9 Caribbean hotspots where you can enjoy a lie-flat seat on your flight

If you've ever traveled first class to the Caribbean, you know that the in-flight experience often feels similar to domestic flights. Typically, you’ll find the same recliner-style seats, which may not even come with a built-in TV.

However, it doesn’t have to be like this.

By choosing your flights wisely, you can access the same lie-flat seats generally reserved for longer routes, like those to Europe and Asia. While you might not strictly need a lie-flat seat on shorter trips, who wouldn’t want extra room and privacy? Often, it won’t even cost you more—you just need to know which flight to select.

We researched and discovered at least nine Caribbean destinations that frequently feature lie-flat seating options.

Let’s get started right away.

Aruba

JetBlue provides year-round Mint flights from the New York area to Aruba (AUA). This route has become so popular that Mint service is now available on flights departing from both New York-JFK and Newark (EWR).

Mint service is available only on select A321 flights. Moreover, from early April to late October 2021, it will be offered exclusively on Saturday flights.

Current fares start at $440 for a one-way ticket or 40,000 TrueBlue points, although we've spotted Mint tickets for under $300 on this route. Those points are valued at $520 according to TPG valuations, so it might be wise to save your points for another journey. Typically, you can get better value from TrueBlue points when redeeming for coach tickets.

If you opt to use your points to book one of these flights, you can boost your TrueBlue balance by transferring points from any major transferable points program: American Express Membership Rewards (1.25:1 rate), Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1), Citi ThankYou Rewards (1:1 for Chairman, Citi Prestige® Card, and Citi Premier® Card holders; see rates and fees; 1:0.8 for Citi ThankYou Preferred, which is no longer available, and the Citi Rewards+® Card; see rates and fees) or Capital One (2:1.5).

The details for the Citi Prestige Card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been verified or endorsed by the card issuer.

Bridgetown, Barbados

JetBlue also provides Mint service on select flights to Bridgetown (BGI), departing from New York-JFK and available only on Saturdays. Fares begin at $431 one-way or 40,000 TrueBlue points.

Pro tip: Solo travelers should opt for a seat in an even-numbered row for a suite with a closing door. Odd-numbered rows have a 2-2 layout, offering slightly less privacy, though they're better suited for couples traveling together.

Cancun, Mexico

You'll discover the most lie-flat options on flights heading to Cancun (CUN). American Airlines operates Boeing 787-8s to Cancun from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago (ORD), and Philadelphia (PHL). (Note: ORD and PHL will resume 787 service on Oct. 31, 2021.)

American's 787s are designed for long-haul international flights, featuring all lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. These aircraft also offer premium economy seating (larger seats with a less dense configuration), but these are sold as Main Cabin Extra seats. This means many elite members can select them at no cost, or you can reserve them for a small fee.

Starting April 1, 2021, for a limited period, American Airlines is extending Admirals Club access to all international premium cabin passengers, including those flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Previously, most short-haul international travelers did not have lounge access.

One-way business class fares start at $254 from DFW, $334 from PHL, and $425 from ORD. If you’re interested in redeeming AAdvantage miles, there are Web Specials for business class awards beginning at 25,000 miles one-way.

Another great option is to book your award through the British Airways Executive Club. Thanks to their distance-based award chart, flights from DFW to CUN cost only 16,500 miles one-way in business class and 22,000 miles from ORD or PHL.

British Airways is a 1:1 transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points, allowing you to use points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Just keep in mind that not all flights to Cancun from the aforementioned cities provide lie-flat seats. American typically runs multiple flights daily on these routes, but only one to two of those are operated by a 787. Be sure to check the aircraft type and seating configuration of your specific flight before booking.

Grenada

Here’s another JetBlue Mint route. You can fly Mint from New York-JFK to Grenada (GND) starting at $445 one-way or 40,000 TrueBlue points. Similar to many of JetBlue's Caribbean flights, Mint service is currently available only on Saturdays. According to JetBlue's schedule, Mint service will become daily around Thanksgiving and during the December holiday season.

Liberia, Costa Rica

JetBlue has recently expanded its presence in Costa Rica and now provides Mint service to Liberia (LIR) from both Los Angeles (LAX) and New York-JFK.

The JFK Mint flights are scheduled on Saturdays from now until April 3. After that, Mint service is expected to be available daily on this route starting September 8, 2021. Meanwhile, the LAX Mint flights will begin on April 3 and will continue on Saturdays until the end of the schedule.

Both flights have fares starting at $447 one-way or 40,000 TrueBlue points.

Costa Rica's borders have reopened, and no COVID test is required for entry. If you're planning a visit, consider staying at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. It's about 35 minutes from the Liberia airport and costs only 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Considering a trip to Puerto Rico? American Airlines, Delta, and United all operate wide-body flights with lie-flat seats to San Juan (SJU).

With American Airlines, you can travel on a 777-200 from Miami (MIA). On some days, this aircraft operates two flights on the route, while on others, it may not fly at all. Therefore, similar to the Cancun flights mentioned earlier, be attentive to the aircraft type when selecting your flights.

Fares start at just $139 one-way in business class or 20,000 AAdvantage miles when booking a Web Special. Alternatively, you can use 16,500 British Airways Avios for this flight.

Meanwhile, Delta frequently utilizes either an A330-300 or a Boeing 767-300 for its SJU flights from Atlanta (ATL). The wide-bodies used for this route typically do not feature Delta's latest business class seats, but they are still lie-flat and provide direct aisle access. Business class fares start at $223 one-way or 19,000 SkyMiles.

Additionally, United is currently operating a 777-200 on one of its daily flights from Newark (EWR). Even better, these are the internationally-configured 777s featuring true Polaris business class seats and Premium Plus seats (marketed as Economy Plus). Currently, this aircraft is scheduled only until March 31, but it may continue to operate on this route beyond that date.

Sint Maarten (St. Maarten)

If you haven't noticed, JetBlue provides Mint service to various Caribbean destinations, including St. Maarten (SXM).

Mint service is offered on Saturdays from New York-JFK and Newark (EWR). Starting September 8, 2021, it will be available daily from Newark.

Consistent with JetBlue's other Mint flights to the Caribbean, one-way fares currently start at $430 or 40,000 TrueBlue points.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Beginning September 11, JetBlue will provide Saturday Mint service to St. Thomas (STT) from New York-JFK. One-way fares start at $730, but points redemptions are not currently available.

If you have a significant number of Marriott Bonvoy points, consider using them for a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Recently renovated, it’s one of the most luxurious places to stay on the island (pun intended). As a Category 8 property, award nights will cost between 70,000 and 100,000 points each.

St. Lucia

Lastly, you can fly JetBlue Mint on select routes to St. Lucia (UVF). These flights depart from New York-JFK on Saturdays and start at $435 or 40,000 TrueBlue points.

Bottom line

While flights to the Caribbean are generally short, your in-flight experience can vary significantly from one aircraft to another. If you're investing in business or first class, it makes sense to choose the best option available.

JetBlue is at the forefront among U.S. airlines offering lie-flat seats to the Caribbean. However, American and Delta also provide lie-flat options to various Caribbean destinations.

A simple way to determine if a flight offers lie-flat seats is to use Google Flights, which shows the type of seats available along with other amenities. Just remember to check the aircraft type as your flight date approaches, since airlines can make last-minute equipment changes.