United Airlines and JetBlue receive DOT approval for Blue Sky partnership

In response to Spirit’s concerns, JetBlue and United stated in a joint DOT filing that “the low-cost carrier’s objections to the Blue Sky collaboration are unfounded and provide no basis for the relief it seeks.” They added that “the partnership is an arms-length, pro-competition collaboration that would benefit US consumers and competition with more flight options, subsequently resulting in additional choices for passengers.”

A statement from JetBlue expressed appreciation for those involved in reviewing the proposal: “Secretary Duffy, Assistant Secretary Edwards, and the entire team at the DOT for their review of Blue Sky.”

The alliance will allow United’s MileagePlus members to earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights. Similarly, JetBlue’s TrueBlue customers will have access to mileage earning and redemption on most United flights. Additional benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred seats or extra legroom seats, as well as same-day standby or switching privileges will be available across both airlines when traveling on each other’s aircraft.

As part of Blue Sky’s implementation plan, United will gain access to slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), allowing up to seven daily round-trip flights out of JFK Terminal 6 starting as early as 2027. Meanwhile, both airlines will exchange eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Both carriers confirmed this slot swap is net-neutral.

Although regulatory approval has been granted by the DOT, implementation has not yet begun. According to statements from both airlines, customer benefits associated with Blue Sky are expected to roll out beginning in autumn 2025 in phases.

United previously operated flights out of JFK but consolidated operations at Newark before ending service from JFK in 2022. CEO Scott Kirby has called leaving JFK one of United's biggest mistakes; during this time other major carriers captured much of the business travel market at JFK. When United last served JFK directly it offered nonstop routes to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), though it remains unclear which destinations will be prioritized upon its return.

Both airlines anticipate expanded presence in New York City area airports due to these changes.