Caroline T.
Yelp
[Mint Review]
Finally used points I had been hoarding since college for my westbound flight. Booking with my points and paying the slight remainder with cash was easy enough, however even with booking several months in advance, I had to contact JetBlue three times about my booking. First time they rebooked the flight to a non-Mint option, second they unassigned my seat, and last they reassigned me to one of the paired aisles in Mint. To their credit, their social media team replied within minutes of me contacting them, and were able to fix the issues.
I managed to book one of the 'throne' seats (2A). The older Mint models are configured in a 2-1-2 layout and the single seat/'throne' is the only one with the door feature in the older model. The single seat is perfect if you're planning to work during the flight, or just the type who likes to have a lot of their belongings out during the trip. For takeoff and landing any bags that'd normally be stowed under a seat need to be stored in the overhead bin. The flight attendants (FAs) assisting our section, Ciara and Michael, were really attentive and never hesitated to offer to put my backpack up or to take it down.
Depending on boarding times, FAs may take your order during boarding or after take off. Drinks were delivered really fast, even with turbulence, and there was a short turn around with the food. With a multi-option menu, you'd think the various smell combinations could be unpleasant but everything smelled really good. If you're sensitive to smells, I'd recommend sitting farther back in the Mint section.
I went with the shrimp, burrata, and lamb shoulder but opted against the ice cream. The shrimp was okay, but tasted pretty bland and was overcooked (extra chewy). I suppose better to err on the side of caution with seafood in the air, but not a choice I'd go with again.
The lamb shoulder visually didn't look that appealing but the flavor! If "don't judge a book by its cover" was a dish, it would be this one. The meat absolutely melted off with every forkful, and it was cooked perfectly. No bone or burnt edges to contend with either. The tomato sauce was perfect to mix with the buratta and the side piece of soft and warm bread.
The Mint Condition was really refreshing, even with the cucumber slice doing it's best impression of a pool floatie, and it tasted more like a lemonade.
There's a blanket and pillow (Tuft & Needle) at the seat, which was so comfortable I looked up the company mid-flight. The headphones (Master & Dynamic) were pretty sound and comfort wise, however if you have larger ears it may not be fun after a few hours as they are pretty snug.
The seat was really comfy, and served me well for the 5hr flight. With the meal service and movie I was watching, I didn't think to test out the lie-flat bed feature until the last hour and it was a game changer. Even with considerable turbulence it was barely felt when laying down. Add in the headphones, pillow, and blanket? It felt like I was being rocked to sleep.
I had to take a star away for the back and forth leading up to my departure. And take a star away for cleanliness. There was quite bit of dirt and random hairs on the armrest, table, and near the outlets. Perhaps the cleaning crew were rushed, or didn't have enough people? Either way, for passengers who are spending a lot to fly (in Mint and in the other sections) cleanliness could be better.
I definitely want to try their newer Mint suites (I believe currently offered for LAX to JFK, and their LHR routes), but until then this was pretty enjoyable.