United Airlines Announces Exciting New Partnership with JetBlue
United’s MileagePlus program has been recognized as the world’s best airline loyalty program by Global Traveler Magazine, earning a perfect 10/10 score. While opinions on the best vary, this accolade highlights United’s strong reputation in the industry.
Big news—a new partnership called “Blue Sky” was announced on May 29th, uniting United and JetBlue. This alliance promises to bring significant travel benefits to frequent flyers, especially in key hubs like New York (JFK and Newark EWR), Boston, and nationwide.
As a longtime United high-tier member, I’ve often avoided flying JetBlue due to Boston’s prominence as JetBlue’s hub, offering many non-stop routes no other airline provides. However, this new alliance means more options and better choices for travelers like me—and for thousands of others.
Now, you have an exciting opportunity to explore new travel possibilities.
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JetBlue’s Blue Sky Partnership: Better Travel Opportunities
JetBlue is especially strong on the East Coast and in the Caribbean, with great destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico.
What is Blue Sky?
JetBlue is not joining Star Alliance, where United is a founding member. However, the new partnership offers benefits similar to those of MileagePlus members when flying Star Alliance airlines like Turkish, Singapore, Lufthansa, ANA, Thai, Air New Zealand, TAP, and Swiss.
Star Alliance is considered one of the best global alliances because of its high-quality members and wide destination reach. Turkish Airlines, for instance, flies to more countries than any other carrier and often offers lower prices with excellent service.
While I’ve written about the advantages of Turkish Airlines for long-distance journeys on Forbes, closer to home—especially in the Caribbean and Mexico—JetBlue is now a more attractive option.
Why I’ve avoided JetBlue
In the past, I avoided JetBlue mainly due to fees for seat selection and baggage and poor customer service when issues arose.
However, their robust nonstop network on the East Coast combined with the new alliance with United will improve both fees and travel experience.
JetBlue TrueBlue members will benefit even more, gaining access to United’s 350+ global destinations, including rare nonstop routes from the U.S. such as Marrakech and Bilbao.
Why this matters
This alliance means more options, especially for domestic and Caribbean trips. If you’re planning your next vacation, now is a great time.
Book your dream vacation today with MWR LIFE and take advantage of these amazing travel opportunities. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect getaway now!
JetBlue’s Blue Sky Partnership: New Travel Benefits for Members
JetBlue offers popular routes to leisure destinations like Cancun, Mayan Riviera, and Tulum in Mexico.
What is Blue Sky?
Starting later this year, Blue Sky will connect the loyalty programs of United and JetBlue. It will be rolled out in phases, with the first part beginning this fall.
With this partnership, United’s MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on JetBlue flights. Similarly, TrueBlue members will be able to earn and use points on United flights.
This makes it easier to book and use miles across both airlines, though it may increase the difficulty for some United travelers to redeem awards due to increased options.
Benefits for Frequent Flyers
For United passengers with tier status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K, Global Services), the main benefits include:
- Free checked luggage
- Priority boarding
- Complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats
- Same-day standby and switches
TrueBlue tier members (Mosaic levels 1-4) will also enjoy these benefits when flying United.
More Details
- One free checked bag for all United tier members (Silver and above) when flying JetBlue.
Currently, Star Alliance members get extra baggage allowances (e.g., up to 70-pound bags), but JetBlue’s benefit is still valuable. - All members can book preferred seats and extra legroom seats when purchasing tickets.
- Priority boarding will be available, with the boarding zone depending on your United status.
Both airlines will offer each other’s flights on their websites and apps for easier booking.
Official Statement
United CEO Scott Kirby said, “Blue Sky reflects our focus on innovation and customer experience. It gives MileagePlus members new ways to use miles and find flights that fit their schedule. We’re excited about United’s return to JFK and starting new flights soon.”
Ready to Plan Your Vacation?
Take advantage of this exciting partnership. Book your next vacation now with MWR LIFE and explore amazing destinations like Cancun, Tulum, and beyond.
Start planning your perfect getaway today—your adventure awaits!
South Africa is another far-flung destination where United has non-stop service from the US.
Longer term there are some additional elements to the partnership, including the provision of United access to up to seven daily round-trip flight slots at JFK International Airport beginning in 2027, while JetBlue and United will exchange eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport, increasing the options of each carrier in the competitive New York Tri-state market.
In making United its number one pick, Global Traveler explained, “The MileagePlus programme continues to impress with a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to meet the needs of frequent business travellers and leisure flyers. Among its notable features:
Points are valid for up to 180 months—one of the most extended lifespans in the industry; An expansive global network with access to 363 destinations, up from 342 in 2023;
A leading innovation in 2025: the first U.S. airline to introduce pooled miles, allowing families and friends to combine points for redemptions; Seamless upgrades via its mobile app, including automatic window or aisle seat reassignments;
The second-best long-haul legroom is 75 inches behind Air New Zealand’s Airpoints at 79 inches. These enhancements reinforce United’s commitment to enhancing passenger satisfaction, value, and global connectivity.”
That connectivity is about the get even bigger, with more travel benefits for frequent fliers, especially on the Eastern seaboard, Mexico and Caribbean.
