JetBlue and United Airlines today announced a new collaboration named “Blue Sky,” designed to offer customers expanded travel options and enhanced loyalty program benefits. This unique partnership will allow members of United’s MileagePlus and JetBlue’s TrueBlue programs to earn and use their rewards across both airlines.
Under the “Blue Sky” initiative, MileagePlus customers will be able to earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights, significantly increasing access to routes in and out of New York City and Boston, as well as JetBlue’s extensive Caribbean network. Conversely, TrueBlue members can earn and use points on United’s vast domestic and international network, including popular destinations like Cape Town and Tahiti.
The collaboration, set to roll out some features as early as this fall subject to regulatory review, also includes an interline agreement. This means customers can book flights on each other’s websites and apps, though each airline will continue to market flights independently under its own brand and flight numbers.
Loyalty program members will also enjoy reciprocal benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby/switch options when traveling on either carrier. “This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry,” said Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue. “United’s global reach perfectly complements JetBlue’s East Coast leisure network.”
A key component of the agreement involves airport operations. JetBlue will provide United access to slots at JFK International Airport for up to seven daily round-trip flights beginning as early as 2027. Additionally, JetBlue and United will exchange eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport in a net-neutral exchange.
United CEO Scott Kirby highlighted the customer focus, stating, “Blue Sky reflects our airlines’ shared focus on innovation and the customer experience.” He also noted United’s excitement about returning to JFK for the longer-term.
Beyond flight benefits, United will leverage JetBlue’s technology by moving its website and mobile app’s ability to sell hotels, rental cars, cruises, and travel insurance to JetBlue’s Paisly platform. This aims to streamline these ancillary services for United customers.
Both airlines confirmed they will continue to manage and price their networks independently. Further details on the timing for reciprocal customer benefits and specific features of the loyalty program integration will be announced later this year.
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