JetBlue is replacing hot meals on transatlantic flights with cold ones on coach

JetBlue is waiving hot meals in coach on each of its transatlantic flights.

The New York-based airline quietly introduced a new menu for its “core cabin” this fall. There was an important disclaimer at the top: “All food is served chilled.”

A quick look at the menus suggests that JetBlue’s inflight economy food service still includes a strong offering and will likely be tastier than what you’ll find in the main cabin on many other airlines.

However, JetBlue’s impressive dining options – including in coach – have been a key differentiator for the airline on its transatlantic routes since launching its first flights to Europe in 2021.

Before we move on, we should mention that JetBlue has no plans to make any such changes to its premium Mint cabin, where premium food and beverage service remains a standout feature of its service.

But in a statement confirming the move to refrigerated meals, JetBlue officials cited the high cost of providing the hot, elaborate meals throughout the cabin.

“This change is part of our effort to ensure we can continue to provide a great experience at JetBlue’s competitive fares on these routes,” an airline spokesperson told TPG on Monday.

Trainer menu change

Fully refrigerated meals in economy class aren’t an entirely new move for JetBlue.

The airline last summer tested similar dining options on its two seasonal routes to Dublin and Edinburgh, operated on its Airbus A321neo jets – as opposed to the A321LRs that were part of its other transatlantic service.

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JetBlue will continue to work with New York-based restaurant Dig on core menu items that “meet the standard we set for quality meals,” the airline said.

A quick look at the new eastbound transatlantic lunch and dinner menu shows a main course choice of a chicken grain bowl or ginger garlic tofu, paired with kale and apple salad or green beans.

Lunch or dinner in the West includes a pesto pasta salad or mushrooms and lentils. It is served with a tomato and cucumber salad or buffalo cauliflower.

An example of breakfast: If you’re flying to Europe overnight, you can choose between a crepe with smoked turkey, brie, fennel, arugula and balsamic onion jam or overnight oats paired with fruit or coconut yogurt.

JetBlue’s core meal service will continue to be highly customizable. Passengers can select their main course and side dish using the airline’s touchscreens on each seatback.

A time of change at JetBlue

These changes at JetBlue come as the airline undergoes a major transformation aimed at increasing its revenue and capitalizing on high demand for premium accommodations.

The latter goal led the airline to recently announce its first airport lounge, planned for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City by the end of 2025; a second is to follow at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

JetBlue also plans to unveil a new co-branded premium credit card in the near future that will come with complimentary JetBlue lounge access. Purchasing Mosaic 4 elite status in the TrueBlue program would include lounge access, as would purchasing a Mint seat on a transatlantic flight.

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