SHARE YOUR SNAPS
See some amazing sight on your last vacation? Eat an unforgettable dish? Still laughing at that oddly translated road sign? Share your vacation photos with Boston Herald readers — just email your photos and/or short videos to photos@bostonherald.com.
I checked my bag (two included with each flight) in a Mint-exclusive line, avoiding a wait. Looking at my reservation, the representative said, “Oh man! You're in row 2! What a treat you are in for!” Having enough travel miles under my belt to be upgraded often, I admit to being a bit jaded. I mean: What could the big deal be?
Mint guests board first and are welcomed by a crew of two (who are specially trained for the Mint section). I was pointed to my seat in row 2. Right then I understood the representative's glee. Let me tell you: There are apartments in New York City smaller than that seat. And that's only a slight exaggeration.
The Mint section is made up of five rows, with rows 2 and 4 home to just one seat on each side of the aisle — in other words, one seat in the space that is usually two first-class seats. The other rows are expansive and comfortable, too, but in row 2, with my own little world (even with a half door to close!), I felt tucked in and luxurious. Each seat features a 6-foot, 8-inch fully lie-flat seat (the longest on a domestic premium flight), a 15-inch personal seatback touchscreen entertainment center, more outlets than I can imagine anyone using on a flight, a massaging seat and — I love this — almost three windows for me to open or close as I please. My onboard amenity kit — curated by Hayward and Hopper — was there at the ready.
I settled in, putting aside the blanket and pillow set out for me since it was a morning flight. I was served my choice of a morning drink, from a menu that's created just for Mint. I never, ever drink on planes, but somehow it just felt right. My bloody mary was truly bar quality. The menus on all JetBlue Mint flights, which give you a choice of tapas items, are a nod to JetBlue's support of small businesses. They feature rotating small plate choices from New York City's Saxon + Parole, treats from Milk Bar and, on every flight, an ice cream choice from the city you are traveling to or from.
I was explained all this and walked through all the extras in my little world, I mean seat. Realizing I'd forgotten my ear buds, I asked if I might get some. My attendant came back with Grado Labs SR60e Prestige Series headphones. “I have to take these back at the end of the flight though,” my attendant said, almost apologetically.
Once in the air, I realized that, with a desk-like space to my left and a large counter-like space to my right — all for just me — I could get a full day of work done on this flight. But instead of working, I adjusted my seat (there are controls for softness as well as recline), settled back and watched “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” Good food was followed by onboardbrewed espresso.
You can fly JetBlue Mint from Boston to Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Aruba, St. Maarten, Barbados, San Diego and Las Vegas. Right now, JetBlue does not do upgrades based on miles. With good shopping you can often find a deal. On flight day, if seats are still open, you can upgrade for $499. I know. It sounds like a lot and it's not something most of us can do every day. But to experience the now-restored grand time of flying, it is so worth the splurge. Me? I may base some getaway choices on being able to fly JetBlue Mint.
Look for more routes in the future.