United Airlines and JetBlue have been Gradually rolling out its BlueSky partnership since last yearfirst by allowing United MileagePlus members to earn and redeem miles on JetBlue flights and JetBlue TrueBlue members to do the same on United-operated flights. Now, the partnership is expanding into a new phase focused on benefits for elite travelers.
Starting Thursday, eligible TrueBlue and MileagePlus members can access reciprocal loyalty benefits when flying with either airline. This includes priority boarding and free checked luggage, among other benefits.
New reciprocal benefits
Elite members of one airline who add their frequent flyer number when traveling on the other airline are now eligible for status benefits. These include priority check-in and security access, preferred seat selection after booking, a free checked bag with priority baggage handling, and same-day standby options.
Reciprocal benefits will also include priority boarding, although privileges vary by status level: United Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members flying with JetBlue can board in Group 1, Premier Gold members can board in Group 2, and Premier Silver members can board in Group 3. Meanwhile, JetBlue Mosaic 2, 3, and 4 members flying with United can board in Group 1, and Mosaic 1 members can board in the Group 2.
Additionally, travelers are provided with complimentary extra legroom seats at check-in. This will open the doors of JetBlue EvenMore and United’s Economy Plus seats with extra legroom for elite travelers from the other airline.
What United MileagePlus members get on JetBlue flights
United MileagePlus members can book JetBlue-operated flights directly on the United website using cash or MileagePlus miles.
In addition to the newly expanded reciprocal benefits for elite members, MileagePlus members who fly with JetBlue also earn 5 MileagePlus miles per dollar spent. However, flights operated by JetBlue do not earn Premier Qualifying Flights or Premier Qualifying Points. In other words, those flights will not count toward earning or keeping United Premier elite status.
Also, note that MileagePlus members will not earn miles on select JetBlue routes, specifically those between Newark and Cancun, Aruba, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, routes on which the two airlines remain direct competitors. Mileage earning is also limited to certain JetBlue fare classes.
What JetBlue TrueBlue members get on United flights
JetBlue TrueBlue members can book United-operated flights directly through the JetBlue website using cash or TrueBlue points.
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In addition to newly expanded reciprocal benefits for elite members, JetBlue TrueBlue members who fly with United can earn 5 TrueBlue points per dollar spent, which is slightly below standard. 6 points per dollar typically earned on flights operated by JetBlue.
Unlike United MileagePlus members on JetBlue flights, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn tiles toward Mosaic status by crediting qualifying United flights to their TrueBlue account.
Restrictions: No lounge access or first class upgrades
Lounge access is not included in the list of reciprocal benefits. At this time, Blue Sky does not grant United Club lounge access to JetBlue passengers, nor does it allow United passengers access to the JetBlue lounge. JetBlue recently inaugurated its first VIP lounge at the airport at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and is ready to open another at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) later this summer.
The Blue Sky association also does not yet offer complimentary first class upgrades, meaning JetBlue elite members cannot leverage their status to secure a spot on the upgrade list. JetBlue does not currently offer first class, although it plans to add it to some planes by the end of the year.
Looking forward
JetBlue and United said a future enhancement to Blue Sky will include the ability to easily book multi-leg itineraries across both airlines’ networks. For example, a traveler could book a United flight from point A to point B and then a JetBlue flight from point B to point C, all on one ticket.
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