Announced a new partnership with United Airlines in just a few days, JetBlue worked with another transportation partner – this time, on track.
The New York-based airline announced a new partnership with Brightline, the first private city rail operator in the United States. As part of the partnership, JetBlue customers will be able to book itineraries with flight and train trips.
It is expected to be live on the airline’s website immediately.
Read more: JetBlue launches TrueBlue redemption on Japanese Airlines flights to Tokyo and beyond
Brightline Looks into the sky
This is an important step for Brightline, linking the coast of Sunshine State to the terminals of Orlando International Airport (MCO) less than two years after it launched a massive expansion of Florida Rail Services.
The close proximity of Brightline to airline passengers in Orlando should make this connection especially useful for JetBlue Flyers: You can fly to Orlando and then seamlessly connect to one of Brightline’s five stations on the coast: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale, Aventura, Aventura and Miamiametown.
JetBlue has considerable operations in Florida, especially in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale-Gollywood International Airport (FLL).
The partnership will also offer an itinerary alternative to JetBlue passengers experiencing flight problems in Florida, which can be very common in spring and summer afternoons. For example, if you are stuck in Orlando and need to get to Miami, you can jump on a bright train instead of waiting for a flight.
“Together, we have expanded the shipping options for all our customers, whether they are starting the journey, heading to their final destination or adjusting plans in the process,” Dave Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, said in a statement to announce the news.
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How the JetBlue-Brightline partnership will work
All you need to do to book a Brightline Train connection on JetBlue is to visit the airline’s website or mobile app and plug in the city you wish to visit (not necessarily an airport).
Once the booking option is online, we will upload the examples. But, for example, you should be able to create a trip like this, for example:
- JetBlue flights from John Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York to Orlando
- Connection to the Brightline Train segment (looking for “Brightline Operation” or content for that effect) with West Palm Beach
As part of the link between airlines and rail operators, the JetBlue-Brightline connection will include a free shuttle service between the airport and nearby stations.
Plus, whether you book a coach seat on JetBlue or in one of its premium cabins, the product will have some backpacks.
Product consistency
On air and rail bookings, JetBlue economy tickets will match the standard “smart” fare on Brightline. Passengers flying mint will then be transferred to Brightline’s premium cars.
These reservations usually have access to Orlando’s Brightline lounge.
Review: The future of American “high-speed” railways? That’s what it feels like to attend Brightline in Florida
“This partnership allows travelers to book a ticket for air and rail, providing fast, reliable and environmentally friendly rail transport options while seamlessly connecting to JetBlue’s extensive network,” Barbara Drahl, senior vice president of Brightline Marketing and Commercial Strategy, said in a statement Tuesday.
No loyalty at present
A disadvantage? JetBlue does not intend to offer TrueBlue revenue and redemption on Brightline Trips at least from the start.
Expand air and tracks
JetBlue and Brightline are not the first American airline and rail operator companies to cooperate in the United States, but most existing arrangements involve overseas air and rail connections.
For example, Delta Airlines and United Airlines provide rail links in Europe, and countless international airlines offer joint aircraft and training itineraries, such as Lufthansa’s railway and flight tickets, allowing passengers to connect to Germany’s Deutsche Bath.
Brightline moves forward
Brightline’s first partnership with American Airlines came about two months after the rail operator launched its first loyalty program.
Meanwhile, it also expands westward with a new highway line built between Las Vegas and Southern California and is scheduled to open later this decade.
Bottom line
Brightline’s expansion in Florida sets the stage for new connectivity opportunities with airlines, which JetBlue leverages through this new partnership.
TrueBlue members will not be able to make money or redeem on trains at this time – so it is worth seeing whether the carrier explores some kind of loyalty pairing.
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