JetBlue introduces Mint to Montana in a unique addition to its business-class offerings

JetBlue believes some skiers may be eager to indulge in its exceptional Mint business-class experience.

The New York-based airline announced this week that it will begin operating its Mint-equipped Airbus A321 to Bozeman, Montana, on a limited schedule from February 14, 2025, to March 30, 2025.

The airline will provide its business-class service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for flights to and from Boston and New York during the peak ski season in Montana.

Flights will run on a daytime schedule, departing the Northeast in the late morning and arriving in Bozeman by early afternoon. The aircraft will then return to the East Coast later in the day, reaching Boston and New York around 9 p.m.

Alongside the exclusive Mint service, the airline will operate its standard all-economy flights from Boston and New York to Bozeman during this timeframe. All-economy flights from Boston will run on Mondays and Wednesdays, while those from New York will fly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mint tickets are now available for purchase, with one-way fares starting at approximately $900.

JetBlue states that the introduction of Mint service to Bozeman aims to "address the changing needs of its customers by providing enhanced travel options and a superior in-flight experience."

When Mint launched in 2014, JetBlue limited its business-class service to a select number of essential routes. It was initially intended for premium transcontinental flights connecting New York and Boston with Los Angeles and San Francisco.

As the airline has added more Mint-equipped aircraft over the years, it has extended Mint service to other premium-focused transcontinental markets like Seattle and San Diego. Additionally, JetBlue operates Mint flights to certain Caribbean destinations during peak holiday seasons and on weekends when fewer frequencies are needed on transcon routes, as business travel typically slows during these times.

Mint is also the premium cabin JetBlue offers on its transatlantic flights to Europe, which began in 2021. The airline features two Mint products: the original launched in 2014, mainly used on domestic and short-haul routes, and a newer variant introduced in 2021 for its European operations.

Recently, however, JetBlue has been reducing its European expansion—at least during the winter months when transatlantic demand usually declines—to concentrate its network on more profitable routes.

During this period, JetBlue might park some of its business-class-equipped planes on less profitable routes, or it could explore other routes with sufficient premium demand to fill a 16-seat cabin.

JetBlue appears to believe it has discovered a prime opportunity in Bozeman, the entry point to the renowned Big Sky ski resort and the exclusive Yellowstone Club for affluent skiers. Bozeman also serves as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, which remains relatively uncrowded during the winter months.

Bozeman adds to the list of new Mint destinations recently announced, including Phoenix; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

These developments align with JetBlue's commitment to its JetForward strategy aimed at regaining profitability. The airline is adjusting its network to emphasize leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel from its primary cities in the Northeast.

JetBlue's original Mint service (the one operating to Bozeman) features an alternating 2-2, 1-1 seating layout. Passengers can enjoy lie-flat beds, a dining experience akin to fine restaurants, amenities from Tuft and Needle, and much more.

Historically regarded as the top domestic business-class offering, Mint's seats are starting to show their age. While the airline has not yet announced a retrofit program for these decade-old cabins, one may be on the horizon as JetBlue prepares to potentially introduce a more comprehensive premium cabin experience.