JetBlue Signs Strategic Partnership with American
Joe Cortez July 16, 2020
Just as American Airlines partnered with Alaska Airlines to bolster their Northwest network, the Fort Worth-based carrier will add another partner to provide access to the Northeast. JetBlue will begin a strategic partnership with American to provide seamless transitions between both networks.
American Airlines is adding a new partner to their network, with the goal of expanding their reach into New York, Boston and the Northeastern United States. In a joint press release, American and JetBlue announced they would enter into a strategic partnership, to include “seamless connectivity” for those flying aboard either airline.
Partnership Takes Advantage of Networks and Route Expansion
Under the agreement, the two carriers will operate codeshare flights on each respective network, and offer loyalty benefits for each program’s elite flyers. The key benefit for both carriers is an expanded domestic and international reach.
JetBlue flyers will be able to take advantage of new American destinations in 2021, including Tel Aviv, Athens, and Rio De Janeiro. American passengers can book flights through New York and Boston to the West Coast, including the nine new routes from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) which include JetBlue’s premium Mint product.
Image courtesy: JetBlue
With the codeshare and interline agreements, flyers using either airline’s website can soon book itineraries using a combination of flights aboard both carriers. Out of the New York market, flyers will be able to book service in either American’s A321T three-class aircraft, or JetBlue’s Mint premium cabin.
Both carriers are also working through reciprocal benefits for American AAdvantage elite members and JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic members. Both airlines say they are “exploring additional premium experiences for customers.”
Partnership Falls Short of Oneworld Membership, IAG Atlantic Joint Business Agreement
Although the partnership will give JetBlue an expanded footprint through American’s nationwide network, it falls short of the agreement the Fort Worth-based airline made with Alaska Airlines last year. JetBlue will not join the Oneworld airline alliance, nor will they become part of the Atlantic joint business agreement with IAG. JetBlue will continue with their planned service to London by 2021, and it’s doubtful that TrueBlue members will be able to use their points for international flights operated by British Airways.
The news comes out the same day that American and Oneworld partner Alaska Airlines announced a route expansion of their own. Less than one week after JetBlue announced a plan to consolidate operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Seattle-based carrier announced they would add seven new routes from the same airport.
All how do you think we AS FF feel about American Airlines IPU(*&(*^*&^$&^%
Like others, love the JB experience. In normal times, took them several times/year FLL-SFO. Also have flown them to Peru, Equador, Columbia. And several other U.S. cities. Hope we don't lose all that.
As the airlines continue to be in trouble, I think these type of partnerships are going to become more prevalent than less. Consolidation is one of the keys to the airline industry's survival as they are going to have to change their financial models for the current level of income they are getting. You just can't keep bleeding cash or you'll die.
JetBlue prided itself a “new breed” of carrier so I can see why it doesn’t want to join OneWorld - it would no longer thus be unique. With this arrangement, it is able to give its customers access to international destinations without losing its unique identity.
It is not clear if this means award points are shared. Can I use American award miles to book Jet Blue flights?