JetBlue’s Mint business class seat debuted in 2014 and the product has certainly shown its age.
From heavy wear and tear to outdated in-flight entertainment systems, the original Mint product does not almost as competitive as it was when it first came out.
Thankfully, though, JetBlue is solving perhaps the biggest problem with the original seats by installing new Tuft & Needle-branded seat cushions on its seats. Airbus A321 Jets Equipped with Legacy Mint.
These new seat covers offer an integrated mattress that makes its debut on an airline plane for the first time. Airbus A321neo, or the new engine option, the jet. These aircraft are characterized by next generation Mint productsprovides direct access from each seat in a 1-1 configuration.
In my experience, these new seat cushions are quite comfortable. Additionally, the built-in adaptive mattress foam is designed to provide a “consistent sleep experience, regardless of aircraft configuration,” according to a JetBlue spokesperson.
While JetBlue may be touting the benefits of new seat cushions, the real improvement for frequent flyers will be the removal of the inflatable airbag-style cushion system, which is prone to deflation when it is inflated. year old.
When you sit on the deflated Mint chair, you will feel like you are sitting on an extremely uncomfortable park bench. It is significantly more uncomfortable than the economy class seat in the last row of the plane.
I have experienced the problem of deflated chair many times on recent Mint flights and each time the crew tried to reset the system to no avail. Finally, they brought out a replacement seat cover to make the seat more comfortable.
In fact, the problem got so bad that JetBlue started offering replacement seat covers on most Mint flights – a costly move considering the extra weight and space that large items can afford. this occupied.
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Fortunately, JetBlue eventually solved this problem by removing the airbag system altogether. While the airline will no longer allocate a $200 credit for deflated seats, frequent JetBlue passengers will certainly appreciate that the seats will always be more comfortable.
To date, the airline has retrofitted five of its 35 Mint-equipped Airbus A321s, with plans to complete the project by the end of February, a spokesman confirmed to TPG.
While JetBlue is probably solving the biggest problem with classic Mint chairs, the product can still use some TLC.
For starters, the aging in-flight entertainment system is one of the most outdated and outdated systems in domestic skies. There are limited on-demand options and the interface feels like it’s from the early 2000s.
In addition, as airlines focus on direct aisles in business class, the alternating 2-2 and 1-1 configurations in the legacy Mint product are not as competitive as they once were.
Other issues include significant wear and tear on the seat and loose power ports.
It would be great if JetBlue decided to simply retrofit its existing aircraft Impressive new Mint productbut it is an expensive endeavor that the airline may not be ready to undertake, especially consider taking over Spirit that is due to close in the coming months.
While JetBlue may not be ready to share a long-term strategy for its successor Mint, it’s at least taking a big step in the right direction with its seat upholstery replacement.
