JetBlue Bets on Vegas with New Mint Service

JetBlue announced that it will soon be expanding its Mint service from Newark Liberty International Airport. This time around, they’ll be heading to the Las Vegas desert.

Beginning in January 2026, JetBlue will fly seasonal daily Mint services between Newark (EWR) and Las Vegas (LAS). Introductory fares will begin at $499 for Mint class and $109 for JetBlue’s core economy seats. This offering is a new option for transcontinental leisure travel desiring more luxury without flying with legacy carriers.

The addition ushers in another route in JetBlue’s growing Mint product from Newark. The low cost carrier already flies their Mint equipped Airbus A321s to Los Angeles and San Francisco from EWR. Las Vegas will be its third transcontinental Mint route.

The Mint product is known for its lie-flat seating and elevated level of customer service. It helps diversify their low cost product by providing an opportunity to lure in premium level passengers.

“With these added Mint flights, even more customers in the New York metro area will have access to the comfort, style, and signature service that have helped redefine premium domestic travel since Mint’s debut,” said Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships.

In this same announcement, JetBlue also revealed that the route between Miami and Las Vegas will also be getting Mint service as well. 

Will Mint Work on a Leisure Route Like Las Vegas?

Mint service on flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco makes sense. Both cities are hubs for business travelers. Travelers who will pay for the added comfort. 

But Las Vegas leisure travelers? Not sure about that one.

JetBlue seems to be putting on a bet that upscale leisure travelers will want a better more premium flight experience at cost. Luckily for JetBlue, it’s only a seasonal route. The airline may be testing to see if the demand is there. 

Is This Tied to JetBlue’s Alliance With United?

There’s something underneath the surface here.

JetBlue and United months ago formed a customer loyalty and booking partnership. Both carriers will offer select flights on each other’s websites. United will be returning to JFK and will open more slots for JetBlue at Newark. Newark is a major hub for United. 

JetBlue’s Mint newest Mint route from Newark raises a few questions questions:

• Is JetBlue capturing spillover from United’s premium customers? This seems like it fits. Why would United cannibalize one of their more popular routes from Newark.. 

• Are they looking to attract leisure travelers not wanting to pay United’s business class or premium class prices? Again, another fit. This would solve the cannibalization issue.
  
  
• Or is this part of a larger scheme to target ultra low cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and Sun Country at Newark by offering a better experience for a slightly higher price? The new route might be JetBlue’s attempt in mitigating some of the increasing presence of ultra low cost carriers in New York City. More specifically Spirit and Frontier.

Regardless, JetBlue has put the pressure on Newark competitors. The new Mint service to Las Vegas will benefit travelers who avoid budget airlines. It also provides these travelers luxury without the legacy price tag. 

We’ll be keeping a close eye on whether JetBlue hits the jackpot on this new offering.