JetBlue and Emirates kicked off a partnership agreement this week that significantly expands both airlines’ loyalty programs and reward offerings. Emirates Skywards members can now earn points for traveling anywhere in JetBlue’s network of 70+ destinations, while JetBlue’s TrueBlue members can earn points when they take Emirates flights to more than 120 locations worldwide.
In an effort to jump-start the partnership, both airlines have announced a summertime promotion that gives loyalty program members double points on qualifying flights taken between July 1st and September 30th.
JetBlue and Emirates may seem like strange bedfellows — given JetBlue’s reputation as a discount airline, and Emirates being known for its international awards and luxury amenities — however the two airlines have actually had a codeshare agreement that allowed for seamless ticketing and baggage transfers since 2010. FlyerTalk members like fly747first have voiced their concerns about a JetBlue and Emirates partnership in the past, given that passengers used to traveling on Emirates could be disappointed in the lack of amenities offered on most JetBlue flights.
Still, FlyerTalk member sfozrhfco points out that this new alliance significantly expands the benefits for Emirates Skywards members flying on JetBlue. Beyond having bags transferred from one carrier to another, this new agreement makes it much easier for members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to accumulate points on international travel.
Members of the TrueBlue and Skywards programs will see even more benefits in February 2013, when they’ll be able to start redeeming frequent flier points for travel on either airline.
Are you a TrueBlue or Skywards loyalty member who’s excited about this announcement, or do you agree with FlyerTalk members who say the airlines are just too different for a partnership like this to work?