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Last week, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways announced a strategic partnership named Blue Sky, aiming to enhance connectivity and combine customer benefits, but without merging operations.
The agreement is still awaiting regulatory approval, but both airlines expect to start rolling out the partnership later this fall. If it's approved, passengers will be able to earn and spend frequent flyer miles between the two airlines.
"This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry -- one that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks," Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, said in a statement. "United's global reach perfectly complements JetBlue's East Coast leisure network, and significantly expands the options and benefits for TrueBlue members, no matter where in the world they are traveling."
Read more: Southwest Airlines Says You Can't Use Portable Chargers Inside Your Bags
Why the Blue Sky partnership matters
This alliance allows both airlines to sell seats on each other's flights and expand their market presence. United will regain access to New York's JFK Airport, with up to seven daily round-trip flights by 2027, after a long absence since its exit in 2015.
JetBlue, in turn, will increase its operations at Newark Liberty International Airport, a United hub.
What are the perks of Blue Sky?
Here's what travelers on both airlines should know about how the partnership will operate:
- Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits: Members of United's MileagePlus and JetBlue's TrueBlue programs can earn and redeem points across both airlines.
- Integrated booking platforms: Customers can book flights on either airline through both United's and JetBlue's websites and apps, simplifying the booking process.
- Expanded route options: The partnership offers travelers more choices, especially along the East Coast.
What this partnership means for travelers
For passengers, this collaboration translates to more flight options, streamlined booking experiences and enhanced loyalty rewards. Business travelers, in particular, may benefit from United's return to JFK, with its convenient access to New York City.
Leisure travelers can benefit from increased connectivity to various destinations, especially with JetBlue's strong presence in the Caribbean and Florida.
This partnership could also impact airfare. Jesse Neugarten, a travel expert and founder of Dollar Flight Club, provided insight into how this partnership can bring more competitive airfare to New York's busiest airports, and how travelers can benefit from more flexibility and cheaper prices.
"This opens up a lot of new routes, especially from the Northeast to the Caribbean and internationally," Neugarten said. "Based on what we're seeing, fares at JFK could drop 5 to 10% as United takes on Delta again. At Newark, JetBlue's move could push fares down 3 to 7% as United responds to the added pressure. It'll vary by route, but overall, this should lead to better deals for flyers."
Neugarten said the fare change estimates are based on historical pricing data from Skyscanner, Kiwi and Dollar Flight Club's own deal tracking tools. The team analyzed what happened to prices in the past when airlines added or dropped service at JFK and Newark, such as when JetBlue launched more transatlantic flights or when United left JFK in 2015, to calculate these percentages.
In general, increased competition amongst airlines creates cheaper fares for travelers.
Both airlines plan to maintain separate operations while offering customers the benefits of a collaboration.
JetBlue/UnitedWhat does this mean for the airlines?
This partnership comes after JetBlue's previous alliance with American Airlines was dissolved following legal challenges over competition concerns. Unlike that arrangement, the Blue Sky partnership avoids revenue sharing and coordinated scheduling, potentially sidestepping regulatory issues.
JetBlue has been actively seeking partnerships to strengthen its position in the market, enhance its loyalty program and expand its network.
What comes next?
Pending regulatory approval, elements of the Blue Sky partnership may roll out as early as fall 2025. Both airlines plan to maintain independent, separate operations alongside their collaboration.
This move reflects a broader trend in the airline industry, where carriers seek innovative ways to expand reach and improve customer experience without full mergers.
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