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JetBlue and United Forge 'Blue Sky' Partnership for Shared Loyalty Perks and JFK Slots

Once approved, it will let frequent fliers use points interchangeably across both airlines' flights.

A United Airlines plane prepares for takeoff as a JetBlue plane lands at San Francisco International Airport in 2023.
FILE - A JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 takes off from the Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Fla., May 15, 2014 (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
A Jetblue commercial airliner takes off form Las Vegas International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., February 8, 2024.  REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
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Overview

  • The 'Blue Sky' agreement is an interline pact, not a merger or codeshare, ensuring each carrier continues to market, price and operate its own branded flights.
  • TrueBlue members will earn and redeem points on United flights while MileagePlus customers can use miles on JetBlue routes, with partner perks such as priority boarding and extra legroom.
  • JetBlue will grant United up to seven daily round-trip slots at JFK Airport beginning in 2027 and the airlines will exchange eight flight timings at Newark to expand service.
  • Certain elements could roll out as early as fall 2025 pending U.S. regulatory approval, with full implementation targeted by 2027.
  • The partnership strengthens JetBlue’s network after blocked alliances with American and Spirit and gives United a renewed presence in New York without acquiring another carrier.