Woah – United and JetBlue announce unique partnership, Blue Sky

United Airlines and JetBlue have announced a surprising and innovative partnership, named Blue Sky, that aims to link the two airlines’ loyalty programs and networks. This partnership is not a traditional codeshare or merger. Instead, it’s a layered collaboration designed to give both airlines access to the best of what the other offers, while each carrier retains its independent brand, pricing, and scheduling strategy. The biggest takeaway here is that United will return to JFK (in 2027) through this partnership, and JetBlue will get some slots in Newark (EWR).

Reciprocal Loyalty Program Benefits

Blue Sky will bring reciprocal benefits between United’s MileagePlus and JetBlue’s TrueBlue programs. MileagePlus members will be able to earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue flights. Similarly, TrueBlue members will have the ability to earn and redeem points on United’s expansive domestic and international network.

In addition, core benefits of each loyalty program, such as priority check-in, boarding, complimentary preferred or extra legroom seating, free checked bags, and same-day changes, will be honoured across both carriers. Timing for the full rollout of reciprocal benefits is expected to be announced later this year. The following 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.

Airport Slot Sharing and Booking Integration

Through the Blue Sky partnership, United will regain access to JFK Airport through JetBlue’s Terminal 6, with plans to operate up to seven daily round-trip flights starting in 2027. This is a notable return to JFK for United after a prolonged absence, strengthening its New York presence.

Additionally, JetBlue and United have agreed to exchange eight flight timings at EWR in what they have called a ‘net-neutral slot swap‘.

Blue Sky also promises a streamlined booking experience where customers will soon be able to book flights on either airline through each other’s websites and mobile apps. The partnership is structured as an interline agreement rather than a codeshare, so flights will still appear under their respective airline brands and flight numbers.

Travel Packages and the Paisly Platform

Another layer of integration involves JetBlue’s proprietary Paisly platform. United will migrate its hotel, car rental, cruise, and travel insurance sales to Paisly’s infrastructure, both on its website and mobile app. This marks a significant shift in how United packages travel products for its customers. Paisly’s standout feature is its “Helpful Humans” concierge-style support model, which departs from the industry’s typical reliance on automation and third-party call centers. This could be a notable upgrade in the customer experience for United’s leisure travel segment.

JetBlue is also expected to integrate with Kinective Media, United’s real-time traveller media network, which will unlock the ability for JetBlue to send personalized content, offers, and advertising to its members.

Takeaway

Blue Sky is still subject to regulatory review. The scope of this collaboration sidesteps a full merger or alliance structure, with a potential for significant improvement in customer experience. For those of us invested in points and miles, the mutual mileage earning, redemption, and elite benefits will likely open up new strategic options, especially for East Coast flyers looking to expand their loyalty reach or West Coast travellers seeking more Caribbean access.

I’ll be watching closely to see how this evolves, particularly once the integration timelines are firmed up and award charts or booking platforms reflect these changes.

*Benefits subject to change.