JetBlue and United launch ‘Blue Sky’ partnership
JetBlue and United Airlines have unveiled a partnership designed to give travellers in both loyalty schemes more flexibility and earning potential, with a new programme dubbed ‘Blue Sky’.
The agreement stops short of a codeshare but will allow both airlines to sell each other’s flights through their respective websites and apps, alongside new benefits for members of TrueBlue and MileagePlus.
Subject to regulatory approval, Blue Sky will begin rolling out later this year and is expected to enhance connections between United’s extensive global network and JetBlue’s East Coast and Caribbean operations.
JetBlue alone is operating around 90 flights per day this summer between the Northeast US and Caribbean destinations such as Aruba, Jamaica and Barbados.
Under the plan, members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue programme will be able to earn and redeem points on United flights, while MileagePlus members can use and accrue miles when flying with JetBlue.
The carriers will also introduce reciprocal perks such as same-day flight changes, extra legroom seat access, and free checked bags when travelling on the other’s aircraft.
In a move with longer-term implications, JetBlue will also allow United to return to New York JFK with up to seven daily round-trips using Terminal 6 slots from as early as 2027. At Newark, the two carriers will exchange flight timings in what’s described as a net-neutral swap.
Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, said: “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 travellers 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.”
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby also praised the agreement: “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.”
