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JetBlue has been busy adding partners of late. Icelandair, Japan Airlines, and TAP Air Portugal have all become airlines that travelers can book with TrueBlue points — although the TAP partnership is unfortunately ending soon. But those looking to get to Europe will still have additional options, especially now that JetBlue has partnered with German carrier Condor.
Condor sports a nice business-class product, so having another option to fly across the Atlantic is always worth exploring — plus the redemption rates are pretty decent. Here's what to know about this new partnership.
JetBlue Adds Redemptions on Condor
Condor flies from its hub in Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) to a dozen destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Plus, it flies throughout Europe and beyond — as far as South Africa and Thailand. Here's its North American route map:
You can now book award tickets on Condor flights using JetBlue TrueBlue points. And it's pretty straightforward.
For now (since JetBlue is known to increase the rates soon after announcing a new partner), it costs 19,000 points in economy, 34,000 in premium economy, and 54,000 in business class from the East Coast to Europe. The fees to Europe are around $14 in all classes, which is very reasonable.
Another way to book Condor awards is through Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. In this case, JetBlue is the better option. TrueBlue points go further in every class — even if by a small margin — and with lower fees. The ease of acquiring TrueBlue points versus earning Alaska miles is another notch in the belt for JetBlue here.
Flights from the West Coast are a different story. These Condor flights from Los Angeles (LAX) are nearly twice the cost, coming in at 39,000 points in economy, 59,900 in premium economy, and 99,900 in business — because 100,000 was just too much!
From Los Angeles (LAX), Alaska is a much better option for booking Condor flights, especially in premium cabins. But if you only have access to JetBlue points, its prices aren't over-the-top high.
Related: Best Ways to Redeem JetBlue TrueBlue Points
How to Earn JetBlue Points
JetBlue points can be earned in a variety of ways. Four co-branded TrueBlue credit cards can be used to earn valuable TrueBlue points — as well as Mosaic status.
The easiest way to earn points is by transferring flexible points, but be careful, not all transfer ratios are created equal. Both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou® Rewards Points transfer at 1:1, while American Express Membership Rewards is 5:4, and Capital One brings up the rear at a 5:3 ratio.
Related: Cheapest Business Class Flights to Europe
Bottom Line
Award travelers now have another solid option for flying to Europe now that Condor flights can be booked with JetBlue points. Although these flights were already bookable with Alaska Airlines miles, having an alternative — and at a better cost from the East Coast — is good news for German-bound flyers. Although you may have to reposition to a large East or West Coast city, flying Condor should definitely be on your radar.
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