American Airlines seems to be in “love” with alliances; one on the West Coast with Alaska Airlines (becoming Oneworld Alliance member on March 31), and another one for the East Coast with JetBlue.
American Airlines previously had a partnership with JetBlue that ended on April 1, 2014 (read more here), and the new one was announced on July 2020 (read more here), although the start date was left in the dark.
You can access AA’s page for the alliance here and JetBlue’s here.
American Airlines and JetBlue will start codesharing select flights from February 25, 2021.
The loyalty benefits are not yet in place, however:
This spring, customers of both American’s AAdvantage® and JetBlue’s TrueBlue programs will enjoy the benefit of earning points or miles on either carrier, further enhancing the value of both loyalty programs to all flyers. Over time, customers will also be able to redeem points or miles on either carrier and the airlines are exploring opportunities to recognize American’s AAdvantage elite members and JetBlue Mosaic customers across both airlines. More details will be announced to loyalty program members later this year.
Here’s the announcement from AA:
American Airlines and JetBlue Begin Growth from New York and Boston with 33 New Routes, Joint Schedules and Codeshare Flights
New service from New York (JFK) to Latin America and the Caribbean begins in May
New domestic service from JFK and Boston (BOS) begins in June
- American introduces international flights from New York (JFK) to three cities in Colombia and to Santiago, Chile (SCL); new weekend service to St. Lucia (UVF) and Turks and Caicos (PLS) will operate this summer.
- American and JetBlue collectively introduce 33 new domestic and international routes for customers in New York and Boston beginning in June.
- Almost 50 codeshare markets are available for purchase on aa.com for travel beginning Feb. 25.
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) and JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) are delivering on their promise to introduce better travel choices on routes to and from New York (JFK, LGA and EWR) and Boston (BOS), as they launch nearly 80 codeshare flights and enhanced schedules on key routes. American is also introducing 18 new routes beginning this summer, including six new routes from JFK to Latin America and the Caribbean. Codeshare flights are available for purchase today for travel starting Feb. 25, and American’s new summer flights from New York and Boston will be available for purchase Feb. 22.
“This is the first step to delivering the best customer proposition with the biggest network in New York and Boston,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Revenue Officer. “In the months ahead, we’ll continue to create a seamless experience that’s easy for our customers, supports our communities and leads to more growth for our team.”
American and JetBlue announced their Northeast Alliance in July, followed by the airlines’ intent to introduce key elements of the alliance after review by the Department of Transportation in January.
“Our alliance with American opens the door for JetBlue to successfully enter into new markets, introducing more choices and our award-winning service and low fares to more customers,” said Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue. “The alliance is also essential to getting our planes back in the air profitably and crewmembers working again.”
New routes
The Northeast Alliance opens up new growth opportunities for both carriers by finding ways to better utilize existing gates and slots in congested Northeast airports while offering customers a seamless travel experience.
International Growth
On May 6, American will launch three new daily routes from JFK to Colombia – Cali (CLO), Bogota (BOG) and Medellin (MDE) – and will begin flying three times per week to Santiago, Chile (SCL) from JFK on a Boeing 777-200, until flights begin operating daily in November. Sun-seeking customers can also look forward to new Saturday service from JFK to the soothing waves in St. Lucia (UVF) and the beautiful beaches in Turks and Caicos (PLS) beginning on June 5, complementing JetBlue’s existing service..
Domestic Growth
This summer, American will also launch 12 new domestic routes, from New York (JFK and LGA) and Boston (BOS), including the following:
Origin Destination Season BOS Asheville, North Carolina (AVL) June 5 – Nov. 6 BOS Columbus, Ohio (CMH) Aug. 17, year-round BOS Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC) June 5 – Sept. 4 BOS Traverse City, Michigan (TVC) June 5 – Sept. 6 BOS Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) June 5 – Aug. 14 JFK Orange County, California (SNA) July 2, year-round LGA Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) Sept. 8, year-round LGA Key West, Florida (EYW) June 5 – Sept. 4 LGA Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (MYR) June 3 – Sept. 7 LGA Pensacola, Florida (PNS) June 3 – Sept. 7 LGA Rapid City, South Dakota (RAP) June 5 – Sept. 4 LGA Savannah, Georgia (SAV) June 3 – Sept. 7 Also launching this summer is previously announced service from LGA to Glacier National Park in Kalispell, Montana, (FCA) and to TVC. As part of the codeshare with JetBlue, all new routes will be operated by American, but available for booking on aa.com or JetBlue.com.
