United and JetBlue just announced one of the biggest airline shake-ups of the year: a brand-new alliance called Blue Sky.
While the partnership is still pending regulatory approval, it’s expected to roll out this fall and bring major changes for frequent flyers, including easier booking, reciprocal elite perks, and the ability to earn and redeem miles across both carriers.
If you regularly fly either airline, or collect points with JetBlue TrueBlue or United MileagePlus, you’re going to want to pay attention.
Let’s break it all down, because there’s a lot to get excited about.
Book JetBlue and United Flights in One Place
Starting in fall 2025 (pending regulatory approval), you’ll be able to book JetBlue flights directly through United’s website and app — and vice versa. That makes booking mixed-itinerary trips with both airlines way easier. You can expect simpler rebooking, better connections, and less stress when your travel plans change.
This isn’t a full-on codeshare like you’d see with Star Alliance partners. Each airline will keep its own branding and flight numbers, but you’ll be able to combine them under one reservation. It’s a win for flexibility.
Elite Perks Across Both Airlines
Whether you’ve got United Premier status or JetBlue Mosaic status, you’ll get reciprocal elite benefits when flying the other airline — and yes, that includes some actually good perks:
Free first checked bag
Priority check-in and boarding
Same-day changes
Access to extra legroom seats
The good news is… this isn’t just for top-tier elites. Even entry-level elites from either program will see benefits. There’s no confirmed word yet on fare class upgrades or lounge access, but for now, this is already a big step in the right direction.
Earn and Redeem Points on Both Airlines
JetBlue TrueBlue members will be able to earn and redeem points on United flights, including long-haul international routes that JetBlue doesn’t operate. And United MileagePlus members will be able to earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue flights (more details to come).
This gives you a ton of new redemption options on both sides. JetBlue fans can now use points to fly to spots like Cape Town or Tahiti… hello! And, United flyers can start racking up (and spending) miles on JetBlue’s massive network of Caribbean, Florida, and Northeast routes.
United is Coming Back to New York’s JFK
As part of this alliance, United is finally making its return to JFK airport — something that’s been in the works for years (yay!). Thanks to the deal, United will get access to up to seven daily round-trip spots from JFK starting in 2027.
JetBlue will also gain better scheduling at Newark through a timing swap with United, which should help increase its presence at United’s hub.
What This Means for Your Credit Card Points
One of the reasons we’re personally stoked about this partnership is how it expands your options for those sweet and beautiful and wonderful credit card points.
JetBlue is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards®, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Capital One miles, with varying transfer rates.
United is slightly more limited, with only Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards as transfer partners.
That means if you hold any of these cards:
You now have a new path to indirectly access United’s network by transferring to JetBlue and redeeming points on United flights. I’ve never been one to complain about a little more flexibility… and more chances at a sweet redemption.
Bottom Line
The new JetBlue and United Blue Sky alliance is one of the most exciting airline partnerships we’ve seen in years. It opens up more routes, makes redemptions much easier, and brings two very different networks under a much more traveler-friendly umbrella.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer with either airline or sitting on a stash of flexible credit card points, this partnership means more options and better value.
Blue Sky might just be the partnership we didn’t know we needed.
