JetBlue and United Secure Regulatory Approval for "Blue Sky" Alliance
United and JetBlue have received the green light from the DOT for their "Blue Sky" alliance, set to integrate their networks, loyalty programs, and operations at key New York airports.
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United Airlines and JetBlue announced today, July 29, 2025, that they have completed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) review for their new commercial collaboration, named “Blue Sky”, and can now proceed with its implementation.
This agreement marks a new and crucial chapter for JetBlue as it reshapes its strategy following the court-ordered dissolution of its "Northeast Alliance" with American Airlines in 2023 and the blocking of its merger with Spirit Airlines in early 2024. The "Blue Sky" alliance allows both airlines to strengthen their networks without the deep integration that raised antitrust concerns in previous deals.
In their statement, the airlines thanked Secretary Duffy and Assistant Secretary Edwards of the DOT for the review process. The rollout of customer benefits will begin in phases starting this fall.
What is the "Blue Sky" Collaboration?
Loyalty Reciprocity: United's MileagePlus members will be able to earn and redeem miles on most JetBlue flights. Similarly, JetBlue's TrueBlue members can use their points on United's extensive domestic and international network.
Interline Agreement: Both airlines will sell each other's flights on their respective websites and mobile apps.
Elite Benefits: Reciprocal elite status benefits such as priority boarding, access to extra legroom seats, and same-day flight changes will be honored when traveling on the partner airline.
One of the most relevant components of the deal is the strengthening of United's position in the competitive New York market. JetBlue will provide United with access to up to seven daily round-trip slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which can be operated from Terminal 6 as early as 2027.
Additionally, the carriers will exchange eight slots at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in what was described as a "net-neutral" transaction. This move intensifies direct competition with Delta and American Airlines in the two main hubs of the New York metropolitan area.
The collaboration also extends into the technology sphere. United will migrate its offering of hotels, rental cars, cruises, and travel insurance to JetBlue's Paisly platform, for both standalone and package sales. This point validates the technology developed by JetBlue and creates a new commercial synergy between the companies.
The airlines stated that they will share more details on the implementation in the coming weeks.
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