Enhanced schedules in key markets
Customers will soon benefit from aligned schedules in key markets supported by the reciprocal codeshare. Beginning in April, American and JetBlue will offer more flights than any other carrier when they coordinate convenient schedules on the popular New York (JFK and EWR) to Los Angeles (LAX) route. Customers will have the most choices — 14 daily flights — between the two carriers and will have access to the state-of-the art Airbus A321T aircraft or JetBlue’s A321 aircraft featuring Mint. American and JetBlue will also provide enhanced schedules between the following markets:
Origin Destination BOS Fort Lauderdale (FLL) BOS MIA BOS Washington, D.C. (DCA) BOS West Palm Beach (PBI) LGA BOS LGA DCA New York (JFK and EWR) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) New York (JFK and EWR) LAX New York (JFK and EWR) MIA New York (JFK and EWR) San Francisco (SFO) New York (JFK and EWR) West Palm Beach (PBI) Codeshare flights begin next week
Codeshare on domestic flights are available for purchase today for flights beginning Feb. 25. American’s customers will have access to 49 codeshare routes on JetBlue, while JetBlue customers will have access to more than 25 routes on American. The airlines expect to begin codesharing sales on the new international routes soon.* As with all American-marketed codeshare flights, AAdvantage members will be able to earn miles.
A long-standing industry practice, codesharing provides access to a broader network by allowing travelers to book a single itinerary directly with their preferred airline for flights operated by a partner airline. The first routes available for purchase will include domestic point-to-point markets, some operated by only one carrier and others operated by both airlines.
More Northeast markets, including connections operated by a mix of both airlines through Boston and New York, will be added regularly throughout the first half of this year. All flights are bookable on aa.com, making booking easy and familiar for American’s customers.
What’s next?
Now that the partnership is underway, customers can look forward to easier booking with more flight choices on either aa.com or JetBlue.com. As previously announced, American will also begin new international service from JFK to Tel Aviv (TLV) and Athens (ATH) this summer — the first long-haul flights from JFK in more than four years, followed by service to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) from JFK this winter.
This spring, customers of both American’s AAdvantage® and JetBlue’s TrueBlue programs will enjoy the benefit of earning points or miles on either carrier, further enhancing the value of both loyalty programs to all flyers. Over time, customers will also be able to redeem points or miles on either carrier and the airlines are exploring opportunities to recognize American’s AAdvantage elite members and JetBlue Mosaic customers across both airlines. More details will be announced to loyalty program members later this year.
Today, JetBlue also announced new service coming this summer from JFK, LGA, EWR and BOS. Learn more about their exciting new flights to more than a dozen new markets, including destinations like Boise and Glacier National Park.
*All international flights and codesharing are subject to government approval.
And here’s from JetBlue:
Nearly 80 Codeshare Routes Bookable Starting Today, Giving Customers More Choices & Enhanced Schedules
JetBlue Plans to Launch More Than a Dozen New Routes from Newark and LaGuardia, and Seasonal Service from JFK to Two All-New JetBlue Destinations
Together, JetBlue and American Introduce More Than 30 New Routes
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) today announced the launch of the first phase of their new Northeast Alliance, aimed at bringing customers more competitive choices in New York and Boston. Beginning today, nearly 80 routes sharing the JetBlue and American codes are available for booking as the airlines enhance schedules on key routes to and from the northeast. In addition, JetBlue today announced 15 new routes, including new service from Newark and New York-LGA as well as two all-new seasonal cities from New York-JFK. Together with American, the two airlines are introducing 33 new routes as part of the first phase of their alliance.
“Our alliance with American opens the door for JetBlue to successfully enter into new markets, introducing more choices and our award-winning service and low fares to more customers,” said Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue. “The alliance is also essential to getting our planes back in the air profitably and crewmembers working again.”
“This is the first step to delivering the best customer proposition with the biggest network in New York and Boston,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Revenue Officer. “In the months ahead, we’ll continue to create a seamless experience that’s easy for our customers, supports our communities and leads to more growth for our team.”
Codesharing & Loyalty
JetBlue’s codeshare with American begins February 25, 2021, with this first phase of flights on sale starting today. Initially, JetBlue’s code is being placed on more than two dozen American routes and American’s code is being placed on more than four dozen JetBlue routes. These first routes include domestic point-to-point markets. More northeast markets, including connections operated by a mix of both airlines through both Boston and New York, will be added regularly throughout the first half of this year. All flights are bookable on jetblue.com, making booking easy and familiar to JetBlue Customers.
