JetBlue and United Airlines Launch Groundbreaking Blue Sky Loyalty Benefits, Enabling Members to Earn and Redeem Across Both Networks
JetBlue and United Airlines today unveiled the first major customer benefit arising from their innovative Blue Sky collaboration. Beginning immediately, loyalty program members of both airlines can now earn and redeem points or miles across each other’s networks, marking a significant milestone in the airlines’ shared vision to deliver a more seamless and rewarding travel experience.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to providing passengers with greater flexibility and choice when booking flights, empowering them to make the most of their loyalty currency while enjoying access to expanded destinations and enhanced travel options.
Loyalty Earn and Redeem Across Both Airlines
Effective today, TrueBlue members can earn points and redeem them for flights throughout United Airlines’ global network, including United Express-operated flights. Conversely, United MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on most flights across JetBlue’s network, which focuses on major leisure destinations in the U.S. and the Caribbean.
The new integration makes it easier than ever for travelers to leverage their loyalty rewards. When searching for flights using points or miles on either JetBlue or United’s websites and mobile apps, customers will now see options across both airlines’ networks. This functionality transforms routine travel into tangible benefits, helping members maximize the value of every trip.
How It Works:
- Earning Points or Miles: TrueBlue members can enter their loyalty number when booking United-operated flights on United.com. Likewise, MileagePlus members can input their number when booking JetBlue-operated flights on JetBlue.com. Points and miles will then accrue as if the flight were booked directly with the member’s primary airline.
- Redeeming Points or Miles: Members can redeem their rewards by booking award travel directly through their respective airline’s website, choosing the option to pay with points or miles. The streamlined process ensures that travelers have clear visibility into their options while preserving the familiar booking experience.
In a joint statement, the airlines highlighted the significance of this launch: “With reciprocal earning and redemption now available, Blue Sky is officially taking flight. We’re thrilled to give our loyalty members the ability to use the program of their choice when traveling across our complementary networks.”
Expanding the Blue Sky Experience
While today’s announcement represents a major step, both airlines emphasize that it is just the beginning of the Blue Sky collaboration. Additional customer benefits are expected to roll out in phases over the coming months and years.
Some key upcoming initiatives include:
- Revenue Booking (Q1 2026): Travelers will be able to book itineraries on either airline using cash, miles, or points. This integration will simplify the booking process and provide passengers with enhanced flexibility, making it easier to tailor travel to their schedules and preferences.
- Reciprocal Perks and Benefits (Early 2026): Loyalty members will gain access to a range of reciprocal benefits such as priority boarding, preferred and extra legroom seating, and options for same-day standby or flight changes. These perks are designed to provide consistent, premium experiences across both airlines, regardless of which carrier operates the flight.
- Enhanced Travel Services: United’s MileagePlus Travel program will transition to JetBlue’s Paisly, LLC, in early 2026. This move will expand options for hotels, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages, and travel insurance, providing MileagePlus members with more robust and flexible travel solutions powered by JetBlue’s wholly owned travel product company.
- Support for JFK Expansion: JetBlue will provide support for United’s expansion at JFK Airport, offering access to slots for up to seven daily roundtrips from JetBlue’s new Terminal 6. This partnership is expected to begin as early as 2027, enhancing connectivity for both airlines’ customers at one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
Through these phased initiatives, Blue Sky aims to not only elevate the customer experience but also create new avenues for growth for both airlines. By linking their networks, loyalty programs, and operational capabilities, JetBlue and United are establishing a more integrated, seamless travel ecosystem that benefits passengers and strengthens competitive positioning in the airline industry.
Customer-Centric Approach to Loyalty
The Blue Sky collaboration underscores a growing trend in the airline industry: leveraging partnerships to provide more flexible and valuable loyalty experiences. With travelers increasingly seeking convenience, transparency, and the ability to use rewards across multiple platforms, cross-airline loyalty programs like Blue Sky are becoming essential.
For frequent travelers, the benefits are tangible:
- Expanded Options: Members can book flights across two complementary networks, opening access to domestic and international destinations that were previously less accessible through a single loyalty program.
- Greater Value: Points and miles can now be used more strategically. For example, a traveler can earn United miles on a JetBlue leisure flight or use TrueBlue points for a United international trip, allowing rewards to go further.
- Simplified Travel: The integration reduces friction in the booking process, consolidates travel management across networks, and enhances the ability to plan seamless itineraries.
By prioritizing loyalty member convenience, both airlines are setting a new standard for customer-focused partnerships in aviation. The Blue Sky program exemplifies how collaboration—rather than competition alone—can drive innovation and elevate the passenger experience.
The launch of reciprocal earning and redemption is just the first step in what promises to be a multi-year evolution of the Blue Sky partnership. As the airlines roll out additional benefits, travelers can expect a more cohesive experience, from booking to boarding, that combines the best of both carriers’ networks and services.
In the long term, the partnership aims to:
- Strengthen each airline’s market presence by leveraging complementary networks.
- Enhance loyalty program engagement by providing more versatile earning and redemption options.
- Streamline operations and improve travel convenience through coordinated scheduling, shared airport resources, and integrated technology platforms.
Ultimately, Blue Sky represents a forward-looking approach to air travel—one that prioritizes flexibility, rewards, and choice for the passenger while fostering sustainable growth for the airlines involved.
JetBlue and United Airlines’ launch of cross-airline loyalty earning and redemption marks a transformative moment in aviation. By allowing TrueBlue and MileagePlus members to earn and redeem points and miles across each other’s networks, the airlines are delivering unprecedented flexibility and value to travelers.
As Blue Sky continues to expand with revenue booking, reciprocal perks, enhanced travel services, and strategic support for airport operations, customers can look forward to a truly connected and rewarding travel experience. For both airlines, the initiative signals a bold, collaborative approach to growth, loyalty, and customer satisfaction—demonstrating that when competitors come together, passengers are the ultimate winners.