American Airlines and JetBlue Launch Northeast Alliance
The agreement aims to enhance service in New York and Boston and eventually will link loyalty programs
JetBlue and American Airlines have launched the first phase of their new strategic alliance beginning Feb. 25. The deal was first announced in July as a way to enhance service options for travelers, particularly in the Northeast, and to accelerate recovery for both carriers as the travel industry emerges from the pandemic.
Nearly 80 routes sharing the two carriers’ codes are now available for booking as the airlines coordinate schedules on key routes to and from the Northeast. Initially, American’s code is being placed on more than four dozen JetBlue routes and JetBlue’s code is being placed on more than two dozen American routes.
These first routes include domestic point-to-point markets.
As part of the first phase of the alliance, the two carriers are introducing 33 new routes. More Northeast markets, including connections operated by a mix of both airlines through both Boston and New York, will be added regularly across the first half of this year.
This month both carriers have also boosted services into Miami. JetBlue premiered daily nonstop service between Miami International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
Meanwhile, American announced more flights out of its Miami hub with two new international routes, as well as new domestic services and increased frequencies on existing routes.
This spring, members of both airline’s loyalty programs will be able to enjoy reciprocal benefits, starting with the ability to earn points or miles on either carrier. Over time, JetBlue’s TrueBlue and American’s AAdvantage members will also be able to redeem points or miles on either carrier.
