JetBlue adds new flights, deluxe seats from Phoenix. Here's where you can fly
Some transcontinental flights from Phoenix are about to get more comfortable.
JetBlue Airways announced Wednesday that Mint, its premium seating option, will be offered in Phoenix for the first time.
It comes as JetBlue is expanding its seasonal service out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, increasing the frequency of flights to New York City and Boston and reintroducing a route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
JetBlue Mint boasts an assortment of luxury amenities aimed at making flights more comfortable, including lie-flat seats.
In a statement, JetBlue President Marty St. George said adding new flights and introducing Mint service in Phoenix "represents our commitment to providing a truly exceptional travel experience."
"At JetBlue, we recognize the growing demand for premium travel options in the Valley of the Sun and are delighted to meet this need by showing Phoenix even more of what we offer," St. George said.
In other air travel news, Sky Harbor Airport is developing a new terminal to accommodate future growth, and a startup airline from JetBlue's founder announced a new route out of Phoenix. If you're looking for an airfare deal, here's where you can fly for $100 round trip in May.
Here's what to know about JetBlue Mint and new flights from Phoenix.
Where can you fly on JetBlue from Phoenix?
JetBlue will expand two seasonal routes from once daily to twice daily and reintroduce a seasonal route is returning for 2024-25:
New York City via John F. Kennedy International Airport, twice daily starting Oct. 27.
Boston, twice daily starting Oct. 27.
Fort Lauderdale, once daily starting Oct. 25.
JetBlue's Mint experience will be available for all these routes. The added seasonal flights will operate through March 29, 2024.
What does Mint on JetBlue get you?
JetBlue Mint offers lie-flat seats that can convert into beds, complemented by adaptive foam cushions, comforters and pillows from bedding company Tuft & Needle.
JetBlue offers a mix of Mint seats and Mint suites. The suites include doors for added privacy, direct aisle access, an extra seat and space to work, lounge and entertain.
How much do JetBlue Mint seats cost?
JetBlue Mint fares vary by the date and route.
For a Nov. 14-18 itinerary from Phoenix, The Arizona Republic found Mint seats from $494 one way to Boston, from $535 one way to New York and $732 one way to Fort Lauderdale.
Is JetBlue Mint the same as first class?
While the price and features for JetBlue Mint are comparable to other airlines' first class and business class seats, JetBlue calls it a "premium travel experience," not first class.
Is JetBlue Mint class worth it?
When comparing JetBlue Mint to first-class tickets on similar routes with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, JetBlue tends to have more affordable fares for its premium offerings.
The Phoenix-New York route with JetBlue costs $1,066 round trip in Mint class on Nov. 14-18. That's slightly cheaper than the lowest-priced first-class nonstop ticket with Delta for the same dates, which came to $1,117, and almost $400 less than the $1,445 it would cost to fly first class with American on a similar itinerary. (Delta and American, like JetBlue, also fly nonstop between Phoenix and JFK Airport.)
Industry and customer reviews of JetBlue Mint highlight the convenience. Mint passengers get their own check-in line. Other perks include two free checked bags. JetBlue bag fees are $35-$40 for the first bag and $50-$60 for the second bag.
Are JetBlue Mint seats bigger?
Lie-flat seats on JetBlue Mint are 6 feet, 8 inches long, the longest of any domestic carrier in the U.S., according to JetBlue.
Is JetBlue Mint always lie-flat?
All JetBlue Mint seats are lie-flat, according to JetBlue.
Are drinks free on JetBlue Mint?
JetBlue Mint includes free drinks and in-flight meals that rotate seasonally and vary by region. The drink menu features beer, wine, liquor and cocktails.
A food menu for eastbound and southbound flights included pan-roasted chicken with artichokes, cavatelli with eggplant rosso sauce, marinated feta and parmesan cheese, and flat iron steak with roasted fennel.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: JetBlue Mint expands to Phoenix. Here's where you can fly