Is JetBlue Mint Worth Your Avios? An In-Depth Look

JetBlue Mint's Routes from London

JetBlue has expanded its Mint service to include transatlantic flights connecting London with some of America’s major travel hubs. These routes are serviced by the airline's Airbus A321 Long Range aircraft that come equipped with the Mint experience. 

Here’s a list of the top routes from London:

• New York City
• Boston
• San Francisco
• Miami
• Atlanta Austin
• Seattle
• Washington D.C
• Baltimore
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Detroit
• Houston
• Kansas City
• Las Vegas
• Nashville
• New Orleans

See a full and detailed view of all JetBlue's routes from London and other locations here. 

Comparison with British Airways’ London Routes

When it comes to flying out of London, British Airways has a leg up with a dizzying range of options. It’s got the map covered with connections to not only the major U.S. cities such as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami but also to a vast array of global destinations including Abu Dhabi, Riga, Belgrade, and many others across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. This includes both long-haul and short-haul routes, covering leisure and business hotspots, and even less frequented niche markets. Here’s a detailed view of their route network.

So, what’s the verdict? British Airways has the breadth, the reach, and the whole nine yards. JetBlue Mint might not be the jack-of-all-routes, but it's good at what it does offer. If you’re travelling to any of the top U.S. cities, JetBlue could be just the ticket. But if you’re looking for options across the globe, BA would likely have more choices.

Cost of Avios Redemption on JetBlue

In 2022, Qatar Airways switched to using Avios as their points system. This change also made it possible for members to transfer Avios for free between British Airways Club and Qatar Privilege Club, expanding the options for where you can earn and spend your Avios. JetBlue is one of its new partners where you can now use your points for Avios award flights.

When it comes to Avios redemption rates, the airline doesn’t follow the standard partner reward chart that you might expect with Qatar Airways. But generally, for trips between the UK/Europe and the US, you're looking at:

• 156,000 Avios for a round trip in business class, or 78,000 Avios for a one-way ticket.
• 50,000 Avios for a round trip in economy, or 25,000 Avios for a one-way ticket.

As for taxes, Qatar Airways is currently giving your Avios even more lift by not adding any surcharges to JetBlue redemptions. This lack of surcharges means you'll pay less in taxes and fees on Avios flight redemptions with JetBlue compared to British Airways!

Here's a breakdown of some sample pricing:

• 50,000 Avios + £158 return in Economy between London Heathrow and New York JFK
• 78,000 Avios + £254 one-way in Business Class between London Heathrow and New York JFK
• 156,000 Avios + £262 return in Business Class between London Heathrow and New York JFK

 

When flying with British Airways, the cost for a round-trip Business Class ticket between London Heathrow and New York JFK is 180,000 Avios during peak times or 160,000 Avios off-peak, plus £350.

Under the BA Companion Voucher rules, you can't use one or a Barclaycard upgrade voucher on JetBlue flights. Companion Vouchers can only be used on Reward Flights operated by British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus.

So, should you pull the trigger on that JetBlue redemption? It looks like a tempting deal, especially if you want to experience business class without the extra surcharges. Just remember, these tickets can be popular, so it's wise to check for Avios flight redemption availability early.

JetBlue Mint Business Class Offerings

Let’s take a look at the JetBlue Mint Business Class experience.

Seats

JetBlue Mint's A321LR aircraft come equipped with 24 seats that transform into fully lie-flat beds, stretching out to an impressive 6 feet 8 inches. The 22 individual Mint Suite seats are private cabins complete with sliding doors for solitude. The cushions in these suites aren't just plush, they're customisable. You can adjust the firmness to your liking, and there's even a massage function to soothe you as you soar. 

Opt for a seat in the first row on JetBlue Mint, and you'll experience something even more exceptional: the Mint Studio. These are even larger with a 22-inch tilting seat-back screen for a cinematic experience, an extra side table for all your work (or play), and even a guest seat so you can have company at cruising altitude.

Travellers consistently praise the comfort and design of the seats. Matt Klint from Live & Lets Fly said, “I find the seats to be comfortable and private. I slept like a baby during the flight.”

Ben Schlapping from One Mile At A Time said, “I found the bed to be very comfortable, especially thanks to the bedding and seat padding.”

Stephen Au from Upgraded Points said, “I had an abundance of space to sprawl out and relax in private.”

Connectivity

Each suite includes tech amenities like wireless charging, a dedicated phone ledge, and in-seat power. For entertainment, each Mint Suite seat is equipped with a sizable 15-inch TV screen loaded with a range of on-demand movies, live TV, and various entertainment options, including digital newspapers and meditation content.

According to Matt Klint from Live & Lets Fly, “It’s easy to take the complimentary Wi-fi for granted if you fly JetBlue often, but the irregular availability and sometimes exorbitant pricing on other carriers really make this an objectively great perk to flying JetBlue.”

Food and Beverage

JetBlue has partnered with Delicious Hospitality since 2020 for its Mint class food and beverage offerings. You get to select from a variety of small plates for a customisable and sophisticated meal above the clouds. The food reflects the culinary finesse of well-known New York City restaurants, and the menus vary depending on the route and time of year to keep the offerings fresh and exciting.

The menus feature a variety of both chilled and hot options, with choices ranging from savoury shrimp curry to sweet vanilla gelato with blackberries and almond crunch. Alongside the food, JetBlue offers a curated selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, including signature drinks like the "mint condition" cocktail.

Ben Schlapping from One Mile At A Time said, “Breakfast was excellent, leaps and bounds better than anything I’ve been served for breakfast on any other US airline.”

Stephen Au from Upgraded Points had a similar experience: “I found the JetBlue Mint’s food and beverage collection to be top-notch. Between the medley of tapas-style gourmet options and the thirst-quenching Mint cocktail, I thought the catering on JetBlue Mint was one of the highlights, if not the pinnacle, of the entire business class product.”

Customer Service

JetBlue Mint's service is often praised for its attentive and personalised approach. The crew members in the Mint cabin go above and beyond to ensure passengers have a memorable experience. They're proactive about offering assistance, like helping with luggage, and adding personal touches that make the service stand out. Passengers have often highlighted the warmth and professionalism of the staff.

Ben Schlapping from One Mile At A Time said, “During boarding, the friendly Mint flight attendants introduced themselves to each passenger, and asked if we had any questions about the seat. I don’t remember the last time I’ve received that kind of an introduction.”

Final Thoughts

It's clear that Jetblue Mint has a distinct take on premium air travel that combines innovative features with solid comfort. It might not have BA’s broad network coverage, but where available, it’s a valuable option for Avios award flights. If you're planning to book flights with Avios soon, JetBlue Mint could be the perfect way to maximise your points.