A long-standing industry practice, codesharing allows travelers to book directly with their preferred airline for flights operated by a partner airline. It’s one more way JetBlue brings its award-winning customer service to the new alliance.
This spring, customers of both JetBlue’s TrueBlue and American’s AAdvantage® programs will be able to enjoy reciprocal benefits, starting with the ability to earn points or miles on either carrier, enhancing the value of both loyalty programs to all flyers.
Over time, Customers will also be able to redeem points or miles on either carrier. Further, the airlines are exploring opportunities to recognize JetBlue Mosaic customers and American’s AAdvantage elite members across both airlines. In addition to more details being announced to loyalty program members throughout this year, JetBlue and American will be revealing enhancements to the customer experience and additional offerings through JetBlue Vacations.
Enhanced Schedules in Key Markets
JetBlue’s Northeast alliance with American opens new growth opportunities for both carriers by finding ways to better utilize existing gates and slots in congested Northeast airports while offering a seamless travel experience.
Customers will soon benefit from aligned schedules in Boston and New York, which allow Customers from each airline better timed flights and more frequencies. Effective April 2021 the following schedules will be offered between:
- New York and Los Angeles (LAX)
- JetBlue will offer up to eight daily flights.
- American will offer up to six daily flights.
- The combined 14 daily flights – with service to and from both New York’s John F. Kennedy international Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – will provide customers with hourly service.
- New York and Boston
- JetBlue will offer up to six daily flights.
- American will offer up to three daily flights.
- The combined nine daily flights – with service to and from New York’s John F. Kennedy international Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – will provide customers with every other hour service.
- New York and South Florida
- JetBlue will offer up to 27 daily flights.
- American will offer up to 20 daily flights.
- The combined 47 daily flights – with service between New York’s John F. Kennedy international Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – will provide customers with more than hourly service.
- Boston and Washington, D.C. (DCA)
- JetBlue will offer up to four daily flights.
- American will offer up to seven daily flights.
- The combined 11 daily flights will provide customers with close to hourly service.
- Boston and South Florida
- JetBlue will offer up to 14 daily flights.
- American will offer up to eight daily flights.
- The combined 22 daily flights – with service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – will provide customers with more than hourly service.
Additional daily departures will be added in these markets during peak summer travel periods and beyond, further improving options for travelers.
Effective summer 2021, JetBlue and American will further optimize additional schedules including – but not limited to – flights between:
- Boston and Los Angeles (LAX)
- Boston and Chicago (ORD)
- New York and San Francisco
- New York and Atlanta
- New York and Dallas (DFW)
- New York and Chicago (ORD)
- New York and Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
More detailed timing, specific schedules and seats on sale for expanded markets launching this summer will be announced soon.
New and Expanding Seasonal Destinations
JetBlue also announced the opening of two new JetBlue cities, which will further diversify the airline’s flying and grow its presence in the western U.S.
New summer seasonal flights at Kalispell, Montana’s Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in the northwest corner of the state launch July 1, 2021, with nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Flights will operate up to three times weekly through September 7, 2021, with seats on sale February 23, 2021.
“Visitors need only step off the plane in Montana to understand the magic of our state,” said Airport Director Rob Ratkowski. “The growth we have seen at Glacier Park International Airport in recent months has been incredible. We are thrilled to be welcoming JetBlue to the GPIA family, and we look forward to expanded flight options for area travelers.”
Glacier Park International Airport is the closest airport to Glacier National Park and is located just 30 miles from the West Entrance of the park. Glacier’s pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes make it one of the nation’s top outdoor destinations. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker’s paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and nature.
Schedule between New York (JFK) and Kalispell/Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Up to 3x Weekly starting July 1, 2021
JFK – FCA Flight #2345 FCA – JFK Flight #2346 7:30 p.m. – 11:02 p.m. 11:55 p.m. – 6:18 a.m. (+1) New summer seasonal service at Boise Airport (BOI) in Idaho launches July 2, 2021, with nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). JetBlue will operate the only nonstop service between Idaho’s capital and the Northeast and it will be the Boise Airport’s longest flight. Flights will operate up to four times weekly through September 6, 2021, with seats on sale February 23, 2021.
“JetBlue is an established and well-respected company, we are thrilled to welcome the airline to Boise and build a strong partnership together,” said Boise Airport Director Rebecca Hupp. “Nonstop service to New York City is something our community has been asking for, and it has been a goal of mine for several years. I’m very optimistic that this route will be successful for JetBlue and our travelers.”
