It's blue skies ahead for JetBlue and United Airlines.
The carriers announced this week that they had received Department of Transportation approval to team up, launching a partnership that they say will offer travelers more booking options, loyalty and frequent flyer programs, and more flight spots at top airports.
The airlines first announced their intention to create the new partnership back in May. On Tuesday they announced they had completed the DOT review of their Blue Sky collaboration, allowing them to proceed to implementation.
"JetBlue and United appreciate Secretary Duffy, Assistant Secretary Edwards, and the entire team at the DOT for their review of Blue Sky. JetBlue and United will share more details in the coming weeks as implementation of the Blue Sky collaboration begins," the carriers said in a joint press release.
According to the press release, the partnership was designed to "give customers of both airlines even more options to find flights that fit their plans as well as new opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines."
"Blue Sky will begin introducing new customer benefits starting this fall, rolling out in phases," the airlines stated.
Here's a snapshot of what to expect.
More booking options
This traditional interline agreement will allow both airlines to offer flights on one another's website and apps for seamless booking.
Loyalty program crossover
United's MileagePlus customers will be able to earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights; JetBlue's TrueBlue members in turn can now earn and use points for flights on United's domestic and international network.
Benefits from the airlines' loyalty programs -- such as priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby or changes -- will be available to customers across both carriers.
More flights at different airports
JetBlue said it will provide United access to slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for up to seven daily round-trip flights out of Terminal 6, which will start in 2027.
JetBlue and United will also exchange eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Hotel and additional travel packages
United's extra booking options -- such as hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel insurance -- will move from the website and app to JetBlue's Paisly platform.
