Published October 27, 2025 | By The Cards Guy Editorial Team
A major new airline partnership just took off—literally. JetBlue and United Airlines have launched their long-anticipated Blue Sky Partnership, marking the first time travelers can earn and redeem rewards across both carriers’ networks.
Phase 1: Mileage and Points Earning Now Live
Starting October 23, 2025, TrueBlue and MileagePlus members can:
- Book United flights using JetBlue TrueBlue points
- Book JetBlue flights using United MileagePlus miles
- Earn rewards on either airline, no matter whose plane you’re on
Earning breakdown:
- JetBlue flyers earn 5 points per dollar on United flights (+3 bonus points for Mosaic elites)
- United flyers earn 5 miles per dollar on JetBlue flights (+2–6 bonus miles for Premier status tiers)
✅ To earn: enter your TrueBlue number on United.com or your MileagePlus number on JetBlue.com.
❌ No miles earned on JetBlue’s Newark routes to Aruba, Cancún, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Punta Cana.
Redeeming Miles and Points
Award redemptions are live on both JetBlue.com and United.com. However, pricing is still shaking out.
- Some United economy flights price higher in TrueBlue points than expected.
- JetBlue Mint (redemption via United) shows limited availability.
- Dynamic pricing means value varies — always compare cash versus points before redeeming.
Pro tip: Treat this as a backup option for using balances, not a primary strategy yet.
Phase 2 Coming Early 2026: Elite Perks and Revenue Bookings
The next stage of Blue Sky adds reciprocal elite benefits and cash booking integration between the two airlines.
JetBlue Mosaic members on United flights will receive:
- Priority check-in, security and baggage handling
- 1 free checked bag
- Preferred seats at booking and extra-legroom at check-in
- Same-day confirmed changes and standby
- Group 1–2 boarding depending on Mosaic tier
United Premier members on JetBlue flights will receive:
- Priority services and 1 free bag
- Preferred and Even More Space seating access
- Same-day changes and earlier boarding (Group A–C)
These benefits apply to status holders only—credit-card holders without status won’t see automatic perks.
Looking Ahead to 2027: United Returns to JFK
A core piece of Blue Sky is the planned slot exchange at New York-JFK.
- JetBlue will lease up to seven daily round-trip slots to United at JFK’s new Terminal 6.
- In return, United will grant JetBlue up to eight preferred departure times at Newark (EWR).
This deal restores United’s presence at JFK and gives JetBlue better schedule flexibility at EWR—good news for New York flyers who value choice and on-time performance.
What It Means for Frequent Flyers
- More options to earn and burn across two major networks — without changing your preferred program.
- Elite recognition coming in 2026 adds real value for frequent flyers.
- Potential merger or Star Alliance entry? Not confirmed, but industry analysts are watching.
Unlike the blocked American–JetBlue Northeast Alliance, Blue Sky avoids fare and route coordination, making it more likely to survive regulatory review.
The Cards Guy Take
For miles and points fans, this opens new avenues to maximize travel rewards.
Our tips:
- Compare award pricing carefully—early reports show some unfavorable valuations.
- Lock in status before 2026 to take advantage of reciprocal elite perks.
- Watch New York routes—United’s JFK return could mean competitive fares and more award space on transcon flights.
Bottom Line
The JetBlue–United Blue Sky Partnership is live and already changing how frequent flyers earn and redeem points.
Today you can mix and match loyalty currencies; by 2026, you’ll see elite perks and cross-airline cash bookings; and by 2027, United is slated to return to JFK thanks to JetBlue’s support.
It’s not perfect yet — award prices are inconsistent and some routes are restricted — but this is one of the most ambitious airline partnerships in years and a clear win for travelers who value flexibility.
Want to Maximize Your Blue Sky Rewards?
Pair your flights with a premium travel card that earns transferable points:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Transfer to United MileagePlus for high-value redemptions and get Priority Pass lounge access.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Card – Transfer to JetBlue TrueBlue 1:1 and earn 2× on every purchase.
- American Express Business Gold Card – Earn Membership Rewards® points redeemable for JetBlue flights or transfer to partner airlines.
(See our latest credit card reviews for bonus details and offer terms.)
FAQs About the JetBlue–United Blue Sky Partnership
Can I transfer miles or points directly between United and JetBlue?
No. You can earn and redeem across both airlines, but you can’t directly transfer balances between MileagePlus and TrueBlue.
Are credit-card benefits (like free bags) shared between airlines?
Not yet. Free-bag and priority perks apply only to elite status members, not to cardholders.
Do partner flights count toward elite-status qualification?
Yes, flights credited to the respective airline count toward earning points or miles and can help you progress toward Mosaic or Premier status.
When will reciprocal elite benefits officially start?
Phase 2 is expected to roll out in early 2026. That’s when upgrades, same-day changes, and cross-airline seat perks become available.
Will United return to JFK because of this deal?
Yes. United is slated to gain up to seven daily round-trip slots at JFK’s new Terminal 6 by 2027, marking its official comeback at the airport.
Is JetBlue joining the Star Alliance?
No official confirmation. However, industry experts view Blue Sky as a potential step toward deeper cooperation or future alliance membership.
