Two of North America’s largest airlines are to offer a rewards programme that combines both of their existing loyalty schemes.
Known as ‘Blue Sky’, the new plan means that United’s Mileage Plus MileagePlus customers can earn and use miles on JetBlue including hundreds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston while JetBlue’s TrueBlue members can earn and use points on United flights including to popular international destinations like Cape Town and Tahiti.
Benefits of each airline’s loyalty program like priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats will be available across both airlines. The carriers will also offer flights on one another’s website and app to make booking simple.
Describing the collaboration as a ‘clear win’ for customers and crewmembers, Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue said: “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 travellers and value across our networks.”
READ: JetBlue moves away from LCC roots with ‘EvenMore’ premium class
“Blue Sky reflects our airlines’ shared focus on innovation and the customer experience,” added United CEO Scott Kirby. “The JetBlue brand is tied to a great product and under Joanna’s leadership the airline continues to deliver for customers. We’re always looking for ways to give our MileagePlus members even more value and benefits and this collaboration gives them new, unique ways to use their hard-earned miles and find options that fit their schedule. Plus, our employees are really excited about United’s return to JFK for the longer-term and we’re all looking forward to starting up flights very soon.”
JetBlue and United will continue to manage and price their networks independently, including the launch of new routes, frequencies and promotions.
Chart highlighting benefits of the new scheme (Credit: United Airlines)
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