JetBlue and United announced a new partnership titled “Blue Sky” on Thursday, designed to link their respective loyalty programs and enhance travel options for customers of both carriers.
The initiative will allow JetBlue TrueBlue and United MileagePlus members to earn and redeem points or miles across both networks. In addition to shared accrual and redemption capabilities, travelers will benefit from reciprocal elite perks, such as priority boarding, complimentary preferred seating, and same-day flight changes when flying on either airline, the airlines shared.
Return to JFK
As part of the agreement, United plans to resume operations at New York-JFK starting in 2027, with access to up to seven daily round-trip flights. JetBlue, in turn, will increase its operations at Newark Liberty International Airport through a mutual exchange of eight slot timings.
United last served JFK in October 2022.
The collaboration also includes a bilateral interline agreement, which will allow customers to book itineraries involving both airlines directly through either airline’s digital platforms. JetBlue’s Paisly travel booking platform will be integrated into United’s website and app, offering customers additional services such as hotels, rental cars, cruises, and insurance.
“Blue Sky reflects our airlines’ shared focus on innovation and the customer experience,” said United CEO Scott Kirby in a news release.
He added: “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.”
The launch of key elements of the partnership is contingent upon regulatory approval, with initial offerings expected as early as fall 2025.
