It's fantastic that you're looking to maximize your travel rewards and streamline your flying experience! However, there's some crucial information we need to address right away regarding linking JetBlue and American Airlines accounts.
Breaking News: The Northeast Alliance (NEA) Between JetBlue and American Airlines Has Ended.
Yes, you read that correctly. As of July 2023, following a federal court ruling, the strategic partnership known as the "Northeast Alliance" (NEA) between JetBlue and American Airlines has been terminated. This means that the ability to seamlessly link your loyalty accounts (JetBlue TrueBlue and American Airlines AAdvantage) for earning and redeeming points across both airlines, as well as reciprocal elite benefits and codeshare bookings, has largely ceased.
While there was a period of grace for previously ticketed travel, for most practical purposes going forward, you cannot "link" your JetBlue and American Airlines accounts in the way you might have been able to during the NEA.
This post will now pivot to explaining what was possible during the alliance, and what limited options you might still have for maximizing rewards when flying with both airlines independently, focusing on status matching and individual bookings.
Let's dive in!
Understanding the Past: The Northeast Alliance (NEA)
For a period, the NEA allowed for a significant level of cooperation between JetBlue and American Airlines, primarily focused on the Northeast region of the United States (New York and Boston airports). This alliance brought about:
Codesharing: Passengers could book flights with one airline and fly on the other's aircraft.
Reciprocal Loyalty Benefits: Members of American's AAdvantage and JetBlue's TrueBlue programs could earn and redeem miles/points on each other's flights. Elite status benefits, like complimentary extra legroom seats and priority services, were also reciprocal.
Expanded Route Networks: The airlines coordinated their schedules to offer more destinations and frequencies from key Northeast hubs.
This was a game-changer for many travelers, offering increased flexibility and earning potential. However, the Department of Justice argued it was anti-competitive, leading to its dissolution.
What You Can (and Cannot) Do Now: Navigating Separate Skies
Since the formal "linking" of accounts as it once existed is no longer in place, our focus shifts to strategies for individual earning and potential status recognition.
Step 1: Acknowledge the Current Reality: No Direct Account Linking
Let's be clear from the get-go: you cannot directly merge or permanently link your TrueBlue and AAdvantage accounts as a single, unified loyalty profile. They operate as separate entities.
Engage with this thought: "Think of it like trying to use your grocery store loyalty card at a different, unrelated grocery store. While you might occasionally find a shared promotion or a credit card that works at both, the loyalty programs themselves are distinct."
Step 2: Understanding Your Loyalty Programs Separately
Before we explore any potential workarounds, ensure you have a firm grasp of each program individually.
Sub-heading: American Airlines AAdvantage Program
Enrollment: If you don't already have one, create an AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website. It's free and takes just a few minutes.
Earning Miles: Learn how AAdvantage miles are earned – typically based on the fare paid and your AAdvantage status, on American Airlines flights and eligible partner airlines (though JetBlue is generally not a direct earning partner anymore).
Redeeming Miles: Understand the process for redeeming AAdvantage miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel products.
Status Tiers: Familiarize yourself with AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum status, and their associated benefits.
Sub-heading: JetBlue TrueBlue Program
Enrollment: Similarly, if you're not a TrueBlue member, sign up for free on the JetBlue website.
Earning Points: JetBlue's TrueBlue program generally earns points based on the fare paid. Higher fare classes earn more points.
Redeeming Points: TrueBlue points are primarily used for JetBlue flights, with point values often tied to the cash price of the ticket.
Mosaic Status: Understand the Mosaic elite status and its benefits, such as complimentary Even More Space seats, free checked bags, and same-day confirmed changes.
Step 3: Exploring Limited Reciprocal Opportunities (Post-NEA)
While direct linking is gone, there are limited ways in which the previous relationship might still have a residual impact, primarily around status matching.
Sub-heading: Status Matching (A Potential Lifeline for Elites)
What it is: Airlines occasionally offer "status matches" or "status challenges." This means if you hold elite status with one airline (e.g., JetBlue Mosaic), another airline (e.g., American Airlines) might grant you a comparable elite status for a trial period, with the opportunity to extend it by meeting specific flying requirements.
Why it's relevant here: Even though the NEA has ended, American Airlines has historically offered status match opportunities for JetBlue Mosaic members. These are often temporary promotions and not a permanent linking of accounts.
How to check for status match opportunities:
Visit American Airlines' Status Match Page: Go to the American Airlines website and search for "AAdvantage status match."
Review Eligibility: Carefully read the terms and conditions. These programs often have specific requirements, such as a minimum number of flights or Loyalty Points earned within a certain timeframe during the trial period.
Provide Proof of JetBlue Status: If eligible, you'll likely need to provide screenshots or documentation of your current JetBlue Mosaic status.
Understand the Benefits: If approved, you'll enjoy the benefits of the matched AAdvantage status when flying American Airlines, not when flying JetBlue.
