JetBlue and United Airlines have launched Blue Sky, a groundbreaking collaboration that links their loyalty programs and expands customer benefits across both networks.
Announced on May 29, 2025, the partnership allows members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue and United’s MileagePlus programs to earn and redeem points on each other’s flights, enhancing flexibility and convenience for frequent flyers.
Mutual Loyalty: Miles and Benefits Shared
With Blue Sky, MileagePlus members will now be able to use and earn miles on most JetBlue flights, including JetBlue’s robust summer schedule of 90 daily flights between the Northeast and Caribbean. TrueBlue members, in turn, gain access to United’s vast domestic and international network, including high-demand global destinations like Cape Town and Tahiti.
The agreement includes more than just shared mileage. Flyers from both airlines will enjoy:
- Priority check-in, boarding, security, and baggage handling
- Complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seating
- Free first checked bag
- Same-day flight changes and standby options
These benefits are designed to mirror the experience customers receive on their native airline, offering a seamless experience regardless of which carrier they choose. This infographic summarizes some of the benefits customers will enjoy over time*. JetBlue and United will share more details about the timing of these features later this year:
Booking Made Easy: Shared Platforms and Services
JetBlue and United will also begin offering each other’s flights on their respective websites and mobile apps. While Blue Sky does not include a codeshare agreement, both airlines have entered into an interline agreement, allowing travelers to book across both networks more easily. Each airline will maintain independent flight numbers and branding.
Additionally, United will transition its travel services—hotel bookings, car rentals, cruises, and travel insurance—to JetBlue’s advanced Paisly platform. This move modernizes United’s ancillary offerings while enhancing the booking process for customers looking for comprehensive travel packages.
Strategic Slot Swap: JFK and Newark Enhancements
As part of the collaboration, JetBlue has agreed to provide United access to valuable slots at New York’s JFK International Airport, specifically Terminal 6. This will enable United to operate up to seven daily round-trip flights starting in 2027, marking a strategic return to JFK for the carrier. The airlines also plan a net-neutral exchange of eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport to optimize schedules and improve connectivity.
| Location | Change | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| JFK Terminal 6 | United gains up to 7 daily round-trip slots | 2027 |
| Newark Liberty Airport | JetBlue and United exchange 8 flight timings | TBD |
Long-Term Vision for Travelers
According to Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, the collaboration supports the airline’s JetForward strategy and enhances customer experience by integrating JetBlue’s leisure-focused East Coast routes with United’s international reach. Scott Kirby, CEO of United, emphasized the shared focus on innovation and highlighted the partnership as a unique opportunity to give customers more ways to use their loyalty rewards and expand their flight options globally.
While the two airlines will continue to price, market, and manage their networks independently, this partnership offers the flexibility of integrated benefits without merging operations—a model that preserves brand identity while increasing customer value.
What’s Next for MileagePlus and TrueBlue?
While reciprocal point and mile accrual begins as early as fall 2025 (pending regulatory review), more integrated benefits are expected to roll out over time. These will include revenue-based points accrual and redemption, and continued alignment of elite status perks.
The Blue Sky initiative is poised to redefine how travelers view airline loyalty—moving beyond traditional alliances to a new model of flexible, customer-first cooperation.
