment, and a speedy check-in and boarding process, if you’re willing to pay the price, the Mint experience is likely worth it.