American Airlines teases reciprocal upgrades on Alaska, JetBlue as partnerships move forward
American Airlines is doing something few U.S. domestic airlines have done in the past. Instead of growing to capture a market, the carrier is partnering with Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways to bolster its position on the West Coast and in the Northeast.
American and Alaska will partner on the West Coast, feeding each others flights primarily at Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA). The pact with JetBlue covers the Northeast, focusing on bolstering each airline's competitive position in Boston (BOS) and New York.
While we know both tie ups include codeshares that will add flight options for travelers, American's chief revenue officer Vasu Raja said Tuesday that the pact could also include reciprocal upgrades for each carrier's elite frequent flyers, among other benefits.
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG's free new biweekly Aviation newsletter!
"Your frequent flyer benefits as an executive platinum member on American Airlines can extend to another carrier," he said at the Bernstein Operational Decisions Conference.
Details of such flyer-friendly benefits could come in the next few weeks, he said without providing a definitive timeline.
The partnerships are just one example of how air travel is being reshaped during the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis has opened some previously off-limits airports, including Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX), to new competition. At the same time, airlines are trying out routes outside their pre-pandemic wheelhouse, like United Airlines adding more than 17 new nonstop offerings to Florida this winter.
Related: American, JetBlue plan 'slot moves' at New York JFK and LaGuardia
American and Alaska began offering reciprocal frequent flyer point and elite status credit earning in April. And Seattle-based Alaska aims to become a full member of the Oneworld alliance alongside American on March 31. That will give both airlines' elite flyers complete access to lounges and other perks.
American's pact with JetBlue is not as far along. Unveiled in July, the tie-up is awaiting sign off from U.S. authorities to avoid running afoul of antitrust laws. In addition to codeshares on Boston and New York flights, executives at both carriers have suggested that American could transfer some slots used for shorter flights at JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) airports to JetBlue for use under the partnership.
Ultimately, all three airlines see the tie ups as a way to bolster their competitive positions. Also on Tuesday, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said the pact with American would create a third large rival to Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in the northeast. Delta maintains hubs in Boston and at New York's JFK and LaGuardia airports, and United at Newark (EWR) airport.
More details on the American-JetBlue pact are expected once regulators sign off.
Related: Budget airlines muscle into big airports as coronavirus creates new opportunities
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.