JetBlue Introduces Unbundled Mint Fare, Removing Perks and Lounges From ‘Mint Base’

Tucked into JetBlue’s announcement of its new BlueHouse lounge in Boston a few weeks ago was an update on access policies.

Along with holding JetBlue’s premium credit card, passengers traveling in the Mint cabin have access to JetBlue’s lounges before departure.

However, that’s changed now that the Mint Base fares are live, as only people who book the right type of Mint fare have lounge access going forward. That’s because the airline has unbundled its Mint fares, offering 3 different fare types going. Only 2 of them include the perks Mint passengers have been used to until now.

Here’s what you should know about these new fare types and how they affect your next trip.

JetBlue’s Mint Fares

Until today, JetBlue offered 2 types of Mint fares: Mint and Mint Flex. The key difference between the 2 is the fact Mint Flex offers free same-day standby/flight changes and offers refunds to the original form of payment in case of cancellation.

Beyond that, both fare types offer the same perks: lie-flat seats, priority check-in and boarding, 2 complimentary checked bags, curated dining with small plates, and lounge access if you’re departing from an airport with a BlueHouse lounge.

However, this setup has changed with the introduction of a third Mint fare type.

JetBlue Adds ‘Mint Base’ Fare With Fewer Perks

JetBlue recently expanded lounge access to Mint passengers on domestic routes. However, it’s restricting lounge access to only 2 of its 3 Mint fare types.

JetBlue has introduced a new Mint Base option (the business class equivalent of basic economy). This fare type is cheaper, but it offers fewer benefits to passengers who choose it. Chiefly, passengers won’t have lounge access.

Among its restrictions, the Mint Base fare won’t include BlueHouse lounge access or complimentary seat selection in advance, and there will be fees to change or cancel a Mint Base ticket. To avoid these restrictions, passengers will need to choose a Mint or Mint Flex fare.

Here’s a comparison of the 3 Mint fare types passengers can choose from:

Other Methods of BlueHouse Lounge Access

Beyond flying in Mint, there are 2 more ways to access these lounges

• Having JetBlue’s premium credit card
• Holding Mosaic 4 elite status

JetBlue has confirmed that customers with its JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard^® don’t get complimentary BlueHouse lounge access when traveling on a Mint Base ticket, even though that’s a key perk of the card. The same restriction keeps Mosaic 4 members out when flying on Mint Base fares.

Final Thoughts

JetBlue has introduced a new Mint Base fare. This cheaper ticket still gives you a lie-flat Mint seat and dining during your flight. Beyond that, this ticket type removes lounge access and the ability to choose seats at no cost in advance.