United and JetBlue now let travelers book eligible flights with cash on either site, with mixed itineraries and elite perks coming later.
United Airlines and JetBlue partner with new ‘Blue Sky’ frequent flyer program
The newly announced Blue Sky partnership between United and JetBlue lets travelers earn miles on both airlines while enhancing preferred services and flight options.
Scripps News
- United Airlines and JetBlue are expanding their Blue Sky partnership.
- Customers will be able to book flights on either airline using cash on both of their websites and apps.
- The airlines plan to allow mixed-itinerary bookings in the future.
United Airlines and JetBlue announced that customers will have more ways to book each other’s flights by the end of this week.
As the two companies expand their Blue Sky partnership, travelers will be able to book eligible flights operated by either airline and pay with cash on both JetBlue and United’s websites and apps.
The companies previously introduced reciprocal award bookings and allow TruBlue and United MileagePlus members to earn points or miles on each other’s flights.
“With cash bookings now available, Blue Sky is making it even easier for customers to plan and purchase travel across two leading networks,” Andrew Nocella, EVP and chief commercial officer at United, said in a statement. “This milestone is another proof point of the value Blue Sky is bringing customers – in giving them the ability to book with cash, miles or points on either network, customers now have more choice, flexibility and a better overall booking experience when traveling to their favorite destinations.”
“This is an important step forward in our Blue Sky collaboration, expanding the choice and flexibility we offer customers when they travel,” Marty St. George, president of JetBlue, added in a statement. “This move gives our members even more ability to earn and redeem points to exciting destinations around the world, while United customers gain access to JetBlue’s network across the Americas and Europe.”
The airlines are not yet allowing customers to book mixed itineraries, but said they eventually intend to start allowing travelers to book tickets that include flights operated by both airlines.
Later this year, United and JetBlue’s elite frequent flyers will start receiving reciprocal loyalty benefits from both airlines, including priority boarding and preferred and extra legroom seating.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [email protected].
