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Update: In May 2023, a federal judge ruled that the American Airlines and JetBlue partnership was anti-competitive and forced a breakup of the partnership. The post below is being kept as it was published in January 2022 for historical reference.
When American Airlines and JetBlue announced their Northeast Alliance partnership, a lot of details were still a mystery. Now, we have some of the most important details. In this post, we'll break down award redemption pricing from one partner to another and also the elite status benefits you can expect when flying on the other partner.
Recap on American Airlines and JetBlue Partnership
The so-called “Northeast Alliance” is a partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue that was first announced in mid-2020. First, this partnership added codeshare flights on select flights in and out of the Northeast. However, the partnership has grown to include dozens of new flights from key markets.
Earlier this year, the two airlines announced reciprocal points earning benefits when flying on the partner airline. That announcement also included elite status credits when flying on the other partner. You can read the full breakdown here, including mileage and status earning rates.
Given that JetBlue TrueBlue is a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Brex, this partnership can open more doors to booking American Airlines flights. That's because American Airlines is only a transfer partner of Marriott Bonvoy & Bilt Rewards.
It's also important to note that this partnership is moving forward and expanding, despite a lawsuit from the Department of Justice. JetBlue and American have responded with a dedicated website arguing the case for their partnership.
See also: A Guide to JetBlue's TrueBlue Loyalty Program
See also: A Complete Guide to American Airlines AAdvantage® Elite Status
Redeeming Miles to Fly on the Other Airline
AAdvantage® Redemptions for JetBlue Flights
American Airlines is using the same redemption tables that are used for all other partners. Thus, there's no special mileage table to consult when redeeming for JetBlue flights.
Here is the American Airlines award table for economy flights departing the continental U.S. & Canada (prices are one way, per passenger):
| Destination | One-way economy cost (in miles) |
|---|---|
| U.S. 48 & Canada | 12,500 |
| Alaska | 15,000 |
| Hawaii | 22,500 |
| Caribbean, Mexico & Central America | 17,500 |
| South America zone 1 | 20,000 |
| South America zone 2 | 30,000 |
| Europe | 30,000 |
| Middle East | 40,000 |
| Indian Subcontinent | 40,000 |
| Africa | 40,000 |
| Asia zone 1 | 35,000 |
| Asia zone 2 | 37,500 |
| South Pacific | 40,000 |
JetBlue doesn't operate flights to all of these destinations, but you can mix and match JetBlue and other AAdvantage® partners to get to any of these destinations. To understand which destinations are in which regions, consult this list.
While the economy chart remains unchanged, American Airlines is treating JetBlue Mint differently than other partners. Rather than treating it as a business class product, American Airlines is applying first-class award pricing to all Mint awards.
Even worse, Mint service to or from the following cities — referred to as “premium airports” hereafter — will require extra mileage on award bookings: Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and West Palm Beach (PBI).
Here is the AAdvantage® mileage chart for award redemptions that include flights in JetBlue Mint class:
| Destination | One-way business / Mint award pricing | One-way business / Mint award pricing to premium airports |
|---|---|---|
| Continental U.S. & Canada | 50,000 | 65,000 |
| Alaska | 55,000 | 70,000 |
| Hawaii | 80,000 | 95,000 |
| Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean | 52,500 | 67,500 |
| South America Zone 1 | 55,000 | 70,000 |
| South America Zone 2 | 85,000 | 100,000 |
| Europe | 85,000 | 100,000 |
| Middle East | 115,000 | 130,000 |
| Indian Subcontinuent | 115,000 | 130,000 |
| Africa | 120,000 | 135,000 |
| Asia zone 1 | 80,000 | 95,000 |
| Asia zone 2 | 110,000 | 125,000 |
| South Pacific | 110,000 | 125,000 |
Important notes for AAdvantage® award bookings for JetBlue flights:
- You need “P” class availability to redeem AAdvantage® miles for JetBlue economy flights.
- You need “I” class availability to redeem AAdvantage® miles for JetBlue Mint (business class).
- The Northeast Alliance specifically excludes JetBlue's new New York (JFK) to London (LHR) flight. Thus, you can't redeem AAdvantage® miles for this flight.
- You can redeem awards that have a connection with flights connecting between American & JetBlue in the same itinerary; this will not alter the price.
- The award tables include regions where JetBlue doesn't fly since you can connect to these places with American Airlines or other AAdvantage® partners.
- If either the start or end point is one of the premium airports, then you will pay the higher mileage rate for a business class redemption–even if only one leg is in Mint and the other leg is in American Airlines “domestic first class”.
- With the premium American Airlines is charging on Mint flights, it may make sense to book via Emirates Skywards instead.
TrueBlue Redemptions for American Airlines Flights
While American Airlines has the details of its award table ironed out, JetBlue does not. At present, you cannot book American Airlines flights using TrueBlue points.
Reciprocal Elite Status Benefits
One of the key details in any airline partnership is what benefits elites from American Airlines can enjoy on JetBlue and vice versa. These reciprocal benefits are now active as of October 13, 2021.
AAdvantage® Benefits when Flying on JetBlue
You can add your AAdvantage® number when checking in online, at the airport, via kiosk, or in the app for a JetBlue flight. No waiting in line to talk to a person is required. AAdvantage® elites should get the following benefits:
- Priority check-in
- Expedited security screening
- Priority boarding
- Up to two free checked bags, up to 50 pounds each (one free checked bag for Gold elites and two free checked bags for all other levels)
- Priority baggage delivery
JetBlue Mosaic Benefits when Flying on American Airlines
JetBlue Mosaic members will enjoy the following benefits when flying on American Airlines:
- Priority check-in
- Expedited security screening
- Complimentary preferred seating selection (does not include Main Cabin Extra)
- Group 4 boarding
- Complimentary same-day changes to flights
- Two free checked bags, up 50 pounds each
- Priority baggage delivery
It's interesting to note that JetBlue Mosaic members will board in Group 4 on AA flights. This is the same boarding group as Gold elite members, oneworld Ruby members, AirPass members, those flying Premium Economy, those with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® card, any travelers who bought Priority boarding, and eligible corporate travelers.
Group 4 boarding is later in the boarding process than people flying in first class & business class, as well as those with AAdvantage® ConciergeKey and Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum status. It's also behind the boarding order for oneworld Emerald and oneworld Sapphire members.
Bottom Line
There are still some things to iron out, such as putting your JetBlue TrueBlue redemptions for American flights. However, the partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue continues to move forward. We now having pricing for JetBlue award flights using AAdvantage® miles and lists of benefits that elites can enjoy when flying on the other airline. As the partnership continues to progress and more information is known, we will continue to provide updates.
Will the American-JetBlue partnership change your travel experience, or does it not do anything for you? Let us know.
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