United and JetBlue launched the first phase of their “Blue Sky” partnership this week, which allows loyalty members to earn and redeem points across the carriers’ networks.
The benefit applies to members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue program and United’s MileagePlus. TrueBlue passengers will be able to earn and redeem points across United’s global network, including on flights operated as United Express, while MileagePlus members will enjoy similar benefits on most, though not all, JetBlue flights.
When searching for flights with points or miles on JetBlue or United’s websites and mobile apps, eligible customers will now see flight options across both carriers’ networks.
The Blue Sky alliance, first announced in May, envisions other forms of cooperation between the two carriers, including reciprocal passenger perks, revenue booking, and slot sharing at airports. These benefits are expected to come into effect in 2026 and 2027.
“With reciprocal earning and redemption now available, Blue Sky is officially taking flight,” the airlines said in a joint statement on Thursday. “We’re excited to give our loyalty members the ability to use the program of their choice when traveling across our complementary networks.”
As part of the partnership, United will reestablish its presence at New York-JFK using JetBlue’s slots at Terminal 6. The slots will allow United to operate up to seven daily round trips from the airport starting “as early as 2027,” officials said this week.
United last served JFK in October 2022.
