Experience JetBlue’s Inaugural Flight from NYC to Paris: What Travelers Need to Know

Paris is always a good idea.

It was true for Audrey Hepburn, and it’s true for JetBlue, which launched its first-ever flights to the City of Lights—and its first to continental Europe—on Thursday. Flight 1407 (named in honor of France’s Bastille Day) took off from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport just after 5 p.m. and landed in Paris early the next morning.

“I think people are getting more adventurous as to where they want to go—we have a lot more Americans with passports now than we had 20 years ago,” said Robin Hayes, the CEO of JetBlue, in an interview. “And so we want to better fill that demand. It’s great that we can fly people domestically, but we also want to be their airline when they fly internationally as well.”

The new route is part of the airline’s international expansion plans, which include adding a second flight to Paris from Boston next year, along with launching flights to Amsterdam from New York in August and from Boston in September. Furthermore, Hayes mentioned the potential for adding at least one more great European destination in 2024.

Additionally, JetBlue has ordered more than a dozen long-range and extra-long-range aircraft to support its growth plans.

Having first started transatlantic flights to Europe in 2021 with service to London, which later expanded, the airline is set on shaking up the market, as Hayes stated: “We’re here to bring an outstanding product and low fares. We compete against a very high fare legacy joint venture with a lot of flights, so it’s not easy, but we’re determined to make the market more competitive.”

Upon boarding JetBlue’s inaugural flight to Paris, I encountered the airline’s founder, David Neeleman. The Breeze Airways CEO expressed that seeing the airline’s progress is a significant moment for him. “Obviously, it’s your legacy—none of this would exist if I didn’t have that idea,” he remarked.

I was fortunate to be seated in the Mint Studio, which is notably spacious. Each transatlantic flight features only two Mint Studio seats in the front row. The studio includes a lie-flat bed, a sliding door, wireless charging, a larger TV, and a guest seat and table for added comfort. I took the opportunity to watch a French film as we took off.

The service began shortly after takeoff, introducing a distinctive cocktail service. I opted for the Mint Condition cocktail made with Bombay Sapphire gin, ginger, lime, cucumber, and mint. This refreshing drink was served in a mini shaker, enhancing the overall experience.

The first meal featured a diverse selection of vegetarian options. I chose the chilled English pea soup with mint oil and puffed wild rice—an exceptionally creamy dish with delightful textures.

As we approached our destination, I opted for a light breakfast featuring watermelon, coconut yogurt, and tart passion fruit purée, leaving a satisfying end to the journey.

The menu is part of a collaboration with the NYC-based Delicious Hospitality Group, including renowned restaurants like Charlie Bird, and is offered on all eastbound flights.

Just over six hours after departure, we touched down in Paris, a moment celebrated by applause—a sentiment typically perceived as excessive but fitting on this special occasion.

“For the very first time ever, JetBlue welcomes you to Paris-Charles de Gaulle,” the pilot announced proudly.