United Airlines and JetBlue Airways are elevating their frequent flier perks through a new partnership.
The two airlines announced a new loyalty collaboration called Blue Sky, which will allow United’s MileagePlus members and JetBlue’s TrueBlue members to earn and redeem points and miles on “most” flights operated by the other airline.
If approved by regulators, other frequent-flier benefits will also be offered when travelers fly on the other airline at no extra cost, including priority boarding, free baggage and preferred seats. The program is targeted to start in the fall, according to USA Today.
The airlines will also offer flights on one another’s websites and apps. Additionally, they will show the other’s itineraries and fares on the website and apps when passengers search for flights to book.
“United’s global reach perfectly complements JetBlue’s East Coast leisure network, and significantly expands the options and benefits for TrueBlue members, no matter where in the world they are traveling,” Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, said in a statement.
The partnership also means the return of United flights to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport after the airline shut down operations at JFK in 2022.
As part of the agreement, JetBlue will give United access to space at JFK for up to seven daily round-trip flights beginning in 2027. JetBlue currently sees about 180 round trips per day at the airport.
JetBlue and United will also exchange eight flight time slots at Newark Liberty International Airport.
“We’re always looking for ways to give our MileagePlus members even more value and benefits and this collaboration gives them new, unique ways to use their hard-earned miles and find options that fit their schedule,” United CEO Scott Kirby added in the statement.
“Plus, our employees are really excited about United’s return to JFK for the longer term, and we’re all looking forward to starting up flights very soon.”
As was previously reported, JetBlue had been interested in forming a partnership, with an aim “to better compete against larger airlines like United and their shared rival Delta Airlines,” according to CNBC.
However, the announcement noted that JetBlue and United will still operate as separate, independent companies, managing and pricing their networks independently, including the launch of new routes, frequencies and promotions.
The announcement comes shortly after United announced that starting June 3, it will require domestic travelers to check in at least 45 minutes before departure, syncing the carrier up with Delta and American, which have already done the same.
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