JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said the implications of the new alliance are “felt deeply” across the industry
Beginning as early as this fall and subject to regulatory review, JetBlue and United have announced they have partnered to create Blue Sky; a program where customers of each airline can find flights that fit their travel plans and earn/use miles with either loyalty program.
United’s MileagePlus® customers can earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights. In addition, JetBlue’s TrueBlue members can earn and use points for flights on United’s extensive domestic and international network, which includes destinations like Cape Town and Tahiti.
JetBlue offers 90 daily flights between the Northeast and the Caribbean this summer and operates approximately 180 daily flights out of JFK and 130 out of Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS). The airline’s focus cities include Fort Lauderdale, where it operates more international flights than any other airline; San Juan, where it is the largest carrier; Orlando, and Los Angeles. Additionally, JetBlue flies to 15 destinations that United does not serve including Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.; Cartagena, Colombia; Kingston, Jamaica; and Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Both airlines will offer flights on each other’s website and new app to make booking simple and easy. In addition, the benefits of each loyalty program — priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats and same-day standby/switch — will be available when customers travel on the other airline’s aircraft.
As part of the agreement, JetBlue will provide United access to slots at JFK International Airport for up to seven daily round-trip flights out of JFK Terminal 6 to begin as early as 2027. And, as part of a net-neutral exchange, JetBlue and United will exchange eight flight timings at Newark.
In addition, United will move its website and mobile app’s ability to sell hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel insurance, on both a stand-alone and package basis, to new technology and services provided by JetBlue’s Paisly platform.
“This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry — one that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks,” said Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue. “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. This is a clear win for our customers and crewmembers, and supports our JetForward strategy.”
“Blue Sky reflects our airlines’ shared focus on innovation and the customer experience,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “The JetBlue brand is tied to a great product and under Joanna’s leadership the airline continues to deliver for customers. 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. 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.”
Customers with United and JetBlue loyalty points can expect to see similar benefits over time, along which reciprocal revenue-based miles and points accrual and miles and points redemptions. Customers will receive priority treatment for check-in, boarding, security and baggage, along with access to preferred and extra leg room seats and free first checked bags.
American customers interested in the expanded options should be able to start planning their trips as soon as this fall.
