United Airlines and JetBlue have teamed up in a new alliance they are calling “Blue Sky.” Unveiled on Thursday, this will allow passengers to book on both websites. In addition to this, passengers can interchangeably earn and use points in their frequent flyer programs.
The news came after weeks of speculation that United and JetBlue would partner in a new alliance.
Blue Sky
Under the “Blue Sky” partnership, JetBlue will provide United access slots to New York’s JFK airport for up to seven daily round-trip flights starting 2027. However, this is still subject to approval by US regulators.
This partnership is good news for both United MileagePlus and JetBlue TrueBlue members. With the new alliance, both members can earn and redeem miles on both airlines. Plus, United Premier elite members can also enjoy status benefits when they fly JetBlue. JetBlue’s Mosaic members, on the other hand, will get the same benefits when flying United.
This partnership will bridge the two airlines that have a sizeable presence in New York City. United operates a major hub in Newark Liberty International Airport, while JetBlue’s homebase is in JFK’s terminal 5.
Win-Win for Both United and JetBlue
This partnership comes two years after a federal judge stopped JetBlue and American Airlines’ Northeast Alliance.
JetBlue also struggled to sustain profitability after the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline only managed to stay profitable in two of the past nine quarters.
United, on the other hand, dealt with flight cuts at its Newark hub given issues concerning technology, air traffic staffing and runway construction issues. In 2022, United stopped its limited service from JFK after not getting FAA approval for more flights. And in March, United CEO Scott Kirby said that he wanted more presence in JFK but didn’t want “all the headache” of buying an airline that would guarantee presence in JFK.
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said, “United’s global reach perfectly complements JetBlue’s East Coast leisure network, and significantly expands the options and benefits for TrueBlue members.”
Kirby, on the other hand said, “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.”
