United and JetBlue Launch ‘Blue Sky’ Partnership: Earn and Redeem Miles Across Both Airlines

United and JetBlue airplanes together on tarmac.

United Airlines and JetBlue have officially launched their "Blue Sky" partnership, a significant alliance allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points and miles across their networks. This collaboration aims to expand travel options and enhance benefits for frequent flyers of both carriers.

Key Takeaways

  • United MileagePlus members can now earn and redeem miles on JetBlue flights.
  • JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn and redeem points on United flights.
  • Reciprocal elite status benefits are expected to launch in early 2026.
  • Earning and redemption rates offer a "mixed bag" for travelers.

Earning Miles and Points

Under the "Blue Sky" alliance, travelers can now accrue loyalty currency with their preferred airline when flying on the partner carrier. To earn United MileagePlus miles on a JetBlue-operated flight, bookings must be made through JetBlue’s website, selecting "United MileagePlus" as the loyalty program. Earning rates for United members start at 5 miles per dollar, with higher rates for elite members. However, United members will not earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) or Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) on these JetBlue flights.

Conversely, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn points on United flights by booking through United’s website and selecting "JetBlue TrueBlue" as their loyalty program. Earnings begin at 5 points per dollar, with an additional bonus for Mosaic members. A key benefit for JetBlue members is the ability to earn tiles toward Mosaic status when crediting United flights to their TrueBlue account.

Redemption Opportunities

The "Blue Sky" partnership also opens up redemption options across both airlines. United MileagePlus members can search for JetBlue award flights on United’s website. Similarly, JetBlue TrueBlue members can find and book United flights using their points through JetBlue’s website.

While the partnership offers more redemption choices, the value proposition for redemptions is described as a "mixed bag," with some decent awards but also many underwhelming options. Travelers are advised to compare redemption rates carefully.

Future Enhancements

Looking ahead, the "Blue Sky" partnership is set to introduce further integrations. By the first quarter of 2026, the airlines plan to enable "revenue bookings" through each other’s websites, allowing customers to purchase tickets for one airline on the other’s platform. Additionally, United is expected to return to JetBlue’s hub at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by 2027 as part of this ongoing collaboration.

Sources

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