JetBlue and United are teaming up in a new partnership called Blue Sky. This deal includes sharing loyalty benefits between JetBlue TrueBlue and United MileagePlus programs. Members can earn and redeem points on most flights with either airline. The partnership also gives elite members perks like priority check-in, extra legroom seats, and free checked bags when flying with the partner airline. While not a full codeshare agreement, the airlines will sell tickets on each other’s websites through an interline agreement.

As part of the deal, JetBlue will give United access to JFK Airport slots for up to seven daily roundtrip flights starting around 2027. In return, United will provide JetBlue with eight flight timings at Newark Airport. United will also start using JetBlue’s Paisly platform for selling hotels, rental cars, and other travel services on its website and app. Full details about point earning rates and exactly which flights qualify are still to be announced.

Booked flight using points for an award ticket.

Our Take

This partnership makes sense for both airlines but for different reasons. JetBlue needs help with profitability and a strong domestic partner with global reach. Getting access to United’s much larger customer base could bring many new flyers to JetBlue, especially in the New York area. For United, getting back into JFK Airport seems to be the main goal, though starting with just seven daily flights in 2027 feels like a small beginning for what they likely want long-term.

Our feeling is that this partnership might just be the first step toward something bigger. The arrangement helps both airlines address weaknesses in their networks and loyalty programs. For points and miles enthusiasts, this means more options for earning and using your rewards. We’re eager to see the full details about redemption rates and elite benefits as they’re announced. This could be particularly valuable for travelers who live in cities served by one airline but frequently need to reach destinations better covered by the other.