United Airlines and Jetblue Airways said on Thursday that they would exchange a handful of flights in two New York airports, offering United Airit for Kennedy International Airport. Airlines will also sell tickets on each other and will link their loyalty programs.
The plan to exchange seven flights to JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport will offer UNITED another option in the New York region in addition to its bastion in Newark, which has been stretched for years under the weight of the increase in congestion and air traffic control. Trade would start in 2027, airlines said. Other elements of the partnership could start this fall, pending a regulatory examination.
As part of the partnership, called Blue Sky, customers will be able to win and use the loyalty points of United Mileageplus on most JetBlue flights. JetBlue customers will be able to win and use the TrueBlue points of the airline for flights to the United Network.
Airlines will also offer reciprocal advantages to members of each loyalty program and will sell flights to the other carrier.
JetBlue and American Airlines announced a similar agreement five years ago, but the Ministry of Justice under President Joseph R. Biden managed to continue to prevent him from proceeding, arguing that he limited the competition and injured travelers. Experts expect the Trump administration to be more permissive of these partnerships.
