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JetBlue will provide free Blade helicopter transfers to some of its most elite flyers

June 23, 2022
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2 min read
BLADE Bounce West to JFK_March 2019_ZGriff-16
JetBlue will provide free Blade helicopter transfers to some of its most elite flyers
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Some of JetBlue's top flyers will soon get free helicopter transfers between Manhattan and the airport.

JetBlue and Blade — a transportation company that provides transfers via helicopters, seaplanes or jets — announced on Thursday that they've inked a new partnership to bring free and reduced-price helicopter flights to members of JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program.

Additionally, Blade announced a new route: It will launch continuous airport service between its 34th Street lounge on Manhattan's East Side and New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JetBlue's main hub. Blade already operates continuous service between its lounge on the West Side and JFK.

Members of JetBlue's temporary top TrueBlue tier, Mosaic+, will receive credits that can be redeemed for free seats on Blade transfers between Manhattan and JFK or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Those credits can also be used for traveling companions, JetBlue said.

TrueBlue Mosaic members will receive a 25% discount on their first-ever Blade trip to the airport, while general members will receive a 10% discount, JetBlue said.

“Given its New York City roots, JetBlue is an ideal partner as we have ramped up our Blade Airport service to six days a week and up to thirteen hours per day in New York City,” Blade President Melissa Tomkiel said in a statement.

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In a statement, JetBlue said that the partnership will be a big enhancement for its customers.

“We know the JetBlue journey starts long before our customers step aboard one of our flights, which is why we are making more of the entire travel experience even easier and even more rewarding,” Chris Buckner, JetBlue's vice president of loyalty and partnerships, said. “This partnership with Blade will help us further evolve and enhance our TrueBlue program so our most loyal customers can enjoy more perks more often.”

More: A review of Blade continuous from NYC to JFK

For JetBlue, the new partnership with Blade is a sensible one for the airline's most loyal customers. JetBlue has one of the best business-class products of any U.S. airline — its Mint Studio won last year's TPG Awards for best business class — but it notably lacks any lounges. By offering helicopter transfers, these customers will be able to maximize their time in the city and spend less time at the airport.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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 $6,000 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.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.