Blue Sky, the loyalty partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue Airways, has officially launched. This partnership allows members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn miles or points when flying with the other airline and redeem them for award flights.
The collaboration between United MileagePlus and JetBlue TrueBlue was announced in May and went live on Oct. 23, 2025. This initial rollout is just the beginning, with additional benefits expected to roll out in early 2026. These benefits include the ability for elite members of each program to access their perks when traveling on the partner airline.
Starting in the first quarter of 2026, customers will be able to book itineraries for either airline using cash, regardless of whether they book through the United or JetBlue platforms. This flexibility extends beyond award flights, which is the current booking option.
How to earn points or miles with the Blue Sky partnership
If you’re a JetBlue TrueBlue member
To earn JetBlue TrueBlue points on United flights, simply book through United’s platform and add your TrueBlue loyalty number to the booking. This way, you can earn points and tiles, which contribute to your elite status on JetBlue.
TrueBlue members earn 5 points per $1 spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, with Mosaic elites earning an additional 3 points per $1 spent. This rate differs slightly from booking directly with JetBlue but offers a valuable opportunity for earning points.
If you’re a United MileagePlus member
Similarly, to earn United MileagePlus miles on JetBlue flights, make your booking through JetBlue’s platform and include your MileagePlus number. This way, you can accrue miles based on your fare and elite status, mirroring the process for earning miles on United flights.
The number of miles earned varies based on your MileagePlus status, with general members earning 5 miles per $1 spent and elite members earning higher rates. However, not all fare classes are eligible for mileage accrual, and certain JetBlue routes do not qualify for earning miles with United.
Ineligible routes include flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and destinations like Aruba, Cancun, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Punta Cana. JetBlue operates these routes from New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
How to redeem points or miles with the Blue Sky partnership
Redeeming points for award flights follows the standard process on either airline’s platform. If you have TrueBlue points, book through JetBlue, and if you have MileagePlus miles, use United’s platform. Keep in mind that using points/miles for flights on the partner airline may not always offer the best value.
If you have a travel credit card that earns transferable rewards, consider avoiding transferring points to book flights across airlines. It’s usually more beneficial to transfer directly to the airline you intend to fly with for optimal value.
Top photo courtesy of United Airlines.