JetBlue to end swap partnership with JAL in March


JetBlue ends its loyalty partnership with Japan Airlinesending TrueBlue award redemptions on flights operated by the Japanese airline.

The airlines confirmed that March 31, 2026 will be the last day for book Japan Airlines flights using JetBlue TrueBlue points. After that date, award redemptions at JAL will no longer be available, although cash bookings will not be affected and all existing award bookings will be accepted.

Read on to learn more about the end of this loyalty program partnership and how you can continue booking JAL flights with transferable rewards.

Related: Travel to Japan with points and miles: the best ways to redeem your rewards for flights and hotels

What’s changing for JetBlue TrueBlue members?

For TrueBlue MembersThe key change is the end of award redemptions on Japan Airlines. Starting April 1, 2026, JetBlue points will no longer be redeemable for flights operated by JAL.

JetBlue has confirmed that all existing reservations will be honored. Travelers who have already booked JAL award flights using TrueBlue points will not need to make any changes.

This update applies to future reward redemptions only. Members will still be able to purchase Japan Airlines flights with cash, either directly through JAL or through JetBlue channels, when available.

SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

This news may be disappointing for many JetBlue TrueBlue members, as the airline’s loyalty program is a transfer partner of most major flexible rewards programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Pursue ultimate rewards, Citi Thank You Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards and Capital One miles.

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Related: JetBlue TrueBlue Program: Earn and redeem points, transfer partners and more

Background on JetBlue’s partnership with Japan Airlines

JetBlue and Japan Airlines have maintained an interline relationship for several years, allowing travelers to book itineraries that include flights from both airlines.

In April 2025, JetBlue expanded that partnership by introducing the ability for TrueBlue members to redeem points for flights operated by Japan Airlines. This gave members a new option for international long-distance exchanges, including service between the US and Japan.

Japanese airline planes
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Although the redemption option was relatively short-lived, it offered a great opportunity for high-value redemptions on international award tickets. In some cases, travelers were able to book cheap one-way flights between the US and Japan for as little as 29,000 TrueBlue points (not including taxes and fees), depending on availability.

Other ways to book Japan Airlines flights with points

Even when JetBlue’s partnership with Japan Airlines comes to an end, travelers will still have other ways to book JAL flights using rewards.

Japan Airlines is now a direct transfer partner of capital one and Bilt Rewardsallowing members of those programs to transfer their points or miles to Mileage Bank and redeem them for JAL award flights.

Additionally, you can also book Japan Airlines flights through Oneworld partner programs like American Airlines AAdvantage and Alaska Atmos Rewards.

While the news about JetBlue and JAL may be disappointing, these additional redemption options ensure that travelers can continue booking Japan Airlines flights with points or miles after the partnership with TrueBlue ends.

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