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JetBlue and United Airlines have launched a new partnership
There’s nothing like a good airline collaboration to make you dream bigger about your next trip. JetBlue and United Airlines have launched a new partnership called Blue Sky, enhancing travel options for their customers and introducing new ways to earn and use MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines.
Some of the benefits of the partnership include:
MileagePlus members can earn and use miles on JetBlue flights, including hundreds of daily flights between NYC, Boston, and the Caribbean.
TrueBlue members can earn and use points on United’s domestic and international network to far-flung destinations like Cape Town and Tahiti.
Both airlines will offer flights on each other’s websites and apps for easy booking.
Loyalty perks like priority boarding, free access to preferred/extra legroom seats, a free first checked bag, and same-day standby/flight change will be offered on both airlines.
United will migrate some travel service bookings (hotels, cars, cruises) to JetBlue’s Paisly platform for a better customer experience.
Through this partnership, both airlines will continue managing their own routes, prices, and deals. You’ll still find new flights and offers from each, but now with better perks from working together, giving you more options.
Both airline programs offer unique advantages as well. Read more about the individual programs and their offerings here.
- Best for: Travelers near a United hub
- Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X - 2X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
Offer Details:
LTO: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Why we like it
The New United℠ Explorer Card is a strong card for its price point. No other comparably priced card includes lounge access along with the more typical free checked bags, a solid offer of 60,000 bonus points, and priority boarding. Considering the $150 annual fee is waived for the first year, if any United or Star Alliance flights are on the horizon, it could be worth giving a test drive.
Reward details
2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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Cardholders enjoy two one-time passes to the United Club a year, usually worth $59 each. *Cardmember or authorized user must be present when they are redeemed.
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Priority boarding privileges.
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Access to expanded award availability makes booking United flights with miles easier and cheaper.
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Free first checked bag for the cardholder and a companion can justify the annual fee with one roundtrip flight.
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The $150 annual fee is waived for the first year.
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Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your UnitedSM Explorer Card within a calendar year
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A year’s membership to DoorDash’s DashPass is a nice addition for those who use the food delivery service.
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The up to $120 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck® pass is great for regular travelers.
Cons
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The DashPass and Global Entry/TSA perks are great, but only helpful for some and overlap with other cards.
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Without using the perks available, the fee can become harder to justify unless you’re a regular United flyer.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
