JetBlue and United Receive Green Light for “Blue Sky” Alliance
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially approved the “Blue Sky” alliance between JetBlue and United Airlines. This collaboration promises to transform the travel experience for millions of passengers by offering greater flexibility, technological integration, and shared benefits across their loyalty programs.
What is Blue Sky?
“Blue Sky” is neither a merger nor a simple codeshare agreement. It represents an unprecedented collaboration in the industry, combining the best of JetBlue and United into a comprehensive offering for travelers. Both airlines announced that the benefits will be rolled out gradually starting this fall.
Loyalty Programs: Unprecedented Integration
One of the standout features is the interoperability of their loyalty programs:
- MileagePlus members (United) will be able to earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue flights.
- TrueBlue members (JetBlue) will gain access to redeemable and earnable points across United’s domestic and international network.
→ United’s App Now Offers Enhanced Flight Connection Information
Additionally, the most valued perks for frequent flyers—such as priority boarding, access to preferred or extra-legroom seats, and same-day standby or change options—will be available interchangeably on both airlines.
Integrated Booking and Enhanced Digital Experience
Through a traditional interline agreement, passengers will be able to book flights on either airline directly via both carriers’ websites and mobile apps. This will simplify travel planning across complementary networks without additional steps or complications.
On the technological front, United will migrate the functionality of its booking platform for hotels, cars, cruises, and travel insurance—both individually and as packages—to Paisly, the system developed by JetBlue. This move aims to deliver a more agile and personalized digital experience.
Key Changes at New York Airports
The alliance also includes significant adjustments to airport infrastructure usage:
- JetBlue will grant United access to slots at JFK Airport to operate up to seven daily round-trip flights from Terminal 6, with operations expected to begin as early as 2027.
- Both airlines have also agreed to swap eight flight timings at Newark Airport in a net-neutral exchange agreement.
Institutional Recognition and Next Steps
Both companies expressed gratitude to Secretary Duffy, Deputy Secretary Edwards, and the entire DOT team for their review and approval of Blue Sky. While specific implementation details are still being finalized, the airlines assured that more information will be shared in the coming weeks as the alliance rolls out.
With Blue Sky, JetBlue and United take a strategic step toward a more collaborative, customer-centric, digitally integrated, and operationally efficient aviation industry. This alliance not only expands options for passengers but also reshapes the competitive landscape in the U.S. airspace.
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