JetBlue union dispute adds a big wrinkle to American Airlines partnership plan
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Despite Alaska Airlines being on the cusp of joining American in the Oneworld alliance, AA is planning to join forces with another major U.S. carrier: JetBlue.
The so-called “Northeast alliance” will enable American Airlines to add its flight number to JetBlue flights, and vice versa — an AA flyer could book a single ticket from Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) to New York-JFK on JetBlue, for example, and then continue onto American’s new nonstop flight to Tel Aviv (TLV).
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free new biweekly Aviation newsletter!
American and JetBlue secured approval from the Department of Transportation last month, but there are still plenty of details left to work out — including getting a buy-in from JetBlue’s pilot union, the Air Line Pilots Association, or ALPA.
Related: JetBlue’s Mosaic status updates for 2021
Unfortunately, that particular detail just hit a notable snag, with 53.7% of eligible ALPA members voting against an agreement that would allow JetBlue to move forward with the partnership as planned. As Capt. Chris Kenney, chairman of the JetBlue unit of ALPA, explained in a statement:
“Job security, especially during turbulent points in our industry, is a main concern of every pilot. We train for years and spend nights far from home in order to be a pilot. For any agreement to proceed, JetBlue management must provide acceptable assurances that our jobs are safe and valued for years to come.”
Given the pandemic’s ongoing impact on the aviation industry, it’s certainly reasonable for JetBlue pilots to be concerned about their jobs. The union is insisting that the airline provide more job security before it approves the deal.
Related: JetBlue’s overhauled fare structure
While JetBlue was unable to detail the implications of this week’s union vote, a spokesperson did provide TPG with the following statement, indicating that it would move forward with the partnership either way — at least in some capacity:
“We are disappointed in the results of the vote. JetBlue and ALPA worked together on this tentative agreement to achieve much-needed cost savings during this unprecedented time. We are committed to our alliance with American Airlines and plan to move forward so we can deliver its benefits to both crewmembers and customers. The alliance allows JetBlue to grow in the northeast with new routes and destinations, getting our crewmembers flying again as we recover from the impact of coronavirus.”
It’s not yet clear what impact the union vote will have on JetBlue’s ability to participate in the planned Northeast alliance. There may be restrictions on the number of flights JetBlue customers can book on American Airlines, for example, or the partnership could end up moving forward as originally planned, if JetBlue pilots are able to come to a deal.
Featured photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.