JetBlue has a new dance partner, United, but it will be a while before we find out if they can make beautiful music together without stumbling over Federal feet as happened with its last partner, American Airlines.
The two airlines announced the new partnership, dubbed “Blue Sky,” earlier this week, and say that the first parts of it can be up and running by later this year. Among the features announced are
- an interline agreement, making it possible to create single itineraries using both airlines
- ‘earn and burn’ opportunities for each others’ loyalty program points
- ‘status match’ for the two carriers’ elite loyalists
- most flights on both airlines will be available on each other’s websites
- a deal to swap eight of JetBlue’s slots at New York JFK for eight of United’s at Newark Liberty
Before the plans can take effect, there will be regulatory approvals needed, just as were required for JetBlue’s previous Northeast Alliance with American. That approval was granted, but the Justice Department later sued and won, claiming it would limit rather than increase choices for passengers. A key issue cited in that lawsuit, coordination of schedules and pricing, is not included in the Blue Sky arrangement, perhaps to avoid any approval issues.
Otherwise, the alliance seems a good fit for both airlines; they will each benefit from their partner’s different focus. United gains a wider reach in the Northeast and leisure south destinations through JetBlue, and JetBlue will be able to offer its passengers greater overseas connections through United. For United, it also means a return to JFK for the first time in years.
