JetBlue Extends TrueBlue Loyalty Program to Delta Customers in Response to Changes

Frequent flyers often enjoy various perks associated with accumulating loyalty points and advancing in status with their preferred airlines. These benefits range from free checked bags to flight flexibility and access to exclusive airport lounges. However, these privileges typically require loyalty to the same airline or its partners within a shared network.

JetBlue, based in New York, is breaking with this tradition by offering its TrueBlue loyalty program to Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles Medallion members. Delta passengers with loyalty status, ranging from silver to diamond, can now match their status with JetBlue’s equivalent tiers.

Depending on their Delta status, members who join JetBlue’s program can enjoy a range of benefits, including early boarding, complimentary in-flight beverages, lounge access, and even helicopter transfers between New York’s JFK and Newark airports at the highest tier when flying with JetBlue. Interested Medallion members can enroll by linking their accounts on JetBlue’s website until October 31 or when the program reaches 30,000 applicants.

JetBlue’s decision to extend its loyalty program comes at a time when many Delta travelers are expressing dissatisfaction with the airline’s recent changes. In September, Delta announced adjustments to its SkyMiles program, aiming to address lounge overcrowding and enhance profitability. These changes, effective in 2024 and 2025, introduce limits on lounge visits and eliminate waivers that allowed passengers to achieve status by spending $25,000 on eligible credit cards. Starting next year, customers will need to spend various amounts directly with the airline to maintain their status.

In contrast, achieving JetBlue’s fourth-level Mosaic status requires spending $25,000 with the airline or $250,000 on eligible credit cards. Both JetBlue and Delta offer promotions that provide credits beyond the standard “one point for one dollar” model.

JetBlue’s strategic move aims to attract Delta passengers frustrated with the changes to its loyalty program. As David Slotnick of airline website The Points Guy notes, “Frequent flyers are livid over Delta Air Lines’ changes to its SkyMiles program — and other airlines see an opportunity.”

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, JetBlue, The Points Guy