That description, given to me by a flight attendant on the airline’s inaugural trip to Scotland, isn’t far from the truth. (It doesn’t have its own bathroom, but hey, neither do some apartments in Manhattan.)

I got to check out the front-row seat during the route’s maiden voyage, and was impressed by just how big it is. The seat has noticeably more space than the airline’s normal “Mint” business-class seats, which I tried out last year.

Unlike the typical Mint offerings, the small “apartment” — referred to as the Mint Studio — has a bench that, according to the site, you can use to host fellow Mint passengers. When it’s time for bed, the bench combines with the lie-flat seat, giving you some additional room to spread out.

Despite its size and extra storage, I’m not sure it’s something I’d splurge on. For passengers wanting additional comfort, I find JetBlue’s traditional Mint seats do the trick; though I can see the appeal of the suite for those travelers who are always looking to level up.

JetBlue isn’t the only airline offering sky-high “apartments.” Earlier this month, we wrote about Etihad Airways’ sprawling rooms, which run for $6,000 each and have their own couches.

Business class has been around for decades, but CNBC reports that Covid brought on a new wave of business-curious travelers. Whether to give themselves space from other passengers, or to treat themselves after a travel-free lockdown, people have been splurging on upscale seats.

And companies are starting to tap into that renewed interest in first-class travel. Adient Aerospace and Boeing were nominated for the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards for a business-class concept that went beyond extra legroom and comfortable seats — it included a mini bar and library. So it could be that the future of flying includes room to roam beyond your seat.

But next-level experiences don’t necessarily have to break the bank. The writer who flew with Etihad used airline points to pay for seats for her family of four — bringing the cost down to $33 per person.

Still, business-class travel isn’t cost-effective for the average traveler. And as companies make more room for luxurious private suites, it often comes at the expense of economy passengers.

“Densification” has economy seats getting smaller — in some cases losing five inches of legroom, by USA Today’s count.

There could be relief on the horizon: Several airlines appear to be interested in one controversial design that features double-decker seats. It may not be perfect, but it could at least open the door to new economy-class innovations.

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Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. George Glover, reporter, in London.

Get in touch. Email us at insidertoday@insider.com

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