JetBlue and United announced today that they have successfully completed the review of their Blue Sky collaboration by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). This approval now allows the two airlines to proceed to the implementation phase of the partnership.
JetBlue and United Will Begin Implementing Blue Sky in the Coming Weeks
According to the airlines, implementation of the Blue Sky collaboration will begin in the coming weeks and both carriers expect to share more details then. While more information is coming, here’s what we know about Blue Sky:
- United’s MileagePlus customers will be able to earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights. JetBlue’s TrueBlue members will be able to earn and use points for flights on United’s extensive domestic and international network.
- Through a traditional interline agreement, each airline will offer flights on one another’s website and app to make booking across the two airlines’ complementary networks simple and easy.
- The benefits of each airline’s loyalty program – priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats and same-day standby/switch – will be available when customers travel on the other airline’s aircraft.
- JetBlue will provide United access to slots at JFK International Airport for up to seven daily round-trip flights out of JFK Terminal 6 to begin as early as 2027. And, as part of a net-neutral exchange, JetBlue and United will exchange eight flight timings at Newark.
- United will move its website and mobile app’s ability to sell hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel insurance, on both a stand-alone and package basis, to new technology and services provided by JetBlue’s Paisly platform.
Summary
JetBlue and United have passed DOT review for their Blue Sky collaboration. The two carriers will release additional details regarding the partnership in the coming weeks, with new benefits rolling out this fall.
(Images courtesy JetBlue and United)
