JetBlue is launching transatlantic flights this summer. The airline plans to fly to London from Boston and New York on its brand new A321LR aircraft. We already learned all about the incredible new Mint product from JetBlue known as the Mint Suite and Mint Studio. There is now some more information on what passengers can expect when flying across the Atlantic.
What will JetBlue’s transatlantic economy look like?
JetBlue has now revealed what transatlantic passengers can expect in business, and it sounds incredibly impressive, from an innovative approach to food to free wine, beer, and liquor to free WiFi and live TV.
Jayne O’Brien, Head of Marketing and Loyalty at JetBlue, describes JetBlue’s new economy service:
“From the generous personal space to our innovative, self-created dining concept, every detail has been carefully designed and is enhanced with the attentive service standards that a single-aisle aircraft enables.
We know the weak points of international flying all too well – the dreaded midsection, the choice of assembly line chicken or beef, and the lack of connectivity. JetBlue is poised to change all of that with our takeover of transatlantic voyages where you are well cared for and fully connected when you want. “
Let’s get to some of the details.
JetBlue’s fresh version of the economy restaurant
JetBlue works with New York-based restaurant group Dig to provide free catering for the transatlantic economy. The airline is taking a new approach to food compared to other airlines and is modeled on the JetBlue Mint experience.
Instead of just serving set meals, JetBlue makes these meals customizable:
- Passengers have the option of choosing one of three main dishes, each of which is a protein or vegetable that comes with a base
- Passengers have the option to choose two of three sides, with two of the options being hot and one being cooled
JetBlue’s transatlantic economy catering
What kind of food should passengers expect? The dishes vary seasonally, but in general you can expect:
- Main courses like fried chicken thighs over a base of brown rice with herbs or seasoned eggplant over coconut cauliflower quinoa
- Side dishes like mac and cheese or a mixed heirloom tomato salad
- For the morning departure, the menu offers a mix of sweet and savory dishes such as a mixed berry bread pudding or a citrus salad with honey from the region
JetBlue’s transatlantic economy catering
Here are a few more details about the meal service:
- Passengers can place their food orders directly from their backrest entertainment screens
- There is a sweet treat after dinner and a light meal before arrival
- In addition to the main meals, JetBlue offers a pantry with snacks and drinks for self-service
- Meals are served in reusable containers and the cutlery is made from a natural polymer
JetBlues free beer, wine and liquor
In addition to the excellent food service, it’s worth noting that JetBlue has free soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine, and spirits in the economy. Many other airlines don’t offer free liquor on transatlantic flights. So this is a legitimate point of differentiation.
JetBlues free entertainment and WiFi
JetBlue is known for offering unlimited free WiFi on all flights, which is even offered on transatlantic flights. This is great as there is currently no airline that offers unlimited free wifi across the Atlantic in business (La Compagnie does offer free wifi, but it’s an all business class airline and it’s currently out of service).
Each seat also has a 10.1-inch 1080P HD screen that gives passengers access to an extensive entertainment library of live TV channels.
JetBlue A321LR economy cabin
JetBlues A321LR economy cabin layout
JetBlue’s A321LR economy cabin offers only 114 seats (this is an intimate cabin thanks to the size of the Mint cabin):
- The seats have a minimum pitch of 32 inches and a width of 18.4 inches
- There will be four rows of extra main cabins providing up to six extra inches of legroom
- Newly designed side walls offer additional shoulder space and larger window frames for more space
- The seats offer improved upholstery comfort and adjustable headrests
- Each seat has AC and USB-C power connections
- There will be a backrest shelf with mesh pockets
JetBlue A321LR economy cabin
My take on JetBlue’s transatlantic business experience
Based on previous announcements, JetBlue’s new transatlantic business experience sounds incredible:
- The approach to catering service looks rightfully innovative and is a welcome change from what customers normally serve in business. hopefully the food is actually as good as it looks – although I’m usually skeptical JetBlue did a great job with mint food so maybe it won’t be that different
- Many will appreciate the free selection of beverages (including alcohol) as well as easy access to free snacks
- Free, unlimited WiFi is a key differentiator
I just have one big problem: is JetBlue almost striving to provide too much service, to the point that the service will be really long?
- There are a ton of choices for the passengers so this will certainly slow down service even if people are asked to order from the backrest entertainment screen
- The free drink selection sounds better than other airlines so you can expect people to ask for more drinks
- An airplane with one aisle complicates the meal service. When someone has to use the toilet, the service trolley has to be moved often, and besides, the aircraft does not have as much space in the galley as a wide body
While the service sounds amazing to business, I would also expect it to take a while … and maybe that’s not a bad thing for the people struggling to sleep in business?
Bottom line
JetBlue has revealed the details of its transatlantic economic product and it looks incredible. From a more customized meal service to free alcohol, free WiFi and live TV, this product really looks as good as it gets.
What do you think of JetBlue’s new experience in the transatlantic economy?
