United, JetBlue Announce Major 'Blue Sky' Partnership

United Airlines and JetBlue Airways have announced the 'Blue Sky' partnership, pending regulatory approval, which will enable customers to earn and redeem loyalty points and book tickets across both airlines’ platforms. The agreement features a net-neutral slot swap, with United returning to New York’s JFK Airport using JetBlue’s slots for up to seven daily round-trips starting as early as 2027, while JetBlue gains additional timings at Newark Liberty Airport. Loyalty program members will enjoy reciprocal perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and same-day flight changes, but the deal excludes lounge access and schedule coordination. The partnership is not a merger or codeshare and follows JetBlue’s blocked merger with Spirit Airlines and the end of its alliance with American Airlines. Analysts see the arrangement as a significant move in New York’s aviation market, expanding customer choice and competition. Both airlines stress that they will maintain independent operations and avoid route or capacity coordination.