JetBlue to bring first ‘junior Mint’ class to domestic flights in 2026

JetBlue Airways plans to add domestic first-class seats in 2026 on planes that don’t have its top-tier Mint class, the latest move to win over higher-paying customers and return to profitability.

All JetBlue Airbus planes without Mint, the airline’s lie-flat seats, will have two or three rows of domestic first-class seats, Marty St. George, president of JetBlue, said in a memo to employees.

“Since we launched Mint more than a decade ago, we have explored the idea of ​​expanding a version of it across the fleet, often jokingly calling it ‘mini-Mint’ or ‘junior Mint,'” St. George said. He said Mint “can’t double up on shorter flights,” so the airline had to find a solution for passengers willing to pay for more space on shorter flights.

“We’re keeping the rest of our ideas under wraps for now as we prepare for a 2026 launch. Let’s keep our competitors guessing,” St. George wrote.

St. George, JetBlue’s former chief commercial officer, returned to the New York-based airline earlier this year to help new CEO Joanna Geraghty return JetBlue to profitability and cut costs. The airline is focusing more on its core markets in Florida and the Northeast and deferring some of its Airbus planes.

The airline expects its initiatives to generate another $800 million to $900 million in earnings before interest and taxes over the next three years, it said in July.

JetBlue has been a pioneer in the American airline industry since its first flights nearly 25 years ago, adding amenities like seat-back entertainment, free Wi-Fi and a business class that sought to make flying in the front of the plane more affordable for customers. compared to the large airlines that dominate air travel in the United States.

The airline has focused more on finding ways to increase sales since its bid to acquire Spiritual airlines was blocked by a US judge in January and its association with american airlines in the Northeast it was declared anti-competitive by another judge.

JetBlue is targeting a series of new cuts to unprofitable routes, CNBC reported last week. It is also modifying its European service, announcing a new flight between Boston and Madrid on Tuesday.

Adding better seats that cost more than standard economy has become a goal of the airline industry, as many post-pandemic leisure travelers have shown they are willing to shell out more for roomier seats or other perks like lounges. Airport VIP.

On Tuesday, Alaska Airlines said it would evaluate its premium seating offering and upgrade some of its planes following its merger with Hawaiian as part of its global expansion plans.

JetBlue said earlier this year that it will build its first lounges.