United and JetBlue have expanded their Blue Sky alliance to include reciprocal perks for status members of the MileagePlus and TrueBlue loyalty programs.
Beginning this week, status flyers from either airline are eligible for complimentary access to extra legroom seats at check-in when flying on the other airline. They are also eligible for free preferred seat selection after booking, a free checked bag and same-day standby.
In addition, MileagePlus Premier Platinum and 1K members can board with Group 1 on JetBlue flights, while premier Gold members will have Group 2 boarding and Premier Silver members will have Group 3 boarding.
Similarly, TrueBlue Mosaic 2, 3 and 4 members can board with Group 1 on United flights, and Mosaic 1 members can board with Group 2.
The benefits are the third implementation of Blue Sky partnership, which began in October with reciprocity for loyalty point accrual and redemption. Then, in February, the airlines opened cross bookings, allowing travelers to purchase United tickets on JetBlue channels and vice versa.
Still to be enabled is single itinerary ticketing on connecting travel that involves both airlines.
Also, in 2027, JetBlue will begin leasing up to seven daily departure and landing slots to United at New York's JFK Airport, opening the door for United to restart operations there.