JetBlue & United Blue Sky Partnership: Loyalty Perks, JFK Slots, And More

Note: This is breaking news, and I’ll update this post shortly with more analysis.

For some time now, we’ve known that JetBlue and United plan to launch to launch a partnership. There’s now a major update, as the details have been revealed.

Details of the JetBlue & United Blue Sky collaboration

JetBlue and United will be launching a partnership, named Blue Sky. Going back several years, this would’ve seemed unthinkable, but sure enough, industry dynamics have evolved. The partnership includes reciprocal loyalty perks, access to JFK for United, and much more.

Before we get into the details, here’s what United CEO Scott Kirby had to say:

“Blue Sky reflects our airlines’ shared focus on innovation and the customer experience. The JetBlue brand is tied to a great product and under Joanna’s leadership the airline continues to deliver for customers. 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. Plus, our employees are really excited about United’s return to JFK for the longer-term and we’re all looking forward to starting up flights very soon.”

Here’s what JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty had to say:

“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. 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. This is a clear win for our customers and crewmembers, and supports our JetForward strategy.”

I’ll go over the details below, but let me note that specifics largely still haven’t been revealed, so there’s a lot more for us to still learn.

JetBlue & United will offer reciprocal points opportunities

JetBlue TrueBlue and United MileagePlus are introducing reciprocal points earning and redemption opportunities. Exact details remain to be seen, but the idea is that JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn and redeem points on most United flights, while United MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue flights.

The two airlines will allow tickets to be booked across the websites of both airlines. Note that Blue Sky includes an interline agreement, but not a codeshare agreement, meaning that airlines will continue to publish and market flights independently, under their own brand and flight numbers.

I’m curious to see exactly what mileage earning and redemption rates look like, and what flights are excluded from the arrangement.

JetBlue & United will offer reciprocal elite perks

JetBlue TrueBlue and United MileagePlus are introducing reciprocal elite perks. We’re talking things like priority check-in, security, and boarding, free checked bag allowances, preferred and extra legroom seats, and same day flight changes.

The experience won’t be quite as seamless or rewarding as it would be when flying directly with the “native” airline, but these are still some pretty strong perks.

JetBlue & United will trade slots at JFK, EWR

As we know, one of United’s big incentives for wanting to partner with JetBlue is access to JFK, which United CEO Scott Kirby views as a key part to the carrier’s success. As part of this agreement:

• JetBlue will provide United access to slots at JFK for up to seven daily roundtrip flights out of Terminal 6, to begin as early as 2027
• United will provide JetBlue access to eight flight timings at EWR, making this a net neutral exchange, as it’s described

Presumably United wants to launch transcon flights from JFK, but seven daily slots is presumably only the beginning of what United is hoping for.

United will use JetBlue’s Paisly booking platform

As part of this deal, United will move its website and mobile app’s ability to sell hotels, rental cars, cruises, and travel insurance, to new technology and service provided by JetBlue’s Paisly platform. This will apply to both standalone and package bookings.

Bottom line

As expected, JetBlue and United are launching a partnership. Initially this will include a loyalty collaboration, allowing members of both airlines to earn and redeem points, and take advantage of elite perks. We’ll also see the two airlines sell tickets on each others’ websites, as part of an interline agreement.

Starting in 2027 and beyond, JetBlue will give United access to some JFK slots, while United will give JetBlue access to some desirable flight timings.

What do you make of this new Blue Sky partnership?