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One of the aviation industry’s not-so-secret secrets is now official: United and JetBlue are teaming up. On May 29, 2025, the two airlines announced a new “Blue Sky” partnership, with benefits like mileage redemptions and reciprocal elite perks set to roll out as soon as later this year.
Here’s what to know about the new United–JetBlue partnership, including when you’ll be able to redeem miles on both airlines, enjoy reciprocal elite benefits, and more.
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JetBlue and United Announce New Partnership, Benefits Coming Soon
Just a couple of years after a federal judge dismantled the Northeast Alliance, JetBlue has a new partner — and this time, it’s United. Whether you’re a frequent JetBlue or United flyer, this partnership aims to improve your experience when flying the other carrier, provided each element gets regulatory approval. Here’s an overview of the new Blue Sky partnership.
Earn and redeem miles on both United and JetBlue
At AwardWallet, we’re all about earning and burning miles. Soon, you’ll be able to earn United MileagePlus miles and redeem them for JetBlue flights — and vice versa, earning and redeeming JetBlue TrueBlue points on United flights
According to the press release, travelers will be able to redeem miles for most flights operated by the other airline, including JetBlue routes to Europe and United routes to far-flung destinations like South Africa, the South Pacific, and more.
Unfortunately, the specifics, like how many miles you’ll earn and what award flights will cost, are still under wraps. More details are expected later this year, but here’s hoping it’s sooner rather than later.
Related: How to Redeem JetBlue TrueBlue Points for Maximum Value
Reciprocal elite perks across both airlines
Reciprocal elite benefits are coming, too. If you're a MileagePlus elite member or a TrueBlue Mosaic status holder, you'll soon be able to enjoy elite perks when flying the other airline.
Some of the expected benefits include priority boarding, complimentary checked bags (for all elites in both programs), access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day changes and standby. A handy table shared by both airlines breaks down all of the benefits:
One thing missing from the table is premium cabin upgrades and lounge access. It’s unclear if either airline plans to add those benefits down the line, but with JetBlue set to open lounges in New York and Boston, it wouldn’t be surprising to see that change once the airline has more to offer on the lounge front.
And, just like the earn-and-redeem aspect of this partnership, more details are expected to be revealed later this year.
Simplified booking options
Once the Blue Sky partnership officially launches, customers will be able to book JetBlue flights through United channels and United flights through JetBlue channels. The partnership will kick off with an interline agreement rather than a codeshare, so this should (hopefully) create a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
Expanded flight offerings at JFK and Newark airports
As part of the agreement between JetBlue and United, JetBlue will give United access to slots for up to seven daily round-trip flights out of JFK’s Terminal 6 starting as early as 2027. In return, JetBlue and United will swap eight flight timings at nearby Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
This is arguably one of the biggest drivers behind the United-JetBlue partnership. There are other mutually beneficial elements, but United has been trying to reestablish its presence at JFK for years. This partnership provides the airline with an easy opportunity to do so while also creating a natural flow of passengers from JetBlue flights to United ones.
United to integrate JetBlue’s Paisly platform
The Blue Sky partnership will also go beyond flights. United plans to move its website and app functionality for booking hotels, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages, and more to Paisly, which is JetBlue’s travel platform. In the press release, United praised Paisly’s “Helpful Human” model, so this should spell a better customer service experience for those booking these extras.
Final Thoughts
United and JetBlue have forged a new partnership, and if you're a regular flyer on either airline, there's a lot to look forward to. That includes reciprocal elite perks, earning and redeeming miles across both programs, and more.
However, as noted at the top of the press release, each part of the agreement is subject to regulatory review. So, while the benefits could roll out exactly as planned, there’s always a chance things change before the official launch. Either way, new perks and benefits are coming — and they could arrive as soon as this fall.
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