Summary

  • JetBlue is bringing its luxurious Airbus A321LR aircraft to select domestic routes, offering an upgraded premium experience.
  • The planes feature newer Mint suites and Mint Studio suites, providing ample legroom and enhanced comfort for travelers.
  • With limited deployments on domestic routes, JetBlue will still primarily utilize the aircraft on its transatlantic routes.

JetBlue Airways is planning to deploy its newest and most luxurious aircraft on a handful of domestic routes later this year. The Airbus A321LR, which has been exclusively used on transatlantic routes to Europe, will operate select transcontinental flights beginning this fall.

The routes will be the aircraft type’s first time operating flights within the US since JetBlue took delivery of its first example three years ago. As modified A321neos with three additional center tanks for fuel, the A321LRs are solely responsible for JetBlue’s expansion to the European market.

Across the pond? More like across the country

According to independent blog Ishrion Aviation, the carrier has scheduled the aircraft on three routes involving its hub at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), while the remaining two routes will involve Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Given that the jets will fly across the pond year-round, the deployment on domestic routes will be offered for a relatively short period of time. Albeit, some are scheduled for only a few days to a little over a week.

JetBlue Airbus A321LR at JFK shutterstock_1674185896

Photo: Lukas Wunderlich | Shutterstock

The first route to see the A321LR will be between JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). JetBlue has scheduled the aircraft to start flying the route on October 25th with five weekly flights through November 20th. Beginning on October 27th, the A321LR will operate flights between JFK and LAX three to four times daily through January 26, 2025, according to Ishrion Aviation. JetBlue will continue utilizing the aircraft on the route thereafter, but it will only be one to two times per day before being completely removed on March 29th.

Short stints to San Diego & Las Vegas

In November, the A321LR will make appearances at San Diego International Airport (SAN). However, it will be limited to just three days. According to Ishrion Aviation, JetBlue will deploy the aircraft between JFK and SAN on November 1st, 8th, and 15th. Beginning January 7, 2025, the airline will deploy the A321LR between LAX and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach, Florida. It is scheduled for daily frequencies through March 29th.

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JetBlue will also fly the aircraft between JFK and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas for a little over a week in February. The aircraft is scheduled to operate the route from February 13-24, 2025.

A premium upgrade

There is no question that the A321LR will be a pleasant surprise for domestic passengers. Although the airline’s Mint-equipped A321ceos currently operate all five routes, the new A321LRs are undoubtedly an upgrade in the premium experience as they have newer Mint suites. The aircraft also feature JetBlue’s most premium product: the Mint Studio suites. JetBlue says the planes are “pond-hopping perfection” with “an airy interior” that makes passengers feel as if they are on a widebody aircraft.

JetBlue Mint Studio A321LR

Photo: JetBlue

Accommodating only 138 passengers, the A321LRs reportedly have the most legroom in coach, based on the baseline seat pitch of transatlantic aircraft. There are 22 mint suites, all of which have aisle access. The two Mint Studio suites in the front of the cabin have the largest bed out of any other lie-flat bed on domestic premium flights within the US. The TV inside the suite is a whopping 22 inches and is accompanied by a mirrored vanity, along with an extra seat and table.

JetBlue only has 11 A321LRs in service, with nine more on order, according to ch-aviation. As the airline receives more examples, it could deploy the aircraft type more regularly across the US.

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