American Airlines and JetBlue advance strategic alliance
American Airlines and JetBlue announced their strategic alliance is moving ahead following review by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Both carriers will begin implementing key aspects of the alliance in phases, offering more seamless connectivity and better travel choices on routes to and from New York Kennedy (JFK), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR) and Boston (BOS).
Important components of the alliance will be introduced starting in the first quarter of 2021, and phased in over the course of the year:
- Seamless customer experience
Customers flying in and out of New York and Boston will enjoy a more seamless experience across both airlines, including access to the alliance’s significant global network, convenient connections, access to loyalty benefits and an improved on-the-ground experience.
- Network alignment in the Northeast
The alliance will offer customers the largest airline network in New York City and Boston. Starting in the first half of 2021, JetBlue and American schedules in New York and Boston will begin to be aligned to give customers new flight options, with improved schedules, better connections, competitive fares and access to more domestic and international destinations.
- Codeshare agreement
Starting later this quarter, flights touching New York or Boston from either JetBlue, American or connecting combinations of both will be bookable with either carrier. The codeshare will introduce JetBlue customers to more than 60 new routes operated by American and will introduce American’s customers to more than 130 new routes operated by JetBlue. - Reciprocal loyalty benefits
Later this year, customers of both JetBlue’s TrueBlue and American’s AAdvantage® programs will be able to enjoy reciprocal benefits, including the ability to earn and/or redeem points or miles on either carrier making both loyalty programs even more valuable. More details will be announced to loyalty program members later this year