JetBlue TrueBlue redemptions now live on Condor Airlines: Biz-class awards to Europe start at 54,000 points
JetBlue loyalists now have more options when it comes to using points to travel across the Atlantic, thanks to an expanded partnership with a European airline.
As of this week, members of JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program can now earn and redeem points on flights operated by German leisure carrier Condor.
And from the outset, we're seeing some fantastic redemption options, with one-way business-class awards to Europe starting at 54,000 TrueBlue points.
Condor operates nonstop flights between Frankfurt and a host of major U.S. cities, including New York City; Boston; Miami; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Las Vegas; Anchorage, Alaska; and Portland, Oregon.
From Frankfurt Airport (FRA), flyers can head to other German cities or European hot spots like Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna and Zurich, among other destinations.
Now, as part of the two airlines' expanded tie-up, TrueBlue members with a stash of points will be able to use those on transatlantic trips aboard Condor, which offers a bona fide business-class cabin with lie-flat seats on its colorful, striped planes.
On day one of this loyalty partnership, there were some fairly attractive redemption options for TrueBlue members.
Here's an example: a spring trip from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Frankfurt. One-way economy awards start at 19,000 points, with premium economy seats available for 34,000 TrueBlue points. And, you see business-class on sale for 54,000 points.
The loyalty partnership will also allow frequent JetBlue flyers to earn points when they're flying Condor on a cash fare. (JetBlue's expanding European route map does not currently include any nonstop flights to Germany.)
"Through our collaboration with Condor, TrueBlue members now have more ways to turn their loyalty into meaningful travel experiences," Ed Pouthier, JetBlue's vice president of loyalty and personalization, said in a statement Tuesday. "We're proud to continue growing the TrueBlue program in ways that meet the needs of today's traveler by offering access to a wider range of destinations around the world."
JetBlue's expanded partner list
JetBlue has different tiers across its dozens of partner airlines. Some JetBlue partners, like Japan Airlines, are "redeem-only" partners, meaning flyers can redeem TrueBlue points for these flights but can't earn them.
Other airlines — Singapore Airlines, JSX and South African Airways — are "earn-only" partners, meaning flyers can earn TrueBlue points on these flights but can't redeem them.
Condor is now an "earn and redeem" partner, so TrueBlue flyers can get maximum value out of flying with the German carrier. JetBlue has similar arrangements in place with TAP Air Portugal, Icelandair, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.
This expanded partnership between the New York-based carrier and Condor comes as JetBlue continues to grow its network of partners and expand the utility of its TrueBlue points. Notably, its "Blue Sky" partnership with United Airlines is expected to launch in the coming months.
What about elite status?
One important thing to note, though, is that the TrueBlue points you earn flying with Condor won't help you earn Mosaic Tiles and therefore won't count toward elite status with JetBlue. Instead, you'll have to earn elite status through qualified spending on JetBlue-specific flights and vacations or by spending on JetBlue cobranded credit cards.
TrueBlue members can shop for eligible award flights operated by Condor, redeem TrueBlue points for these itineraries and earn points by adding their TrueBlue number directly on JetBlue's website or the JetBlue mobile app.
Related reading:
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.