United Airlines and JetBlue just unveiled their Blue Sky partnership, a reciprocal loyalty deal that will let you earn and spend miles across both carriers, and open up elite perks in the future. Subject to regulatory approval, the collaboration is set to roll out this fall and could reshape how you use your award miles on domestic and international routes.

Update

As of October 23rd, 2025, the partnership is active. Check out this post for the latest information.

The tail fins of a jetBlue and United Airlines airplane against a blue sky with clouds, featuring the text

What Is the Blue Sky Partnership?

Blue Sky brings together United’s global footprint and JetBlue’s East Coast and leisure network. The key customer benefits include:

  • Reciprocal mileage earning and redemption: Use MileagePlus miles on JetBlue flights and TrueBlue points on United.
  • Elite status reciprocity: Future rollout of shared elite perks.
  • Website integration: Each airline will offer the other’s flights for sale online.

Earning and Redeeming Miles

Under Blue Sky, miles accrual and redemption are revenue-based on both airlines. Here’s how it works:

Action Details
Earning miles/points Revenue-based accrual in your home program on partner flights
Redeeming awards Book reward seats on most flights of either airline
Online booking Partner flights appear on both carriers’ websites

This means you’ll earn miles or points based on ticket price rather than flight distance, and you can mix-and-match awards on United or JetBlue flights seamlessly.

Elite Status Perks (Coming Soon)

The airlines have committed to extending reciprocal benefits for their elite frequent flyers. While specifics and start dates are still pending regulatory sign-off, you can expect:

  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Complimentary upgrades (where eligible)
  • Free checked baggage allowance
  • Lounge access for top tiers

United and JetBlue will share more details on exact tier mapping and launch timing in the months ahead.

United and JetBlue collaboration in Blue Sky.

Beyond the Cabin: Business Collaboration

Blue Sky isn’t just about loyalty programs. The carriers are collaborating on airport operations and ancillary sales:

Initiative Description
JFK slot swap JetBlue will transfer up to seven daily JFK slot pairs to United starting 2027
Newark schedule coordination United and JetBlue will swap flight times for better connections at EWR
Paisly platform adoption United will use JetBlue’s Paisly system to sell cruises, hotels, and cars

These moves will give United a longer-term presence at JFK and streamline travel packaging for both airlines.

What’s Next (Timeline)

  • Regulatory review: Underway now
  • Initial launch: Expected this fall for miles earning and redemption
  • Elite perks rollout: Dates to be announced after approval
  • Slot and scheduling changes: Beginning in 2027

Frequent flyers should watch for updates later this year. Once the partnership is live, you’ll have more flexibility when searching for award seats, richer options for earning, and (soon) expanded elite recognition across two major US carriers.

Stay tuned for more details on Blue Sky as United and JetBlue finalize their plans.

Search United and JetBlue Awards Side-by-Side

Now that Blue Sky is live, you’ll want to compare award pricing across both airlines to find the best deals. AwardFares lets you:

  • Search both programs at once - See United and JetBlue award space in a single search
  • Compare redemption rates - Quickly spot whether United miles or TrueBlue points offer better value for your route
  • Filter by alliance - Easily toggle between Star Alliance (United) and non-alliance (JetBlue) inventory
  • 📆 Timeline view - Compare award prices across weeks or months to find the cheapest dates
  • 🔔 Set up alerts - Get notified when award space opens up on your desired routes

Start searching Blue Sky awards now →

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