I was excited to experience JetBlue's Mint suite on a long-haul route last week. It was doubly meaningful because it was on the carrier's first-ever London to Boston service.

JetBlue's suite was excellent: I've flown multiple airlines in business class for work, and, despite no lounge access, this was among the best. That's the case even though it was on a narrowbody. It was helped by the outstanding crew, beautiful interior, lots of privacy, and unbelievably good WiFi. However, the enormous queue for immigration in Boston – obviously beyond JetBlue's control – reduced the overall experience.

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Details of the flight

As befits a new route, there was a big celebration in the gate area at London Gatwick, with balloons, cake, management presentations, and ribbon-cutting. It was almost a festive atmosphere, setting the scene for JetBlue's first Boston-bound long-haul service. Details of the flight:

  • Route: London Gatwick to Boston
  • Flight number: B61926
  • Date: Friday, August 5th, 2022
  • Aircraft: A321LR, registration N4022J
  • Departed: 12:52 (scheduled time: 12:25)
  • Arrived: 14:50 (scheduled time: 15:13)
  • Duration: 6h 57m
  • Seat: 3A (Mint suite business class)

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Mint: a summary

JetBlue uses low-capacity, premium-heavy A321LRs to Europe. These have just 138 seats, against 160 on its Mint-equipped non-LR A321neos.

It has 24 Mint seats: two studios, occupying the first row with sufficient room for two people to sit, and 22 suites, with a door, taking up the next 11 rows. Then there are 24 Even More Space seats (I flew in this cabin on the way home) and just 90 seats in Core.

There's no denying it. JetBlue doesn't have the world's best business seat, and it doesn't pretend it has. After all, they're herringbone seats and face the aisle. However, they're in a 1-1 configuration, always desirable, befitting the aircraft's narrow fuselage, and I didn't find facing the aisle a problem whatsoever. In fact, it was pleasant to have the window by my left shoulder, as light streamed through.

Surprisingly spacious

Its suites feel surprisingly spacious, with a smart, classic design and great colors. I loved the privacy, with a door and big 'walls', which made it feel even more comfortable. I didn't use the full bed as it was a daytime flight.

Despite having multiple nooks and crannies, storage was a bit limited in the suite area but fine for a seven-hour sector. Although the TV was large, neither the live TV nor the map worked, which seemed peculiar to that particular flight. I had no problem on the way home.

I absolutely loved the WiFi, or Fly-Fi, which ran flawlessly and at high speeds. It meant I could easily write and upload photos for work.

In-flight meals

Following drinks and snacks, the in-flight meal service consisted of two rounds. The first arrived around 70 minutes after take-off, and there was a choice of three of five different times. I had shrimp diavolo, roasted chicken, and a lamb curry pasty (not a Cornish pasty), all of which were great. Even the chicken breast was moist; not something you'd expect on an aircraft.

I had vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce for pudding, which was absurdly good. I asked for a second helping, to which a flight attendant said, "We have lots; how many would you like?"

The next round came two hours before landing. I could choose two of three options. I selected the chilled pea soup and sandwiches, accompanied by Cornish cream tea – which had the same cream and jam brands I use at home. Even the tea (Tea Pigs) was excellent and flavorsome for an inflight environment, likewise the hot cappuccino I had.

Outstanding crew

The Mint team comprised Daniel, Jackson, and Bill. In all my travels, I've never seen such a smiling crew who genuinely loved their role. Their warmth was a key part of the overall excellent experience.

Have you flown JetBlue's Mint long-haul? If so, share your experience in the comments.