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For several weeks, the aviation space has been buzzing around a partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue Airways. Today, the carriers released details around what we can expect from this joint effort. It’s not a codeshare, joint venture, or merger, but a unique collaboration called “Blue Sky” that is without shared pricing, branding, or coordinated schedules. The interline agreement part of this announcement means that passengers will be able to book flights on both airlines on one ticket. This partnership also includes reciprocal benefits between the two programs, mileage earning and redemption, as well as slots at New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for United to run up to seven daily roundtrip flights.
Reciprocal Benefits
Elite members of both programs will see benefits afforded to them based on their current status. These include:
- Priority check-in
- Priority security
- Priority boarding
- Priority baggage handling
- Complimentary preferred and extra legroom seats including EconomyPlus seats on United Airlines and EvenMore seats on JetBlue (available at check-in)
- Same day changes and standby
There are no mentions of upgrades or lounge access at this point.
Reciprocal Mileage Earning
United MileagePlus members will be able to earn and redeem miles on JetBlue flights. JetBlue TrueBlue members will be able to earn and redeem points on United Airlines flights. The earnings rates and bonuses for elite members have not yet been released. United members will be pleased to see all of JetBlue’s Caribbean flights and on the other side, United offers a comprehensive global network (opening up tons of destinations). This could take effect as early as this fall, subject to approval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).
United’s Return to JFK
I have to think that this was the true motivation of United Airlines. United will be able to access slots at New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for up to seven daily roundtrip flights. JetBlue operates out of Terminal 6 and these will take flight from there beginning “as early as 2027.” United will “exchange eight flight timings” at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
United Will Switch to JetBlue’s Paisly Platform
United will also move its website and mobile app’s hotel, rental car, cruise, and travel insurance sales capabilities to JetBlue’s Paisly platform.
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 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.”
United CEO, Scott Kirby, added:
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.”
Anthony’s Take: This is all subject to regulatory approval, but it looks like JetBlue and United have been careful in the terms of the partnership and with the current administration this should be a reality soon. As has been said before, this appears to be stage 1 and will eventually lead to JetBlue joining Star Alliance and then potentially being acquired by United.
(Image Credits: JetBlue and United.)
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