JetBlue came through and approved my status challenge, but then added a twist this week with a new 25-year status opportunity and I might go from novice to forever Blue.
JetBlue Accepts My Application, Caveat For Others
I was notified this week that my application for a Mosaic status challenge was accepted to much relief. It came just a few days under the gun, and for those considering it, there’s still time before June 30th deadline. That said, I found some interesting notes when researching the delay I was experiencing.
Many others were confirmed faster than I was – nearly immediately. However, it’s also possible that it could take up to six weeks to process. Readers that are on the fence should act fast if they choose to challenge, or wait for the next opportunity. Generally speaking, Delta Medallion Diamonds, and Delta 360 as well as American Airlines Executive Platinum holders and Concierge Key members have not seen the same level of opportunity in recent years, other elites might do better to wait if they are unsure and challenges are only available every 24 months.
Six weeks into a 12-week challenge could be consequential for those trying to challenge so proceed with caution.
The 25-Year Mosaic Status Opportunity
The airline has also announced a progressive status challenge open to everyone with milestone rewards along the way:
“From June 25 through December 31, 2025, TrueBlue members can earn up to 350,000 bonus TrueBlue points and even secure 25 years of Mosaic 1 status just by exploring more of JetBlue’s expansive network. The more destinations a TrueBlue member visits, the more bonus points they can earn. Here’s how the rewards stack up:
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15 JetBlue Destinations: Earn 150,000 bonus TrueBlue points
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20 JetBlue Destinations: Earn an additional 200,000 bonus TrueBlue points
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25 JetBlue Destinations: Earn 25 years of Mosaic 1, plus all the above bonus TrueBlue points” – JetBlue
Practically Achieving This, And The Value
Is Mosaic 1 for the next 25 years interesting to me, sure, somewhat, It’s not worth chasing by itself. However, 350,000 TrueBlue points have a value just shy of $5,000 (1.4¢/point at 350,000 points.) In addition to that, as part of an active challenge I have anyway, and a decent payout if I fall short but still achieve the minimum of 15 JetBlue destinations. Some have been able to book Japan Airlines business class awards for as little as 59,000 points each way. Using a $3,000 roundtrip to Japan in business class as the value basis, elevates the value of TrueBlue points to 2.5¢/point.
My Possible Plan
I have precious little time at the moment, so spending extra time flying when I don’t need to doesn’t excite me like it once did. But because I already have the other challenge going, I might be able to fit some in to make this work. I could target cities and schedules that allow for affordable fares and easily moved to nearby alternate airports.
For example, I could easily fill a day and knock out six cities for less than $300:
- JFK-PBI
- FLL-LGA
- EWR-MCO
Then some a longer way home than I’d like but still relatively reasonable:
- RSW-BOS
- BOS-DCA
- IAD-JFK
- JFK-PIT
That puts me at 11 unique cities over two days with a little bit of hassle (Brightline can help me position a bit in the Florida markets, taxis in New York and between Washington National and Dulles will add time and cost to the proposition.) For the other 4-14 cities it will be down to how I can utilize my time and opportunities, Cleveland is drivable for me as is Buffalo, and further south, Tampa though Miami is no crossed off the list.
Conclusion
I’m glad to have been accepted into the challenge and I believe I will be able to achieve it based on the spend option which could end up also being de facto United 1K status though more on that remains to be seen. Still, the added points I would accrue on these quick turns, plus the spending will also give me a decent balance with which to utilize for interesting trips both trans-Atlantic and through JAL, trans-Pacific.
What do you think?
Better read the small print:
“Departure airports will not count as destinations in this promotion (e.g., LAX-BUF will count as visiting one destination (BUF)). ”
So your JFK-PBI ; FLL-LGA ; EWR-MCO journey is 3 airports, not 6.
Good eyes !
Only destinations count – departure airports do not.
Perhaps “Mosaic 1 Status” will end next year ?
As Matt pondered, how will an airline acquiring them handle this?
Certainly a valid question.
One should look up how airline mergers affected previous lifetime memberships in Continental, etc. Did they automatically get a similar status in the new airline? It’s also important to read the print in the Mosaic terms and conditions how mergers or acquisitions would affect status.
That said, in two weeks or so, I expect someone is going to publish their planned road map for the best multi-city flights to maximize the run such as A->B->C->A so all 4 would qualify.
Your info on JAL business class is woefully outdated. They’re charging 89k miles for J and it is not likely to go back down
Also have you actually read the T&Cs on the JetBlue promotion? Only arrivals count. Would hate for you to fail to meet the threshold you want ‘cause you couldn’t be bothered
Jet Blue has not served IAD for at least 5 years