On Thursday, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways announced a new interline agreement dubbed “Blue Sky,” which has the aviation world abuzz.
The collaboration, announced by both airlines in a joint statement, follows months of speculation about a potential deal between the two carriers.
Blue Sky isn’t just another codeshare or a rehash of JetBlue’s ill-fated Northeast Alliance with American Airlines. It’s a strategic partnership designed to boost customer choice, supercharge loyalty programs, and mark United’s long-awaited return to New York’s JFK International Airport.
Let’s take a look at what this means for frequent flyers, the industry, and the New York market.
A Win for Loyalty Members: MileagePlus and TrueBlue Get a Boost
The heart of Blue Sky is the integration of United’s MileagePlus and JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty programs, a move set to make life sweeter for millions of travelers. Starting this fall—pending regulatory approval—MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue flights, while TrueBlue members can do the same on United’s vast network. This reciprocal miles and points accrual, based on revenue, opens up a treasure trove of new destinations for both sets of loyalists.
For JetBlue’s TrueBlue members, the benefits are massive. With nearly three out of five people in New York City and Boston enrolled in TrueBlue, JetBlue’s Northeast-heavy customer base now gets access to United’s global reach: 165 additional US destinations, eight in Canada, two in the Caribbean, 31 in Latin America, 27 in Europe, five in Africa, two in the Middle East, 15 in Asia, and 14 in the South Pacific. That’s a staggering 264 new markets for TrueBlue members to earn and burn points on, including global gateways like London, Tokyo, and Sydney.
United’s MileagePlus members, meanwhile, gain access to JetBlue’s leisure-focused network, including 15 destinations United doesn’t serve, like Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. (MVY); Cartagena, Colombia (CTG); Kingston, Jamaica (KIN); and Ponce, Puerto Rico (PSE). JetBlue’s 90 daily flights to the Caribbean and 180 from JFK alone make this a boon for sun-seekers and East Coast travelers. Plus, JetBlue’s focus cities—Fort Lauderdale (FLL), San Juan (SJU), Orlando (MCO), and Los Angeles (LAX)—add serious depth to United’s offerings.
Elite status perks are another highlight. When flying JetBlue, United Premier members will enjoy their usual benefits, such as priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage. JetBlue’s Mosaic members get the same VIP treatment on United. Complimentary access to preferred and extra-legroom seats, same-day standby/switch options, and one free checked bag are also part of the deal for qualifying elites on both carriers. Details on premium cabin upgrades, like JetBlue’s Mint or United’s Polaris, are still under wraps, but both airlines promise more clarity later this year.
United’s Big Return to JFK
United’s retreat from JFK in 2015, followed by a brief return in 2021 and another exit in October 2022, was a sore spot for CEO Scott Kirby, who called it a “strategic mistake” by his predecessor, Jeff Smisek. Blue Sky changes all that. As part of the alliance, JetBlue is handing over slots for up to seven daily roundtrip flights from JFK’s new Terminal 6, with flights potentially beginning in 2027. In a “net-neutral exchange,” United and JetBlue will swap eight slots at Newark Liberty (EWR), ensuring neither airline gains an unfair edge.
This move reestablishes United’s presence at one of the world’s most iconic airports, bridging the gap between its EWR hub and JetBlue’s JFK stronghold at Terminal 5. For United, it’s a chance to reclaim a slice of the lucrative New York market while leaning on JetBlue’s infrastructure. For JetBlue, it’s a way to bolster its Newark presence without sacrificing its JFK dominance.
Streamlined Booking and Travel Services
While the news about Blue Sky focuses on loyalty points and slots, it’s also worth nothing that the alliance will help make travel easier. Customers will soon be able to book flights on either airline through their websites and respective mobile apps. This seamless ticketing experience is a big win for travelers who value convenience over brand loyalty.
United is also following JetBlue’s lead by integrating its ancillary travel services—hotels, rental cars, cruises, and travel insurance—into a single platform on united.com and its app, powered by JetBlue’s Paisly technology. Currently, United funnels customers to separate services like United Hotels and United Cruises. The new setup, leveraging Paisly’s human-first approach and advanced tech, promises leisure travelers a slicker, more cohesive booking experience.
Why This Matters for JetBlue
Blue Sky is a lifeline for JetBlue after years of searching for a stable US partner. Previous alliances with American Airlines (the Northeast Alliance, which ended in 2023) and Spirit Airlines didn’t pan out, leaving JetBlue—a 4% player in the US market—struggling to compete with giants like Delta, Southwest, and United (which holds a 16% share, per the US Department of Transportation). This alliance gives JetBlue a powerful ally without the regulatory headaches of a codeshare or merger.
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty called the partnership a “bold step forward” and a “clear win” for customers and crewmembers. By tapping into United’s global network, JetBlue can offer TrueBlue members unparalleled access to international destinations while maintaining its East Coast and Caribbean strengths. The slot exchange at Newark further solidifies JetBlue’s footprint in the New York metro area, its hometown market.
A New Chapter for United
For United, Blue Sky is a strategic coup. The return to JFK addresses a long-standing gap in its network, and the partnership with JetBlue—a carrier with a loyal Northeast following—adds leisure destinations that complement United’s business-heavy routes. CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the alliance’s focus on “innovation and the customer experience,” noting that United employees are “really excited” about the JFK comeback. With 380 destinations across six continents and a fleet of 1,033 aircraft, United’s scale gives JetBlue’s customers a world of options while reinforcing United’s dominance in the US market.
What’s Next for Blue Sky?
Unlike the defunct Northeast Alliance, Blue Sky is an interline agreement, meaning both airlines will continue to operate, price, and market flights independently. This sidesteps the antitrust scrutiny that doomed JetBlue’s tie-up with American. Regulatory approval is still pending, but both carriers are optimistic, with some components—like loyalty program integration and cross-booking—slated to launch this fall. Corporate travelers may also benefit as both airlines explore extending parts of their corporate discount programs to the partner’s flights.
While details on premium cabin reciprocity and full loyalty integration are still forthcoming, the Blue Sky Alliance is poised to shake up the US airline landscape. For frequent flyers, it’s a chance to stretch their miles and points further than ever. For United, it’s a triumphant return to JFK. And for JetBlue, it’s a long-sought partnership that finally gives it the muscle to compete with the big dogs.
Fingers crossed that blue skies are, indeed, ahead.
