United Airlines and JetBlue Airways said on Thursday that they would swap a handful of flights at two New York airports, providing United a long-sought return to Kennedy International Airport. The airlines will also sell tickets on each other’s flights and link their loyalty programs.
The plan to swap seven flights at J.F.K. and Newark Liberty International Airport will give United another option in the New York area besides its stronghold at Newark, which has been strained for years under the weight of rising congestion and air traffic control staffing shortfalls. The trade would begin as soon as 2027, the airlines said. Other elements of the partnership could begin as soon as this fall, pending a regulatory review.
Under the partnership, called Blue Sky, customers will be able to earn and use United’s MileagePlus loyalty points on most JetBlue flights. JetBlue customers will be able to earn and use the airline’s TrueBlue points for flights on United’s network.
The airlines will also provide reciprocal benefits to members of each loyalty program and sell flights on the other carrier.
JetBlue and American Airlines announced a similar deal five years ago, but the Justice Department under President Joseph R. Biden successfully sued to prevent it from proceeding, arguing that it limited competition and hurt travelers. Experts expect the Trump administration to be more permissive of such partnerships.
Niraj Chokshi writes about aviation, rail and other transportation industries.
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