JetBlue will add this upscale amenity in 2026

JetBlue adds more first class seating for 2026

By Mark Reif Published December 13, 2024

JetBlue A320 — JetBlue

In 2026, JetBlue will add a first-class cabin below its top-of-the-line Mint class. The move is designed to drive revenue via higher-paying customers and help the airline return to profitability. It follows an industry trend to add premium seating as more fliers are willing to upgrade.

“Junior Mint” lets more passengers enjoy premium seating

JetBlue A320 — JetBlue

Marty St. George, President of JetBlue, said: “Since launching Mint over a decade ago, we’ve explored the idea of expanding a version of it across the fleet, often playfully calling it ‘mini-Mint’ or ‘junior Mint.” He added that “Mint can’t be duplicated on shorter flights,” so the airline devised this idea for those willing to pay for premium seating on quicker routes. He also mentioned, “We’re keeping the rest of our ideas under wraps for now while we prepare for a 2026 launch. Let’s keep our competitors guessing.”

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According to St. George, every JetBlue aircraft without Mint’s lie-flat seats will receive two to three rows of domestic first-class seating. Earlier in 2024, St. George returned to the company to help new CEO Joanna Geraghty lower costs and increase profits. To do that, JetBlue is concentrating on its main markets in the Northeast and Florida, and deferring some Airbus aircraft.

JetBlue also recently announced its first lounges in New York and Boston, hoping to lure customers who are willing to spend. The lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport will open in late 2025, and the Boston Logan Airport location will follow. That’s part of the airline’s JetForward strategy to drive profits with premium offerings.

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

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How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown

This is the true cost of flying first class (and how to save)

First class on an airplane

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?

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Airbus A350-1000 suite

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The Airbus First Class Master Suite