JetBlue, United Ask DOT to Dismiss Spirit’s Alliance Complaint

JetBlue Airways and United Airlines have jointly urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to dismiss a complaint filed by Spirit Airlines opposing their new ‘Blue Sky’ alliance. The two carriers assert the partnership is a limited interline and frequent flyer agreement, not a merger or a revival of the defunct Northeast Alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines.

Unlike the NEA, the Blue Sky agreement involves no revenue sharing, joint network planning, or schedule coordination. Both JetBlue and United emphasized that they remain independent competitors with separate control over pricing, routes, and capacity. They argue the partnership does not reduce competition but enhances consumer choice and efficiency.

JetBlue added that the alliance is crucial to its post-COVID recovery. The airline has lost USD3 billion since the pandemic began and has not turned an annual profit since 2019. It says the agreement is a core part of its JetForward strategy to restore profitability and compete more effectively in a changed aviation landscape.

In contrast, Spirit Airlines filed a formal complaint in June 2025, labeling the alliance “anti-competitive” and warning that JetBlue risked becoming a “vassal” of United due to the latter’s global dominance. Spirit claims the deal could harm low-fare competition.

JetBlue and United dismissed the complaint as speculative and self-serving. They argue that Spirit’s challenge is merely an attempt to delay the regulatory review process and obstruct a standard interline agreement that benefits both airlines and their customers without diminishing market competition.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com