United, JetBlue Partnership Expected to Restore United JFK Slots, Share Loyalty Benefits

United Airlines and JetBlue Airways have announced a partnership called Blue Sky that will allow United to return to New York's JFK Airport by gaining seven daily round-trip slots starting as early as 2027, while JetBlue will receive eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport. This collaboration includes reciprocal loyalty benefits, enabling members of United's MileagePlus and JetBlue's TrueBlue programs to earn and redeem points across both airlines, as well as access certain complimentary seating upgrades. The partnership will integrate operations in the New York City area, simplifying booking across their networks via each airline's platforms, but will remain an interline agreement rather than a codeshare, so both carriers will continue to operate flights under their own brands and flight numbers. The deal aims to enhance competitiveness and expand options for travelers, especially amid congestion and air traffic control challenges at Newark, United's primary New York hub. The agreement is subject to regulatory review and is expected to begin rolling out in stages starting this fall, with slot exchanges and flights commencing in 2027. Neither airline will invest in the other as part of this deal, but the partnership could lay groundwork for future collaboration or acquisition.