I flew in JetBlue's first-class suite. I usually hate planes, but the seats made me feel like I was in my own living room.
- I hate flying, but I recently tried JetBlue's Mint first-class seating option.
- I really felt like I had my own private room on the plane, and there was lots of space.
My best friend moved to California nine years ago, and I've never visited her. A number of factors have kept me from making the trip from Boston, but my fear of flying has always been No. 1.
For some people, a planned flight is cause for excitement, but I count myself among the 25 million Americans who panic at the very thought — my anxiety starts to rise as soon as I click "book flight."
When I came across JetBlue's Mint first-class seating option, which launched in 2014 and was updated in 2023, I thought it might offer enough distraction and luxury to get me on the airplane.
I found the least-expensive option for a one-way ticket to San Francisco — a 6:50 a.m. departure for $800. With 28,000 saved up TrueBlue points on JetBlue's membership program, I got the ticket price down to $666.
Here's what my cross-country journey was like.
I was nervous on my way to the airport, but once I saw the seats, I felt better.
I woke up at 4 a.m. the day of my flight and headed to the airport in darkness. My usual anxiety was present, but I kept reminding myself of the comfortable seat that awaited me.
By the time I walked down the jet bridge, I was taking calming, deep breaths and worrying that this flight would be no different than others. I touched the plane's exterior as I stepped over the threshold (my superstitious move) and was immediately greeted by the Mint section of the plane.
The rows offered two side-by-side seats and one singular seat, respectively. I was in a single seat in the second row against the window.
When I sat down, I couldn't help admiring the ample legroom in front of me.
The seat itself didn't feel wider than an economy seat. It wasn't as cushioned as I had hoped, but its multiple reclining options, privacy walls, and large shelf space made up for it.
The 17-inch TV screen, on the other hand, was bigger than anything I've seen in economy.
There was a lot to take in ahead of takeoff.
Once I was settled in, the flight attendant checked on the first-class passengers and asked if I wanted anything else before takeoff.
Luckily, instead of spending the next 15 minutes dreading the flight, I was distracted by checking out what Mint had to offer.
I found a cute checkered Bar Pasquale menu detailing the flight's food and drink options. On the back, there was even a QR code for a customer Spotify playlist I could download.
Before I knew it, we were in the air.
I felt my typical anxiety start to build as we sped down the runway for takeoff, but miraculously, I didn't cry.
I closed my eyes and reminded myself that we would be leveled out in minutes, and I could place my order for breakfast (which my stomach surely needed).
Once we were at a safe height, I played around with the seat panel to find a comfortable position and perused the menu.
Once I ordered, I checked out the rest of the amenities at my seat.
As I waited for my breakfast items to be served, I unpacked the Tuft & Needle pillow and blanket.
The small pillow was a nice addition to my seat, but I could have used something a bit firmer. The blanket came with snaps on its corners so I could make holes for my arms, but I simply draped it over my body.
Both made reclining in the seat nice and comfortable.
The food was restaurant-quality.
The meal for Mint passengers started with a warm croissant. It was flaky, buttery, and delicious.
Not long after, my breakfast arrived. I chose the overnight oats, buckwheat apple pancakes, and maple-glazed bacon.
The oats were served chilled, but the pancakes were hot and fluffy with sweet cooked apples on top. The warm, maple-y bacon was the highlight of breakfast.
I knew I needed to get some sleep on the flight, so I opted for a cold glass of orange juice over a coffee.
The toiletries kit we got was full of goodies.
After I finished my breakfast, the flight attendant passed small toiletry kits in Caraa bags out to the Mint passengers.
They contained an eye mask, socks, chapstick, mouthwash, lotion, ear plugs, and face wipes from brands like Dr. Dennis Gross, Plus Ultra, and Tuft & Needle.
I can't believe I was actually able to sleep.
I've never been good at sleeping on airplanes, but I figured this was probably my best shot.
I fully reclined my seat, placed the pillow behind my head, laid the blanket across my body, pulled the face mask over my eyes, pushed the earplugs into my ears, and hoped for the best.
Thanks to all of the extra accouterments, I was able to sleep for 45 minutes. When I woke up, I saw that the flight attendant had kindly closed the door to my suite to give me even more privacy.
With a solid nap, I was ready for that cup of coffee.
Instead of arriving in the typical paper cup, my coffee came in a ceramic mug accompanied by a small pitcher of cream.
I don't usually say this on airplanes, but amazingly, it was a good cup of coffee. The menu said the beans came from Brooklyn Roasting Company.
This was pretty much exactly what I needed after a bit of a stressful morning.
Mint might just be my new solution to flight anxiety.
Before I knew it, the desert mountains of California appeared outside my windows, and we started our descent to San Francisco.
I packed up my bag of goodies and placed my pillow and blanket on the shelf beside me to be washed and used by another passenger.
Although I wasn't void of anxiety during my travels, JetBlue's Mint experience proved to be a worthwhile luxury. The comfortable seat, good food, and extra amenities definitely made the trip easier.
Unfortunately, I could only afford it for one way of the trip, but I'm already thinking of ways to save up miles for my next flight.
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