Skip to content

You can now book JetBlue Mint to London with Emirates Miles — and it's a good deal

Feb. 02, 2022
8 min read
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.

Editor's Note

This post has been updated with new information.

Despite not being a member of a major alliance, Emirates lets you earn and redeem Skywards miles with more than a dozen partner airlines. Among them is JetBlue.

For years, you could only use Emirates miles to book JetBlue economy flights. However, that changed in July when Emirates added the ability to redeem Skywards miles for JetBlue Mint (business class) flights.

The award chart is reasonably priced and offers some valuable sweet spots. But there's been one major restriction: JetBlue's flights to or from the U.K. have not been available using Emirates Skywards miles.

However, this is no longer the case. As first discovered by One Mile at a Time, JetBlue's entire network is now bookable through Emirates Skywards, including its London routes. Plus, we're seeing wide-open business class availability on the transatlantic routes.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

(Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

Emirates' JetBlue award chart

As with most of its mileage partners, Emirates now prices JetBlue awards based on the distance flown. In the past, these awards were priced by specific routes.

Emirates' award chart for JetBlue flights is as follows. As you can see, Mint is always double the price of economy.

One-way distance (miles)EconomyMint
0-2508,000 miles16,000 miles
251-50010,000 miles20,000 miles
501-1,00014,000 miles28,000 miles
1,001-2,00020,000 miles40,000 miles
2,001-3,00026,000 miles52,000 miles
3,001-4,00032,000 miles64,000 miles
4,001-5,00038,000 miles76,000 miles
5,001-6,00044,000 miles88,000 miles
6,001-7,00050,000 miles100,000 miles
7,001-15,00060,000 miles120,000 miles

JetBlue's Mint product is offered on select routes, including transcontinental flights, select Caribbean flights and flights between the East Coast and London. As such, most Mint awards will cost between 40,000 and 64,000 miles each way.

Sign up for our daily newsletter

To give you an idea, here are the rates for some popular Mint routes:

  • New York-JFK to Aruba (AUA): 40,000 miles (1,951 miles in distance)
  • New York-JFK to Los Angeles (LAX): 52,000 miles (2,475 miles in distance)
  • Boston (BOS) to San Francisco (SFO): 52,000 miles (2,704 miles in distance)
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to Miami (MIA): 52,000 miles (2,342 miles in distance)
  • New York-JFK to London Heathrow (LHR): 64,000 miles (3,451 miles in distance)

Related: What it was like to fly JetBlue's new Mint business class

(Photo by Benji Stawski/The Points Guy)

Booking JetBlue awards with Emirates

Although Emirates' search tool can be wonky, you can book these awards online.

In the search box on Emirates' website, click "Advanced search: multi-city, promo codes, partner airlines."

(Screenshot courtesy of emirates.com)

Then, select "Book classic rewards flight," "Search partner flights only" and type in your itinerary. Based on our experiences, you shouldn't check the "Flexible dates" box as that results in an error message.

(Screenshot courtesy of emirates.com)

As long as there's 'I' fare availability, it should be bookable through Emirates. Your best bet would be to use ExpertFlyer to search inventory and set alerts if there's no availability. (ExpertFlyer is owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures.)

(Screenshot courtesy of emirates.com)

Based on our searches, availability is wide-open on JetBlue's flights between New York-JFK and London's Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) airports.

(Screenshot courtesy of emirates.com)

That said, as mentioned, Emirates' website isn't perfect. There may be times when an award should be available but won't show on Emirates' website. For instance, although we eventually got it to appear, we initially had trouble searching for flights to LGW — we were only able to search to LHR.

In these cases, call Emirates Skywards to book your awards over the phone. As an added benefit, phone agents can even put awards on hold for you. This is useful for when you want to book a flight but still need to transfer miles into your account.

(Screenshot courtesy of emirates.com)

Related: Best ways to redeem Emirates Skywards miles for maximum value

Is it worth it?

While redeeming Emirates miles for JetBlue economy flights is rarely a good deal, the same can't be said for Mint redemptions.

Let's take a look at the nation's most premier route: New York-JFK to Los Angeles (LAX). The cheapest Mint fare you can find on this route is normally around $898 one-way. When redeeming 52,000 miles for that ticket, you'll get about 1.7 cents in value per mile.

Is this the maximum value you can get from your miles? No, but it still is a very solid deal. After all, TPG valuations typically peg Skywards miles at just 1.2 cents apiece.

(Screenshot courtesy of google.com)

By comparison, JetBlue's own TrueBlue program is charging at least 82,200 TrueBlue points for the same flights. Since the program prices awards dynamically, you'll rarely get more than 1.3 cents in value per point.

Related: The cheapest way to fly in JetBlue's premium Mint cabin

(Screenshot courtesy of google.com)

You'll get a similar value from your Emirates miles when redeeming for JetBlue's flights to London. Flights across the pond are currently starting around $1,000 each way when booking a round-trip ticket, though often top $3,000. So, based on the 64,000-mile rate, you'll get at least about 1.6 cents in value per mile. However, if you only need a one-way ticket, the cash fare jumps to over $2,500. In that case, using miles is truly a no-brainer as you'll get nearly four cents in value per mile.

Obviously, the redemption value will vary based on the cash prices. But, as you can see, there will be times when it makes sense to redeem your miles. Considering JetBlue often offers Mint fares to the Caribbean for under $300 each way, those redemptions will likely be harder to justify.

Related: 6 things JetBlue should change about Mint business class

Earning Emirates miles

The most exciting part of all of this is how easy Emirates miles are to earn. Even if you've never flown on the Dubai-based carrier, you can transfer points to its Skywards program from all major transferable points programs. This includes Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1 ratio), Amex Membership Rewards (1:1), Bilt Rewards (1:1), Citi ThankYou Rewards (1:1), Capital One Miles (1:1) and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred).

In other words, if you have a credit card that earns flexible points, then chances are you can transfer your rewards to Emirates to book these awards.

Related: The easiest airline miles to earn and why you want them

Bottom line

There historically haven't been many good ways to book JetBlue Mint flights with points. The best option has often been to book through Chase Ultimate Rewards or another travel portal and redeem your points at a fixed value.

Needless to say, the ability to redeem Emirates Skywards miles for JetBlue Mint is a welcome addition. Emirates miles are extremely easy to earn and the value to be had with these redemptions can be compelling. Depending on the route, there's a good chance you'll pay fewer miles than if you were to book through JetBlue's own TrueBlue program.

Featured image by (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)
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.

Top offers from our partners

How we chose these cards

Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. If anyone on our team wouldn’t recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldn’t recommend it on The Points Guy either. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners.
See all best card offers

TPG featured card

OFFER ENDS 5/3/23
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards

2 - 6X points
6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

Earn 125,000 points75,000 points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

Annual Fee

$125

Recommended Credit

670-850
Excellent/Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.
Apply for Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.