Two Tickets in One Click: JetBlue and United Simplify Complex Routes

JetBlue and United Airlines have received approval from the US Department of Transportation to begin working together under a new travel agreement called Blue Sky. The decision, confirmed on July 29, allows both airlines to connect parts of their networks and loyalty programs. Passengers will start seeing changes gradually, beginning this autumn and continuing in phases over the coming months.

Passengers will have access to several changes as part of the new agreement. These include:

• Booking flights from either airline using the website or app of JetBlue or United
• Earning and redeeming loyalty points across both TrueBlue and MileagePlus programs
• Receiving the same treatment for airport services such as boarding sequence and seat access, regardless of which airline operates the flight

The partnership will open access to more regional destinations that are usually harder to reach on large carriers. United flyers might now reach places like Burlington, a small town tucked near Vermont’s forests and trails, or Charleston, a quiet southern spot known for its old buildings and sea views. These smaller destinations are often overlooked in international planning but remain attractive for short breaks and domestic getaways.

JetBlue passengers will now have a simpler way to reach far-off places without juggling multiple bookings. The partnership gives easier access to United’s international routes, including cities like Cape Town in South Africa, where travelers can explore a mix of nature and urban life, or São Paulo in Brazil, a major South American hub. For those planning multi-leg trips outside North America, having these routes in one booking system reduces the need to search across different airlines and platforms.

Instead of launching new services, both airlines are focusing on making their existing routes easier to combine. Travelers will spend less time juggling bookings, find it easier to reach cities near and far, and have more freedom when using their points. The changes could make a noticeable difference for anyone planning a trip that crosses airline networks or includes a mix of short and long flights.