JetBlue Airways is ending its loyalty partnership with Japan Airlines, ending TrueBlue reward redemptions on flights operated by the Japanese airline.
The airline confirmed that March 31, 2026 will be the last day to use JetBlue TrueBlue points to book Japan Airlines flights. After this date, JAL award redemptions will no longer be available, but cash bookings will not be affected and all existing award bookings will be honored.
Read on to learn more about the termination of this loyalty program partnership and how to continue using transferable rewards to book JAL flights.
Related: Traveling to Japan using points and miles: The best ways to redeem flight and hotel rewards
What’s happening with JetBlue’s TrueBlue membership?
The key change for TrueBlue members is the end of Japan Airlines award redemptions. Effective April 1, 2026, JetBlue points will no longer be redeemable for flights operated by JAL.
JetBlue has confirmed that all existing reservations will be honored. Passengers who have used TrueBlue points to book JAL award flights do not need to make any changes.
This update only applies to future reward redemptions. Members can still purchase Japan Airlines flights with cash directly through JAL or JetBlue channels (if available).
This news may be disappointing to many JetBlue TrueBlue members, as the airline loyalty program is a transfer partner for most major flexible rewards programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi Appreciation Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards and Capital One Miles.
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Related: JetBlue’s TrueBlue Program: Earn and redeem points, transfer partners, and more
The background to the partnership between JetBlue and Japan Airlines
JetBlue and Japan Airlines have had an interline relationship for years, allowing travelers to book itineraries that include flights on both airlines.
In April 2025, JetBlue expanded this partnership to allow TrueBlue members to redeem points for flights operated by Japan Airlines. This gives members new options for long-distance international redemptions, including service between the United States and Japan.
Although the redemption option is relatively short-lived, it provides an excellent opportunity for high-value redemptions for international award tickets. Under certain circumstances, travelers can book one-way economy class flights between the U.S. and Japan for as little as 29,000 TrueBlue points (excluding taxes and fees), subject to availability.
Other ways to use points to book Japan Airlines flights
Even if JetBlue’s partnership with Japan Airlines ends, travelers will still have other ways to use their awards to book Japan Airlines flights.
Japan Airlines is now a direct transfer partner of Capital One and Bilt Rewards, allowing members of those programs to transfer their points or miles to Miles Bank and redeem JAL award flights.
Additionally, you can book Japan Airlines flights through Oneworld partner programs such as American Airlines AAdvantage and Alaska Atmos Awards.
While the news about JetBlue and Japan Airlines may be disappointing, these additional redemption options ensure that travelers can continue to use points or miles to book flights with Japan Airlines after the TrueBlue partnership ends.
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