United Airlines and JetBlue have recently joined forces to launch a new partnership called Blue Sky. This collaboration allows passengers to earn and redeem loyalty and award benefits with both airlines, regardless of where the miles were originally earned. Additionally, the partnership includes perks such as one free checked bag, seats with extra legroom, and the ability to make same-day changes to tickets.

The partnership also involves the exchange of gate space at hub airports. United will now have access to JetBlue’s gates at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), marking their return since 2015. Similarly, JetBlue will have access to United’s gates at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Although this collaboration is being referred to as a “unique consumer collaboration,” both airlines have clarified that it is not a merger or codeshare. It simply allows for reciprocal loyalty and award benefits and the sharing of competitive gate space at popular airports.

Members of United’s MileagePlus program will now receive priority bag handling, check-in, and security, as well as one free checked bag and other perks when flying with JetBlue. Similarly, JetBlue’s TrueBlue members will receive similar benefits when flying with United.

One of the main advantages of this partnership is the opportunity for United frequent flyers to use their miles on destinations that the airline does not currently fly to, such as Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Cartagena, Colombia; and Ponce, Puerto Rico.

United Airlines’ reintroduction to John F. Kennedy International Airport will also provide more connection opportunities for both domestic and international travelers as it is a part of the Star Alliance. Starting in 2027, JetBlue will provide United with enough gates for seven daily round-trip flights.

This partnership is just the latest innovation from United Airlines. In January, they announced the introduction of free Starlink Wi-Fi onboard their aircraft, and they have recently unveiled a new service class, Polaris Studio, which offers larger seating than their current business class offering.

Overall, the Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue provides numerous benefits for passengers, including increased loyalty and award benefits, access to more destinations, and improved connection opportunities.