The recently announced “Blue Sky” partnership between JetBlue and United is now taking its first major step: reciprocal earning and redemption of loyalty points between their frequent flyer programs. Here’s what’s live now, what’s coming next, and whether this alliance adds real value for travelers chasing points and elite perks.
🔁 What’s Live Right Now
As of October 23, 2025, the following features have gone live between JetBlue’s TrueBlue program and United’s MileagePlus program:
- TrueBlue members can now earn TrueBlue points (and Tiles, JetBlue’s status-qualifying metric) for travel on eligible United flights.
- TrueBlue members can also redeem TrueBlue points for travel on United, via JetBlue’s website when selecting “Use TrueBlue points.”
- MileagePlus members can earn United miles for travel on JetBlue flights when booking via JetBlue and entering their MileagePlus number.
- MileagePlus members can also redeem United miles for travel on JetBlue via United’s website, using standard MileagePlus award search functions.
🧐 How the Earning & Redemption Rules Work (So Far)
Earning TrueBlue on United flights
- When you book directly with United and credit the trip to your TrueBlue account, you’ll earn JetBlue points based on base airfare and carrier-imposed surcharges.
- For example: TrueBlue members earn 5× points per dollar spent on eligible United tickets; Mosaic elite members get an extra 3× points.
- While this is a good starting point, the earning rate is slightly lower than what you’d earn booking direct on JetBlue flights.
Redeeming TrueBlue points for United flights
- You can now log into your TrueBlue account, search for United flights, and pay for seats using TrueBlue points.
- That said, award availability on United for partner programs is still quite limited in many cases, especially for premium cabins.
Earning MileagePlus on JetBlue flights
- When you book JetBlue flights and credit them to your MileagePlus account, you’ll earn miles based on the JetBlue base fare and surcharges.
- Eligible fare classes are detailed in the terms, meaning you’ll want to check before assuming full credit.
Redeeming MileagePlus miles for JetBlue flights
- MileagePlus members can now book JetBlue Award flights directly through United’s website, expanding redemption options — though again, availability is currently limited.
🔮 What’s Coming Next
The initial launch covers points earn/redeem access, but the full scope of the Blue Sky partnership is still unfolding. Future phases include:
- Reciprocal revenue ticket bookings on either carrier’s website (cash or points), expected in 2026.
- Reciprocal elite Tier benefits (priority boarding, upgrades, lounge access) between JetBlue and United, anticipated in early 2026.
- Deeper integration of travel services (hotel bookings, rentals, etc.) and route network coordination, possibly by 2027 and beyond.
🧭 What This Means for You, the Traveler
- Increased flexibility: If you fly both carriers, you now have more options to earn and redeem across programs you might already have.
- Status strategy implications: With the future rollout of elite-benefit reciprocity, members may see greater value in aligning with either or both programs.
- Prudence required: While these developments are promising, the best award availability still tends to favour core members booking within each carrier’s primary program.
- Planning ahead will help: Knowing what’s coming means you can position your points, status, and card portfolio accordingly — especially if you fly JetBlue or United frequently.
✅ Final Thoughts
The JetBlue-United loyalty partnership is an important step forward for frequent flyers, offering more flexibility and earning opportunities than before. For now, the benefits are incremental (earn & redeem), but they set the stage for deeper value once the full agreement is rolled out. If you fly with either carrier, it’s a development worth watching closely — and possibly leveraging sooner rather than later.
pointmetoluxury.com 
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