United and Jetblue become sisters: the Blue Sky alliance is born. And it could also affect ITA passengers
A cross-alliance. Or, perhaps, the first step by JetBlue (which is not part of any alliance) toward an entry into [...]
United Airlines
JetBlue
Star Alliance
JFK
United States of America
A cross-cutting alliance. Or, perhaps, the first step of JetBlue (which is not part of any alliance) toward joining the Star Alliance. That is the agreement that the fourth-largest U.S. airline by passengers carried has made with United Airlines. Making use of the name of one and the predominant livery colors of both, United and Jetblue have named the partnership 'Blue Sky'.
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Provides for a 'swap' of slots on the New York airports of Newark (where United will surrender some to Jetblue) and JFK, where United will make its return after a three-year absence (having a huge base in Newark, United's with JFK has always been a marriage with separations and comebacks). This situation may also have a reflection in ITA Airways' strategies, as known the Italian airline does not fly to Newark, being able to codeshare with United from JFK would make life easier for continuations for those arriving from Rome aboard AZ flights.
But most importantly., Blue Sky predicts beneficial mortgages for members of United's Mileage Plus and Jetblue's True Blue loyalty programs, which can accumulate and spend miles/points indifferently with one and the other, including the long-haul flights of United and those for Europe from Jetblue.
Members with status will enjoy the same privileges with either carrier regarding priority check-in, priority at security checkpoints, free checked baggage, priority baggage reclaim, choice of seats including extra-legroom and same-day changes/standby.
The only difference in treatment will concern boarding: True Blue Mosaic 1,2,3 and 4 members will be granted Group 1 by traveling with United, while only Premier 1K and Platinum members of Mileage Plus will embark with Group A on Jetblue, while Gold members will embark with Group B and Silver members with Group C. No information was provided regarding lounge access and regarding upgrades to First Class.
Finally, once the partnership is established, United and JetBlue will launch an interline agreement, selling each other's flights through their respective websites and mobile apps. This means that it will be possible to book a United flight on JetBlue's site (or vice versa) and connect seamlessly in a single itinerary between the two airlines.
