It’s easier to earn United miles when you fly with JetBlue and vice versa.
This week, the two airlines expanded their blue skies partnership starting in 2025. Going forward, you can book JetBlue itineraries on the United website and book United flights through the JetBlue website, whether you pay for fares or use miles. Come spring, elite members of both programs (United Premier and JetBlue Mosaic) will receive special perks on both airlines.
The partnership will give United and JetBlue frequent fliers new ways to earn points and miles in their favorite loyalty programs… albeit with a few hurdles to be aware of.
Below you will find more information about this and information about the changes.
United and JetBlue expand loyalty revenue for both airlines
While United and JetBlue officially launched their partnership in October, it started small.
Looking back: Here’s what’s happened since October
Starting in October, you can choose loyalty earnings when you fly with any airline (MileagePlus or TrueBlue):
- You can book United flights on its website, but choose TrueBlue points instead of MileagePlus miles
- You can book JetBlue flights on its website, but choose MileagePlus instead of TrueBlue Earnings.
Reward bookings have also been available since last fall—you can redeem TrueBlue points or MileagePlus miles on both airlines (though we’ve seen mixed value from those redemptions).
All of this is still true, but now, there’s more.
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Here’s what’s new this week
The biggest change now is where and how you can book flights.
You can now book most JetBlue flights directly on the United website. This applies to cash and award bookings. For example, if I log into United.com, I see nonstop flights from Boston to London this summer, operated by JetBlue.
Likewise, You can now book flights directly with United JetBlue Airways website — Like this nonstop United flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sydney Airport (SYD).
Connection is coming
Soon, the two airlines are expected to launch seamless itineraries on the JetBlue and United networks. For example, this might include a trip starting on a JetBlue flight from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and then connecting to a United flight to Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
How many miles can you earn?
Okay, now for the big question: how many points and miles you will earn through this partnership.
JetBlue TrueBlue loyal fans
If you’re a JetBlue loyalty member flying on United, your TrueBlue earnings start at 5 points per $1 (down from 6 points per $1 on JetBlue-operated flights).
TrueBlue members can earn Mosaic membership when flying with United.
United MileagePlus members
If you’re a United Loyalty member flying with JetBlue, your MileagePlus earnings start at 5 miles per dollar (including standard bonuses for Premier Elite members). This is roughly consistent with what you’d get on a United-operated flight.
However, United have some key limitations:
- MileagePlus members cannot earn status on JetBlue flights by flying Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) or points (PQP). A major drawback of this partnership.
- United does not award JetBlue miles for flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Cancun International Airport (CUN), Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) or Dominican Republic Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
- United also limits MileagePlus earnings to the following JetBlue fare classes: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y and Z.
Spring is coming: Elite status perks at two airlines
By spring, United and JetBlue are expected to launch reciprocal loyalty benefits for elite members.
As TPG reported last year, United’s VIP elites will be able to use JetBlue’s EvenMore seats just like they fly on United. Likewise, JetBlue Mosaic will be able to sit in United’s premium economy seats. Elites in both programs will also receive priority boarding, checked baggage and same-day change benefits from both airlines.
The table below provides a complete list of benefits issued by airlines last year.
We should note that the Blue Sky partnership does not currently include reciprocal lounge access or first-class upgrades (JetBlue just opened its first lounge at New York’s JFK and plans to offer domestic first-class on its aircraft, expected to launch later this year).
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