JetBlue Airways opens bookings for 'Mint' premium transcon service

JetBlue Airways announced (30-Sep-2013) it has opened bookings for its premium transcontinental service which will launch on 15-Jun-2014 from New York JFK to Los Angeles. The premium offering, to be named 'Mint', features 16 lie-flat 6' 8" (203cm) seats aboard the carrier's A321 aircraft. The seats also feature a massage function, two 110v power outlets, two USB ports and 15" (38.1cm) flat screens. 'Mint' fares will start at USD599 one way, with passengers to be offered a pre-departure drink, followed by a cocktail and amuse-bouche onboard the aircraft. The menu, to be designed by New York restaurant Saxon + Parole, will offer passengers a choice of five tapas-style dishes followed by dessert. The carrier will also offer customised men's and women's amenity kits supplied by Birchbox. Economy class will feature 143 seats with 10.1" flat screens, power outlets in each seat and a self-serve refreshment station. The carrier will operate all seven daily New York JFK-Los Angeles frequencies by 4Q2014 with A321 equipment. A321 equipment will be deployed on the New York JFK-San Francisco route from 4Q2014, with all five daily frequencies to be operated using A321 equipment by the end of 1Q2015. JetBlue plans to operate a fleet of 11 A321s on its two transcontinental routes. JetBlue Airways president and CEO Dave Barger said: "Mint is JetBlue's refreshing take on a premium class product. It is stylish service minus all of the stuffiness often associated with the traditional front-of-the-cabin experience. JetBlue is truly all about serving the under-served, the customer who wants to enjoy first-rate service at an exceptional and affordable fare. We believe Mint is better than other airlines' first and business class service, and with fares that make it accessible to everyone, we think Mint will become the obvious choice for customers flying across the country." [more - original PR]