The much-anticipated partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue is officially here.
The two airlines on Thursday announced that their new alliance called Blue Sky had gone live — starting with the earning and redeeming of miles.
As of today, United loyalists can now earn and redeem MileagePlus miles on JetBlue flights. And JetBlue’s frequent flyers can earn and redeem TrueBlue points on United flights.
It’s a major milestone in one of the biggest domestic airline tie-ups we’ve seen in several years.
Now, the biggest question: How will the earning and redemption rates stack up? We’re digging through the data and will report back soon.
‘Blue Sky’ era begins
United and JetBlue first announced plans to partner back in May, revealing a collaboration that would give MileagePlus and TrueBlue members a wide range of new options for earning and redeeming across both airlines’ networks.
“We’re excited to give our loyalty members the ability to use the program of their choice when traveling across our complementary networks,” the two carriers said in a statement Thursday.
And, earning and redeeming is just the beginning.
The two carriers on Thursday said reciprocal elite status benefits — like boarding, extra legroom seating and same-day flight changes — will launch during early 2026. That will give United Premier elites access to complimentary perks like JetBlue’s EvenMore product when flying on JetBlue — and Mosaic members would get access to United’s Economy Plus product.
This is JetBlue’s second attempt at partnering with a major network U.S. carrier, after its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, earlier this decade, met its demise in federal court.
Read more: Why I’m excited about United and JetBlue’s new partnership, and where there’s room to grow
What to know about earning and redeeming through Blue Sky
As part of the new Blue Sky partnership, you can earn and redeem miles across both carriers. Here are the four big elements of the partnership that just went live:
- To earn United miles on JetBlue flights: Book your flight through JetBlue’s website. During the booking process, select “United MileagePlus” as your loyalty program.
- To redeem United miles on JetBlue flights: Search award bookings through United’s website. JetBlue flights will now show up among the options.
- To earn JetBlue TrueBlue points on United flights: Book your flight through United’s website. During the booking process, select “JetBlue TrueBlue” as your loyalty program.
- To redeem JetBlue points on United flights: Search award bookings through JetBlue’s website. United flights will now show up as options.
Earning rates
United and JetBlue both announced their partner earnings rates through the Blue Sky partnership.
Earning United miles on JetBlue flights
Earnings start at 5 miles per dollar for MileagePlus members flying aboard JetBlue. And then the rate increases for Premier elites, as shown in the below screenshot:
This is essentially the same earning rate United extends to MileagePlus members flying on its own, United-operated flights.
Note that United members will not be able to earn MileagePlus miles on flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and five destinations: Aruba, Cancun, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Punta Cana.
United also notes that only the following fare classes are eligible for accural: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y and Z (every ticket you purchase has a letter associated with the fare class).
Earning TrueBlue points on United flights
Meanwhile, here’s how the TrueBlue earnings shake out:
TrueBlue members start at 5 points per dollar on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, and then Mosaic members earn an additional 3 points per dollar.
More changes ahead
By the first quarter of 2026, the airlines expect to also offer “revenue bookings” through one another’s websites — so, you’d be able to buy a United itinerary via JetBlue’s booking channels, and vice versa.
Other changes are on the horizon as part of Blue Sky, including United’s return to JetBlue’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) hub in New York by 2027.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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