JetBlue × United “Blue Sky” Is Live: How To Earn & Redeem Across Both Airlines
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Want the story and timeline of the JetBlue and United partnership? Check out our overview of the JetBlue & United Blue Sky Partnership. We’ve got the history and all the main points covered there. This article is all about what’s happening now, how you can use it, and if it’s actually worth it.
JetBlue and United have flipped the switch on the first major Blue Sky benefit: reciprocal earning and redeeming. Effective now, TrueBlue members can earn and redeem on United (including United Express), and MileagePlus members can earn and redeem on JetBlue (most routes). When you search with points/miles on either site or app, you’ll start seeing partner options alongside the home carrier’s flights.
JetBlue’s press release also teases what’s next (not live yet): broader cash booking on either site in early 2026, plus reciprocal perks like priority boarding, preferred/extra-legroom seating, same-day changes/standby, and more.
How Earning Works
TrueBlue → United flights: Enter your TrueBlue number when booking United-operated flights on united.com. Points (and tiles) accrue per JetBlue rules once travel is flown.
MileagePlus → JetBlue flights: Enter your MileagePlus number when booking JetBlue-operated flights on jetblue.com; miles post under United’s rules. Note: a small number of JetBlue routes are not eligible for MileagePlus accrual (United flags this in a footnote). Available earning options appear during booking.
If you don’t see the partner earn option on a specific flight, try toggling to the operating carrier’s site and confirm the loyalty number field is set correctly.
How Redeeming Works
Redeem in your “home” program:
TrueBlue members: Search United awards from jetblue.com by selecting “Points”; partner options will surface in the results.
MileagePlus members: Search JetBlue awards from united.com by selecting “Book with miles.”
Redemption seats are capacity-controlled; availability will be limited on peak flights.
Early pricing check: First-day tests from multiple outlets report that many partner awards are pricing high versus cash or other programs. Expect to see some decent use cases but also plenty of “hard pass” results; always compare before you burn points.
What’s Missing (for Now): Things To Watch Out For
- Don’t expect fancy frequent flyer perks right away. The airlines are saying things like priority boarding and better seats will be shared around early in 2026. So, for now, you won’t get special treatment on the other airline just because you’re a VIP on one.
- Keep in mind that you can’t always collect or use United miles on certain JetBlue routes. United has a list of these. If a flight isn’t showing up as an option to use miles, that’s probably why.
- Using miles might be expensive. People are saying that some award prices aren’t a great deal.
- Connecting flights and baggage: Word is they’re working on a system to let you check your bags all the way through, and sell tickets for each other’s flights. Being able to book on either site is planned for early 2026.
Is It Worth It Right Now?
Maybe. If you have a bunch of JetBlue points and want to go somewhere United flies (but JetBlue doesn’t), or the other way around, then this opens up new possibilities. That’s a good thing! Just be aware that prices don’t seem consistent at the start. The best way to think of it is as another option: check Blue Sky partner awards when you’re shopping for flights, but don’t be afraid to go with cash, a different rewards program, or a different travel date if it makes more sense financially.
