JetBlue and United combine loyalty programs: What LI travelers should know
While both airlines will continue to market their flights independently through normal channels, the BlueSky agreement will allow each company to sell flights for both airlines on their respective websites and mobile apps. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Credit: Mario Tama
United Airlines and JetBlue have announced a partnership of the major airlines’ customer rewards programs, officials with JetBlue said.
The collaboration between the two airlines, called BlueSky, will allow customers of one airline to use or gain airline miles for flights with the other, according to Long Island City-based JetBlue.
"This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry — one that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks," Joanna Geraghty, chief executive of JetBlue, said in statement last week.
"United’s global reach perfectly complements JetBlue’s East Coast leisure network and significantly expands the options and benefits for TrueBlue members, no matter where in the world they are traveling," Geraghty said.
As part of the partnership, JetBlue will give United access to slots at JFK for up to seven daily round-trip flights starting in 2027, marking United’s return to the international airport. United ceased operations at JFK in 2022, citing an inability to compete with larger airlines for a limited number of slots.
"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," United chief executive Scott Kirby said in a statement.
The deal is ultimately good news in that it provides more options for travelers, said Long Island travel agent Robin Steinberger with Garden City-based ET Family Travel.
"It’s beneficial when you are able to utilize your miles from the various loyalty programs, whether it’s with other airlines or other groups out there," Steinberger said. Ultimately, the partnership gives travelers "more options when it comes to flights or when redeeming their rewards."
"If that specific airline doesn’t have a route you want to take or the times don’t work in your schedule, it gives you the flexibility to fly with their partners," she said.
Here are three things to know about the airline partnership.
Will flights on JetBlue be counted toward United’s reward programs?
Yes, and the same is true of the reverse," according to a JetBlue news release announcing the partnership.
"United’s MileagePlus customers can earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights," the company said. "JetBlue’s TrueBlue members can earn and use points for flights on United’s extensive domestic and international network."
Will flights for either need to be purchased differently than normal?
While both airlines will continue to market their flights independently through normal channels, the BlueSky agreement will allow each company to sell flights for both airlines on their respective websites and mobile apps.
"Each airline will offer flights on one another’s website and app to make booking across the two airlines’ complementary networks simple," JetBlue said in its press release.
Will I still have access to any perks associated with either airlines’ loyalty programs?
Although JetBlue and United will continue to market and price their offerings independently, the benefits from one airline — such as priority boarding — will remain in effect across the two airlines.
"The benefits of each airline’s loyalty program — priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats and same-day standby/switch — will be available when customers travel on the other airline’s aircraft," JetBlue said.
