United Airlines and JetBlue Airways to implement policy permitting emotional support animals on flights
United Airlines and JetBlue Airways have announced a strategic partnership, dubbed 'Blue Sky,' effective from early May 2025. The alliance aims to boost connectivity between the two carriers, offering reciprocal advantages to their customers without a merger of operations.
Key aspects of the partnership include:
- Ticket sales and booking: Customers can now purchase tickets across the combined network easily. Both airlines will maintain independent flight pricing, while customers will have extended flight options through either airline's platform. United will resume flights at New York City's JFK Airport with up to seven daily round-trip flights starting in 2027, marking a return after its 2015 exit. In contrast, JetBlue will expand its presence at Newark Liberty International Airport, a United hub.
- Frequent flier benefits: Loyalty program integration is at the heart of the Blue Sky partnership. MileagePlus members of United can earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue flights, while TrueBlue members can do the same on United's extensive domestic and international network. Reciprocal elite benefits, such as priority boarding, preferred seating, and same-day flight changes, will be offered to travelers. Both programs will feature revenue-based miles and points accrual and redemption on the partner airline, establishing consistent benefits across both loyalty programs.
The partnership primarily benefits customers in the Northeastern U.S. region by broadening travel options and enhancing the customer experience, reflecting a significant industry move towards cooperation between two customer-focused airlines.
In summary, the Blue Sky partnership enables passengers to buy tickets on each other's platforms, earn and redeem frequent flier miles across both carriers, and enjoy reciprocal elite benefits like priority boarding and seating perks. United regains access to JFK Airport, while JetBlue increases its presence at Newark. Overall, the partnership aims to offer enhanced travel options primarily in the Northeastern U.S. region while aligning loyalty program advantages for customers of both airlines.
A result of the Blue Sky partnership, customers can now seamlessly explore new travel destinations across both United Airlines and JetBlue Airways' networks, enhancing their lifestyle experiences. With the ability to earn and redeem frequent flier miles on each airline and enjoy reciprocal elite benefits like priority boarding and seating perks, this strategic alliance adds convenience and value to their travels.