Important Note: These status match offers are not always available and can change frequently. Always check the official airline websites for the most up-to-date information.
Step 4: Booking Flights and Managing Rewards Independently
Now that direct linking is out, the primary way to interact with both airlines is independently.
Sub-heading: Separate Bookings, Separate Earnings
Book Directly with Each Airline: When planning travel, you will book your American Airlines flights through aa.com and your JetBlue flights through jetblue.com.
Enter the Correct Loyalty Number: For each booking, make sure you enter the corresponding frequent flyer number. If you're flying American, use your AAdvantage number. If you're flying JetBlue, use your TrueBlue number.
No Cross-Accrual: Unless there's a very specific, limited-time promotional offer (which is rare now), you will not earn AAdvantage miles on JetBlue flights, nor TrueBlue points on American Airlines flights.
Sub-heading: Utilizing Co-Branded Credit Cards (Where Applicable)
American Airlines Credit Cards: If you have an American Airlines co-branded credit card (e.g., from Citi or Barclays), you will earn AAdvantage miles on your purchases and often receive benefits like free checked bags when flying American. These benefits do not extend to JetBlue flights.
JetBlue Credit Cards: Similarly, JetBlue co-branded credit cards (from Barclays) earn TrueBlue points and provide benefits like free checked bags on JetBlue flights. These do not apply to American Airlines.
Step 5: Looking for Future Changes (Unlikely for Direct Linking)
While it's unlikely we'll see a return to the direct, comprehensive account linking of the NEA, the airline industry is dynamic.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official announcements from both American Airlines and JetBlue. Major partnerships or changes to loyalty programs are usually well-publicized.
Don't Expect the Same Integration: Given the legal ruling, it's highly improbable that JetBlue and American Airlines will re-establish a partnership that involves such deep integration of their loyalty programs and operations. Their paths are now distinct.
In summary, while you once could enjoy a more integrated experience, the current reality is that American Airlines and JetBlue operate as separate entities with their own distinct loyalty programs. Your best bet is to maximize rewards within each program independently, and potentially leverage any occasional status match opportunities if they arise.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Earn AAdvantage Miles on JetBlue Flights?
Quick Answer: Generally, you cannot. With the end of the Northeast Alliance, earning AAdvantage miles directly on JetBlue-operated flights is no longer possible for new bookings. You earn AAdvantage miles when flying American Airlines or its Oneworld partners.
How to Earn TrueBlue Points on American Airlines Flights?
Quick Answer: Similar to AAdvantage, you typically cannot. TrueBlue points are earned primarily on JetBlue-operated flights.
How to Use AAdvantage Miles to Book JetBlue Flights?
Quick Answer: This functionality was part of the Northeast Alliance and has been discontinued. AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines and its Oneworld alliance partners, but not JetBlue.
How to Use TrueBlue Points to Book American Airlines Flights?
Quick Answer: No, this was also part of the dissolved alliance. TrueBlue points are redeemable for JetBlue flights.
How to Get Reciprocal Elite Benefits (e.g., Free Bags, Priority Boarding) When Flying JetBlue with AAdvantage Status?
Quick Answer: The reciprocal elite benefits offered under the NEA (like complimentary Main Cabin Extra/Even More Space seats, priority services, and free bags) are no longer active for new bookings. Your AAdvantage status benefits apply only when flying American Airlines or its Oneworld partners.
How to Get Reciprocal Elite Benefits When Flying American Airlines with TrueBlue Mosaic Status?
Quick Answer: As with AAdvantage status, the reciprocal benefits for Mosaic members on American Airlines flights have ended. Your Mosaic benefits apply when flying JetBlue.
How to Status Match from JetBlue Mosaic to American Airlines AAdvantage?
Quick Answer: American Airlines may offer limited-time status match opportunities for JetBlue Mosaic members. Check the official AAdvantage status match page on aa.com for current offers and eligibility requirements. This is not a permanent account link but a temporary status grant.
How to Status Match from American Airlines AAdvantage to JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic?
Quick Answer: JetBlue might occasionally offer status match challenges for elite members of other airlines, including American. Keep an eye on JetBlue's TrueBlue program announcements for such opportunities.
How to Combine Loyalty Points from JetBlue and American Airlines?
Quick Answer: You cannot combine loyalty points/miles from JetBlue's TrueBlue program and American Airlines' AAdvantage program. They are separate and distinct loyalty currencies.
How to Check if an Old Booking Still Qualifies for Joint Benefits?
Quick Answer: For bookings made before July 21, 2023, for travel through January 31, 2024, reciprocal mileage accrual and benefits may have been honored if your frequent flyer number was added to the booking prior to July 21, 2023. For any travel beyond that date or for new bookings, assume no joint benefits. Always check your specific booking details and contact the operating airline if you have questions about past reservations.
