American, JetBlue launch another round of reciprocal elite benefits
American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have been partners in the Northeast for nearly two years.
Under the so-called Northeast Alliance, the two carriers have boosted their presence in both the New York and Boston metro areas by adding flights, launching new routes and streamlining the connecting experience.
Late last year, American and JetBlue launched reciprocal loyalty benefits, including the ability to redeem AAdvantage miles for JetBlue travel and more.
Now, the carriers are back with the latest round of enhancements for the Northeast Alliance — and they're particularly exciting for elite members.
Complimentary access to extra-legroom seats
Beginning March 23, all American Airlines status members will receive complimentary access to JetBlue's extra-legroom Even More Space seats once the check-in window opens 24 hours before your flight.
The same benefit also applies to JetBlue's Mosaic elite members flying with American. Once the check-in window opens, JetBlue elite members can now select Main Cabin Extra seats for free.
In order to take advantage of the complimentary extra-legroom seats, be sure to add your respective frequent flyer number during the booking process.
This benefit is available on all flights operated by either airline, but note that these upgraded coach seats are often all reserved by the time the check-in window opens. Many times, the only extra-legroom seats available during the check-in window are middle seats.
Either way, if you keep checking the seat map, it's possible that an aisle or window seat will open up, especially as elite members are upgraded to first class or make last-minute changes to their plans.
Same-day changes
Also beginning March 23, top-tier American Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro elite members, as well as JetBlue Mosaic members, can make same-day confirmed flight changes when traveling on either carrier.
If you're an American elite member flying with JetBlue, you can now switch to any other same-day JetBlue flight operating within a given metro area (including co-located airports like LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport) starting at midnight on the day of travel.
Meanwhile, JetBlue Mosaics will be able to change their American-ticketed travel during the check-in window, assuming that another flight is available. American's same-day change policy doesn't allow for changes to nearby airports or routing.
Note that you won't be able to move from a JetBlue-operated flight to an American flight, and vice versa.
Lounge access when flying JetBlue
Finally, American's Admirals Club members will start receiving access to the lounges when flying on JetBlue-ticketed and -operated flights beginning in April.
This perk will initially be limited to Admirals Club members, though it's possible that American and JetBlue will expand the lounge access policy to include those traveling on JetBlue's Mint business-class tickets in the future.
Existing benefits and what's still missing
The latest round of enhancements builds on the existing reciprocal loyalty benefits that went into effect in October 2021, including:
- Priority check-in.
- Expedited security.
- Priority boarding.
- Priority baggage delivery.
- Two free checked bags, weighing a maximum of 50 pounds each.
Related: We put AA and JetBlue to the test: Does the new alliance deliver on promised elite perks?
Both AAdvantage and TrueBlue elite members can receive the aforementioned benefits on any American or JetBlue flight by simply adding the membership number to the reservation.
Additionally, all loyalty program members can earn miles for flights operated by either carrier, and American AAdvantage members can redeem miles for JetBlue flights.
As for what's missing, JetBlue TrueBlue members still can't use their points for redemption on American flights, though that functionality is expected to be turned on "in the future."
And of course, many elite members are holding out hope that reciprocal upgrades will eventually be added for American and JetBlue flights. We haven't heard anything from either carrier about this much-requested perk, and only time will tell if it ever materializes.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.