JetBlue and United Airlines have launched the first major benefit of their Blue Sky partnership: effective immediately, members of each airline’s loyalty program can earn and redeem miles or points across both carriers’ networks. But don’t get too excited just yet.
JetBlue And United Launch Reciprocal Loyalty Earning And Redemption
The move marks the first tangible customer perk of the airlines’ broader collaboration announced earlier this year. In theory, it gives travelers far greater flexibility to book flights and collect rewards with their preferred loyalty currency, no matter which airline operates the route. In practice, there are still unanswered questions.
TrueBlue And MileagePlus Members Can Earn And Redeem Across Both Networks
Starting today, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn points and redeem them on United’s global network, including United Express flights. Likewise, United MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue-operated routes serving top “leisure” destinations. United MileagePlus members can earn miles when traveling on JetBlue at the following rates:
There are some routes that are excluded:
Members cannot earn miles for travel between Newark (EWR) and these destinations: Aruba (AUA), Cancun (CUN), Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS), and Punta Cana (PUJ).
Furthermore, not every fare class is eligible for earning. Fare classes A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y, and Z are eligible for accrual.
When booking on JetBlue.com or United.com, loyalty members can enter their program number to accrue rewards on the other airline’s flights. Redemption still occurs on each airline’s respective site, where customers can now view award availability on both carriers directly.
For JetBlue loyalists, you’ll earn TrueBlue points at the following rates on United:
In a joint statement, the airlines said, “With reciprocal earning and redemption now available, Blue Sky is officially taking flight. We’re excited to give our loyalty members the ability to use the program of their choice when traveling across our complementary networks.”
Redemption Rates Not Attractive…
The limitation to “leisure” destinations is vague, but I’m seeing award availability, for example, between New York and Los Angeles on JetBlue using United MileagePlus. Economy class books into X and “Mint” business class books into A. Economy class is 35K one-way and business class is 80K one-way, meaning you are better off using Qatar Avios for JetBlue redemptions.
This is for February 8, 2026…where that 6:00 am flight or 8:31 pm flight are currently being sold for $124 in basic economy or $169 in regular economy…a dreadfully horrible redemption.
Even Mint business class redemptions are not getting you much more than one cent per point.
As of now, I have not found any transatlantic JetBlue redemptions available with United miles.
If you’re looking to use JetBlue miles for United, you’re also looking at generally unattractive redemption rates. For example, shorthaul economy class tickets start at 11,900 miles and transatlantic economy travel starts at 44,900 points per ticket. I see no business class availability.
More Integration Ahead
This new loyalty reciprocity is just the first phase. The airlines outlined additional benefits coming in 2026, including:
- Revenue Booking: Starting early 2026, customers will be able to book itineraries on either airline using cash, miles, or points.
- Reciprocal Perks: Priority boarding, extra-legroom seating, and same-day standby and flight changes for elite members are expected to roll out in the first quarter of 2026.
- Travel Extras Integration: United’s MileagePlus Travel platform will migrate to JetBlue’s Paisly booking system, expanding options for hotels, cars, and packages.
- JFK Expansion: JetBlue will support United’s return to New York–JFK by providing access to up to seven daily roundtrips from the new Terminal 6 beginning as early as 2027.
Blue Sky aims to create a more connected and customer-focused travel experience, with each airline maintaining its own identity while linking two large networks under shared commercial cooperation.
CONCLUSION
The new JetBlue–United partnership seeks to bring meaningful value to loyalty members on both sides, offering immediate earning and redemption flexibility and promising broader integration in 2026. At least when it comes to redemptions, the additional choice is appreciated, but the rates are not good. The additional reciprocal benefits reflected in the chart above will be more meaningful, but will not roll out until early in 2026.
Compared to the ‘partnership’ between jetBlue and American, which included reciprocal lounge access (a major benefit for B6 flyers), this one, between jetBlue and United, does not include such privileges (for now at least), which is a major disappointment; would be nice to go to a UnitedClub before a jetBlue flight (then again, I presume, United Club members would loathe that influx of ‘filthy Mosaic, premium Barclays card members, and Mint passengers, eh?)
I find it interesting that EWR routes are excluded…that would have been perfect for reciprocal lounge access. UA and B6 operate side by side in A.
I totally agree. For now, there are no non-airline lounges at Terminal A (or C), but, supposedly in 2026, Amex is finally opening that super-sized Centurion at EWR Terminal A. Looking forward to that at least. Fortunately, the new-ish UnitedClub, SkyClub, and AdmiralsClub at A is pretty nice. More options, the better. Newer terminals, better, too.
When I first saw the EWR exclusions, only thing I considered was to avoid similar issues the NEA had with overlapping routes where both carriers have a significant presence. But then I noticed that there are other routes that B6 and UA overlap. So then I thought maybe it was the “Mint” routes, but other than LAX and LAS, everything else listed appears to be Core. So perhaps these exclusions are on routes that UA determined they don’t want any spillage to B6?
Clearly, UA has the upper hand in this ‘partnership.’
Terrible value with UA & B6 points is the rule, not the exception so nothing surprising to see here. The only reason to redeem is if you had to fly ASAP, you’re using orphaned points & no other availability exists.
Hey Matt, I am assuming no PQP pr PQF for UA crediting when flying on JetBlue? It is not explicitly in your post, which I assume means no. But JetBlue can get Mosiac tiles for flying on UA?
Thanks!
Should be if booked on 016 stock, but I will confirm.
It is not possible to book a 016 ticket on JetBlue, is it? Looking at a couple route, no JetBlue flight show up on united.
Also, HA does not earn PQPs or PQFs even when booked on United website as 016.
Sorry, I forgot, booking on each other websites does not come until 2026. Still unclear about the PQP and PQF
I don’t think that the redemption rates are “ugly.” For instance, SFO to EWR on United in business is typically 100-120K/flight. If you can find SFO-JFK for 80K, then that’s a bargain. 😉
Seriously, United has a few decent deals if you’re a 1K or Chase Card holder redeeming miles. But typically (at least for the front of the plane), the redemption rate is outrageous. So I expect that to carry over to JetBlue flights as well.
At this point, why doesn’t B6 consider joining an alliance? Are there any downsides for them?