Boise becomes JetBlue’s first destination in Idaho and the 31st state served by the airline. Boise is a rare blend of urban and outdoors, active and relaxing, family-friendly and welcoming. It has unique sites and attractions, diverse cultural offerings and unlimited recreation, including close access to some of the country’s most sought after white water rafting and skiing destinations. At the foot of the scenic Boise Front, Boise boasts several Fortune 500 companies with national and international headquarters or divisions, sprawling high-tech campuses and a major university with a distinctive blue football field. This city, with a river running through it, enjoys its easily accessible outdoors as much as its eclectic urban offerings.
Schedule between New York (JFK) and Boise Airport (BOI)
Up to 4x Weekly starting July 2, 2021
JFK – BOI Flight #2741 BOI – JFK Flight #2742 7:15 p.m. – 11:01 p.m. 11:55 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. (+1) JetBlue will operate both new routes using its Airbus A320 aircraft offering the airline’s award-winning service featuring the most legroom in coach (a); free Fly-Fi, the fastest broadband internet in the sky (b); complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and soft drinks; free, live DIRECTV® programming and 100+ channels of SiriusXM® radio at every seat.
In addition to introducing new seasonal cities in Montana and Idaho, JetBlue announced its recently launched winter seasonal service at Key West International Airport (EYW) will expand to year-round flying. Key West is served up to four times weekly from both New York-JFK and Boston.
“Our strong demand as a year-round subtropical island destination is a response to our scenic wide-open spaces, casual island atmosphere and an abundance of water activities,” said Stacey Mitchell, director of the Florida Keys tourism council. “Visitors from the Northeast, which remains a top visitor market for all of the Keys, are seeking warm breezes, abundant sunshine and organically socially distant experiences such as backcountry excursions, deep-sea fishing charters, legendary sunset celebrations and quality time outdoors with family and friends.”
New Flying in New York
As a result of the Northeast alliance, JetBlue also announced it will add more than a dozen new markets in greater New York City with new destinations offered at both LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The routes – which go on sale February 23, 2021 – strengthen JetBlue’s position as New York’s Hometown Airline®, help grow the airline’s presence in key regions and introduce more competition and new, competitive choices for customers in these markets.
New service launching July 1, 2021 between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and:
- Antigua’s V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) (c)
- Up to 3x Weekly
- Aguadilla, Puerto Rico’s Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN)
- Daily
- Cartagena, Colombia’s Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) (d)
- Up to 4x Weekly
- Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY)
- Summer seasonal, up to 2x Daily, 5x per Week
- Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK)
- Summer seasonal, up to 2x Daily, 5x per Week
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) (c)
- Up to 4x Weekly
- Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) (c)
- Up to 5x Weekly
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Summer seasonal, Daily
- St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) (c)
- Up to 3x Weekly, Mint offered select Saturdays
- St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands’ Cyril E. King Airport (STT)
- Up to 4x Weekly
New service between New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and:
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Daily
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- 2x Daily
- Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY)
- Summer seasonal, Daily
Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket routes will be flown on JetBlue’s Embraer 190 aircraft, which features comfortable two-by-two seating. All flights include JetBlue’s award-winning service featuring the most legroom in coach (a); complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and soft drinks; 36 channels of free, live DIRECTV® programming on personal seatback televisions; and free Fly-Fi high-speed wireless Internet (b). All other new routes will be operated on the A320 aircraft.
American’s Additional Flying
Today American Airlines also announced a series of updates to its flying schedule, including six new international markets across the Caribbean and South America served from New York-JFK and 18 new domestic routes to and from the Northeast. New routes announced today by American launch in May and June, and will be on sale on Monday, Feb. 22. This follows American’s previously announced new service between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv, Athens and Rio de Janeiro, which are on sale now. For more details visit: news.aa.com.
For more information on JetBlue’s alliance with American Airlines, please visit: jetblue.com/americanairlines
Conclusion
So, Alaska will take care of the West coast flying for AA while JetBlue will do the same for the East and the Caribbean. This is the second time American is having a “love feast” with JetBlue, with the previous one ending in tears back in 2014.
American Airlines AAdvantage and JetBlue Mosaic members will earn miles on each other’s flights sometime later this spring and can redeem too.
You have to keep in mind that if you are a member of another Oneworld frequent flier program, usually flights operated by non-alliance airlines that carry an alliance airline code don’t credit.
The only exception to this rule is Qantas, whose all partners, including Emirates, do credit to all Oneworld programs as long as they have been booked under the QF-code (the only exception is Qantas owned Jetstar).
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