JetBlue and United Launch BlueSky Loyalty Points Collaboration, Space Sharing at JFK & Newark

(Long Island City, New York & Chicago, Illinois) JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and United (NASDAQ: UAL) this morning (May 29) launched Blue Sky, a collaboration that links the respective airlines’ TrueBlue and MileagePlus loyalty programs, as well as a space sharing agreement at their respective John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Newark hubs.

Photo of the JetBlue and United announcement regarding their Blue Sky collaboration courtesy of United via PR Newswire.

Customers of United’s MileagePlus will be able to earn and use miles on JetBlue – including hundreds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston – while TrueBlue members can earn and use points on United flights, including to popular international destinations such as Cape Town and Tahiti, according to today’s press release from JetBlue and United.

Both JetBlue and United will offer flights on one another’s website and app, and the benefits of each airline’s loyalty program – including priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby/switch – will be available across both airlines, according to the airlines. United will also move some of its holiday and travel services to JetBlue’s Paisley program.

Per Aviation Week, United’s collaboration with JetBlue carries the benefit of allowing the carrier to reach its goal of returning to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK).

Specifically, JetBlue will provide United with access to slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for up to seven daily round-trip flights beginning in 2027, and JetBlue and United will exchange eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), according to today’s press release.

BlueSky includes an interline agreement – rather than a codeshare- between JetBlue and United, meaning that each airline will continue to publish and market flights independently under its own brand and flight numbers.

Infographic summarizing the benefits to Blue Sky customers from JetBlue and United, courtesy of JetBlue.

“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,” said Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue. “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 said: “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.”