Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced plans to offer its highly successful Mint experience from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Barbados (BGI), one of the top Caribbean routes for the airline. Travelers from the Eastern region of the U.S. now have a premium travel option at an affordable fare with Mint beginning on November 7, 2015, giving jetsetters a new reason to head to the sun-drenched island.
Between November 7, 2015 and April 30, 2016, JetBlue will operate one roundtrip on Saturdays to Bridgetown, Barbados. And between December 19, 2015 and January 4, 2016 the airline will operate one roundtrip flight daily for the busy holiday travel season.
"This is an amazing win for the island of Barbados," said Petra Roach BTMI, Director, USA. "Barbados has a long history with luxury airline offerings. We were the only leisure destination to host Concorde service from London for many years and now to be the first home of JetBlue's Mint service outside of the US is a reflection of the strength of our burgeoning partnership and JetBlue's continued support of Barbados as a destination. We are thrilled to be a part of this new way to fly with JetBlue where the customers’ premium vacation experience starts the moment they step onto the plane.
Available for booking on JetBlue.com today, roundtrip flights from JFK to Bridgetown are as follows:
JFK-BGI 9:20 a.m. departure, 3:02 p.m. arrival
BGI-JFK 4:15 p.m. departure, 8:30 p.m. arrival
Since launching on transcontinental routes in June 2014, Mint has quickly become recognized for its whole new take on flying, which includes private suites, the widest seat and longest fully-flat bed in the U.S. domestic market*, tapas-style dining, custom amenity kits and 15-inch flat screen televisions with free entertainment. With Mint service to the Caribbean, JetBlue will become the only U.S. carrier to operate regularly scheduled service with lie-flat seating to the region.
Barbados is one of the most popular Caribbean travel routes on JetBlue’s growing route map, and one of more than 80 destinations throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. With incredible on-island musical performances, epicurean driven festivals, and motor sport tournaments, 2015 marks the perfect year to travel to Barbados immerse oneself in the distinctive culture and one-of-a-kind events the island has to offer.
JetBlue's Mint experience to the islands will add a Caribbean twist to some customer favorites, including the tapas-style menu curated by New York City restaurant Saxon+Parole, organic desserts by Blue Marble Ice Cream, a sweet treat from Mah-ze-Dahr Bakery, and customized amenity kits from Birchbox.
"Ever since we launched Mint, customers have been asking us where we will take it next," said Marty St George, executive vice president commercial and planning, JetBlue. "We re-invented transcontinental flying with Mint, and we anticipate demand for an enhanced product will be equally strong for these Caribbean destinations."
The A321 Customer Experience
JetBlue offers Mint on its new Airbus A321 aircraft, which features a completely redesigned onboard experience throughout the entire cabin.
"Mint is a remarkable new way to fly, but true to our mission of inspiring humanity, we've also taken the same thoughtful approach throughout the aircraft," said Joanna Geraghty, executive vice president customer experience, JetBlue. "Our completely redesigned A321 interior offers the best experience to Caribbean-bound customers no matter where you're seated."
While the Mint experience has set new premium standards, the core experience leads other airlines' offerings as well. Features of the A321 core interior include 10-inch television screens offering free entertainment, comfortable seats with the most legroom in coach** and power outlets accessible to all customers. JetBlue's popular marketplace, a self-serve station full of snacks, sodas and water for customers to enjoy at their convenience, is also available throughout the flight.
Extend the Experience With a JetBlue Getaways Vacation Package
Customers looking for the complete package can book Mint seats in conjunction with hotel, car rental and other amenities and activities through JetBlue Getaways. JetBlue Getaways packages to both Barbados offer access to the very best resorts and island experiences with the convenience of one booking process. Call 1-800-JETBLUE to book your Mint vacation.
For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org <http://www.visitbarbados.org> . To reserve seats on JetBlue Airways to Barbados visit www.jetblue.com <http://www.jetblue.com> .
*Based on avg. length/width of lie-flat beds on domestic flights operated by U.S. airlines.
** JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach, based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.
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About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s "2008 Travelers' Choice Destination Awards" in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org <http://www.visitbarbados.org> , follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados <http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados> , via Twitter @Barbados.
About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 30 million customers a year to 87 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 825 daily flights. Upcoming destinations include: Cleveland on April 30; Reno-Tahoe, Nev. on May 28; and Grenada on June 11, 2015 (subject to receipt of government operating authority). For more information please visit JetBlue.com <http://www.jetblue.com/> .
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