JetBlue and United Airlines announced a new and exclusive collaboration called “Blue Sky” this Thursday. Subject to regulatory approval, this alliance will allow customers of both airlines to enjoy more flight options, earn and redeem miles or points on each other’s flights, offering unique integration between their loyalty programs: MileagePlus and TrueBlue.
Integrated Flights, Shared Loyalty
The initiative stands out for its focus on providing more flight options, greater flexibility, and cross-benefits without merging brand identities. Unlike a codeshare agreement, Blue Sky is based on an interline agreement: each airline will maintain its own flight marketing and numbering but will allow combined bookings through their respective digital platforms.
This means United customers will be able to earn and use miles on JetBlue’s extensive network, which will feature 90 daily flights this summer between the northeastern U.S. and the Caribbean, including destinations like Aruba, Barbados, and Jamaica. In turn, TrueBlue members will gain access to United’s domestic and international routes, including cities such as Cape Town and Tahiti.
→ United Redefines Premium Experience with Its New “Elevated” Interior for Boeing 787-9s
Cross-Access to Premium Benefits
Among the most notable benefits of this collaboration is mutual access to exclusive perks from each loyalty program. Passengers will enjoy:
- Priority treatment for check-in, boarding, security, and baggage
- Preferred seating and extra legroom
- First checked bag free
- Same-day changes and rebookings at no additional cost
These benefits will be available to customers of both airlines when flying with the other, creating a seamless and value-added experience.
JetBlue Gains Presence at JFK, United Makes a Strong Return
As part of the agreement, JetBlue will grant United access to slots at New York’s JFK Airport, allowing up to seven daily flights from Terminal 6. This marks United’s long-term return to JFK, news celebrated by both its customers and employees.
Additionally, the two airlines will exchange eight flight slots at Newark, optimizing connectivity and operational efficiency at one of the busiest hubs in the country.
Integrated Technology and Services: Paisly Takes Center Stage
In a strategic move, United will integrate JetBlue’s Paisly platform into its website and mobile app to offer hotel bookings, car rentals, cruises, and travel insurance, both individually and as packages. This decision reflects a shared vision of innovation and customer-centric experiences.
A Promising Future for MileagePlus and TrueBlue
Both loyalty programs—recognized for their value and consistency—will continue to evolve. While specific details about reciprocal point accrual and redemption will be announced in the coming months, current benefits are expected to remain and gradually expand to deliver even more value to members.
Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, emphasized the scope of the alliance: “This collaboration with United is a bold step for the industry. United’s global network perfectly complements our focus on leisure destinations from the East Coast and significantly expands options and benefits for our TrueBlue members.”
United CEO Scott Kirby added: “Blue Sky reflects our shared commitment to innovation and customer experience. We’re thrilled to give our MileagePlus members more ways to leverage their miles and to return to long-term operations at JFK.”
Related Topics
Emirates Adds Third Daily Flight Between Dubai and Dublin Starting October
Aer Lingus Launches New Winter Routes to Three European Destinations
Condor Orders Four Additional Airbus A330neo Aircraft
IATA Challenges EU’s Sustainable Fuel Mandate: High Cost and Low Environmental Impact
Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.