JetBlue Expands Fleet With New ‘Mini Mint’ Domestic First Class, Set To Launch In 2026

Published on December 16, 2025

JetBlue is set to expand its fleet and elevate the domestic travel experience by introducing the new ‘Mini Mint’ first-class product, set to launch in 2026. This bold move is designed to offer premium service on domestic flights, addressing the growing demand for luxury travel within the U.S. The introduction of ‘Mini Mint’ will provide passengers with enhanced comfort, spacious seating, and a more exclusive flying experience, marking a significant shift for the airline as it competes with legacy carriers in the premium market. With a focus on elevating travel standards, JetBlue aims to redefine what domestic first-class service can offer.

JetBlue is set to introduce a long-awaited domestic first-class service, with fleet installations expected to commence in August 2026. This marks the airline’s entry into the premium domestic travel market, a move that has been speculated for years. The addition of first-class cabins on its domestic routes aims to attract high-paying passengers seeking an elevated travel experience and signals a significant shift for the New York-based carrier.

Although JetBlue has already offered its premium “Mint” service on major transcontinental and transatlantic routes, the service has not been widely available across the entire fleet, especially on smaller aircraft operating regional routes. The introduction of a domestic first-class product addresses this gap, providing passengers on all routes with access to a premium travel option. The airline plans to debut this new service on the Airbus A320 by mid-2026, with a target to retrofit up to 20 aircraft per month thereafter. Eventually, this upgrade will extend to the airline’s other aircraft types, including the Airbus A220 and Airbus A321, allowing JetBlue to provide a consistent first-class experience across its fleet.

JetBlue has already applied for certification of the new domestic first-class seating, a critical step before the retrofit process can begin. This new offering will feature recliner seats, designed to offer a similar level of comfort and quality to the seats found on the “Big Three” U.S. carriers—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. JetBlue’s decision to move forward with a domestic first-class product is a direct response to the demand for premium services and a desire to compete in a market that has long been dominated by legacy airlines.

For the first-class seating configuration, JetBlue plans to offer a seat pitch between 35 and 37 inches, providing extra legroom compared to the economy class, which is expected to drop from a 32-inch pitch to 30 inches to accommodate the new product. This configuration, referred to as “Mini Mint” or “Junior Mint,” is designed to provide an enhanced experience for passengers seeking more comfort without the need for full lie-flat seats.

The introduction of this first-class service will position JetBlue as a competitor to legacy airlines, offering a premium travel experience on domestic flights. JetBlue’s existing Mint product, which debuted in 2014, has already disrupted the long-haul premium market with its lie-flat seats, private suites, and elevated dining experiences. By introducing a first-class product on domestic routes, JetBlue aims to build on the success of Mint and offer a more refined service across a broader range of flights.

The introduction of this domestic first-class cabin is particularly noteworthy given the growing demand for premium seating in the U.S. aviation market. As more passengers look for an upgraded flying experience, airlines are increasingly focusing on enhancing their premium services. JetBlue’s move into this market will provide travelers with an alternative to traditional legacy carriers, who have long dominated the premium cabin space.

JetBlue’s fleet data shows that more than 170 aircraft currently do not feature a premium cabin, indicating that the retrofit process will be gradual. With a goal of retrofitting 20 aircraft per month, it will take some time before the full rollout is completed. While the airline has yet to confirm which routes will feature the first-class product first, it is expected that the service will initially be offered on high-demand routes, particularly those served by the airline from its New York hubs. New York is one of JetBlue’s key markets, with a dominant presence at all three major New York-area airports: John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International. This positions the airline to take advantage of its strong foothold in the region, offering a competitive product for business and leisure travelers alike.

JetBlue’s plan to introduce a domestic first-class product is also part of a broader trend in the airline industry, where carriers are increasingly adding premium services to cater to high-end passengers. In recent years, there has been a shift towards offering more luxurious options for travelers willing to pay a premium for additional space and comfort. While JetBlue has historically been known for its affordable fares and high-quality economy class, the introduction of a first-class offering will enable the airline to tap into the lucrative premium market, providing more options for travelers seeking a higher level of service.

The retrofitting of existing aircraft will be a key component of JetBlue’s strategy to expand its premium service offering. With over 170 planes still to be upgraded, the airline has a substantial task ahead of it. However, with the planned pace of retrofitting 20 aircraft per month, the airline is poised to gradually roll out the new first-class product across its network. Once fully implemented, the new cabins will be available on a wide range of routes, providing passengers with a more consistent and comfortable flying experience.

While JetBlue has not yet disclosed exact details about the first routes to receive the new first-class product, the airline is expected to prioritize high-traffic markets, especially in its home base of New York. Given the airline’s strong position at New York’s JFK Airport, the addition of a first-class cabin is likely to attract business travelers and other passengers willing to pay a premium for comfort.

JetBlue is expanding its fleet with the introduction of the ‘Mini Mint’ domestic first-class product, set to launch in 2026, to meet the growing demand for premium service on U.S. domestic flights and compete with legacy carriers by offering a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience.

Overall, JetBlue’s new domestic first-class service represents a significant step for the airline, expanding its offerings and positioning it as a competitor in the premium travel market. With plans to retrofit up to 20 aircraft per month, the airline is poised to gradually roll out the product across its fleet, providing passengers with an elevated experience that could make JetBlue a more attractive choice for travelers looking for a premium option at a competitive price.