United Airlines and Jetblue to allow frequent flyers to earn miles on each other's airline
The alliance, known as Blue Sky, will create a new collaboration that will allow customers of both airlines to earn and use points across both airlines
United Airlines and JetBlue are joining forces with a shared points program.
The former rivals unveiled a unique partnership called Blue Sky, which provides customers of both airlines "more flight options and opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines."
MileagePlus customers can now earn and use miles on JetBlue flights, including hundreds in and out of New York City and Boston, according to a press release. Likewise, TrueBlue members can earn and use points on United flights to popular international destinations they couldn't before.
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Each airline will feature flights on the other's website and app, simplifying the booking process across the two airlines' networks. However, this is an interline agreement, not a codeshare, meaning each airline will continue to market flights independently under its own brand and flight numbers.
Both airlines will extend the perks of their loyalty programs, such as priority boarding, free access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby/switch. They will also offer flights on each other's websites and apps for easy booking.
United will additionally shift some of its holiday and travel services to JetBlue's Paisly platform. Some aspects of the Blue Sky collaboration will kick off as early as this fall, pending regulatory review.
For example, United's MileagePlus customers can earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights. JetBlue's TrueBlue members can now earn and use points for flights on United's extensive domestic and international network, which includes popular destinations like Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, Cape Town, and Tahiti.
When customers fly on the other airline's aircraft, they will be able to enjoy the benefits of each airline's loyalty program-such as priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby/switch.
Finally, starting in 2027, JetBlue will begin offering United Airlines access to slots at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport for up to seven daily round-trip flights.
Simultaneously, JetBlue and United will swap eight flight schedules at Newark Liberty International Airport in a cooperative effort.
"This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry. 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," stated JetBlue's CEO, Joanna Geraghty.
United's CEO, Scott Kirby, shared similar thoughts. "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," said Kirby.
"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," the United CEO disclosed.
