There’s a new way to redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points on long-haul international flights — specifically, to Japan and beyond.
JetBlue on Wednesday announced it’s stepping up its partnership with Japan Airlines.
Going forward, JAL will become a “redeem” partner of JetBlue — meaning, you can redeem your TrueBlue points for flights on the Tokyo-based carrier.
That’s certainly good news for JetBlue loyalists. While the airline has a more limited partnership with Singapore Airlines and additional tie-ups with two Persian Gulf-based carriers, this marks the first time TrueBlue members will have the chance to redeem their points on an airline based in East Asia.
And there’s plenty of reason to fly on JAL, which last year inaugurated its first U.S. service on its brand-new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, featuring stunning first-class suites and an overall impressive product throughout its cabins.
Read more: New first class, business class and the rest: Flying the Japan Airlines A350-1000 in all 4 cabins
Keep in mind that JetBlue is a transfer partner of several major credit card issuers, so even if you don’t frequently fly the carrier on its East Coast-heavy route network, there are ways to quickly accrue a large sum of TrueBlue points to fly nonstop from the U.S. to destinations like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.
"We’re excited to expand the TrueBlue experience by growing our network of trusted airline partners, giving our members even more ways to redeem points," JetBlue Vice President of Loyalty and Personalization Edward Pouthier said in a statement Wednesday.
Read more: At one with its historic surroundings, Park Hyatt Kyoto is one of the best Park Hyatts in the world
What this news means for travelers
As part of the deeper partnership between JetBlue and Japan Airlines, you can now redeem TrueBlue points through JetBlue’s website on JAL-operated flights.
You’ll want to book your flight on JAL just as you would any JetBlue flight, by plugging in your cities and dates and checking the box to “Use TrueBlue points.”
A few examples of TrueBlue redemptions on Japan Airlines flights I found: this summer itinerary from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) for 29,000 points in economy.
Meanwhile, here's a one-way premium economy redemption on the same route for 59,000 points.
Award space will certainly be a question, but it's worth watching how JetBlue's award pricing on JAL flights stacks up to alternative options for getting to East Asia, including in the higher-end cabins.
Where does Japan Airlines fly?
As of this month, Japan Airlines operates 11 routes between Japan and the continental U.S., per Cirium.
Those are:
- From Tokyo’s Haneda to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and SFO
- From Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), LAX, SFO, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- From Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) to LAX
JAL also connects Honolulu to four Japanese airports, including Tokyo’s two largest hubs.
How to earn TrueBlue points
Beyond flying with JetBlue and earning points by spending on a cobranded credit card, you can transfer rewards from several major issuers to the TrueBlue program. Some good TrueBlue transfer partners include:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards — points transfer to JetBlue at a 1:1 ratio.
- Citi ThankYou Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio for some cardholders, including those with the Citi Prestige (no longer available) and Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), and at a 5:4 ratio for some other cardholders.
- American Express Membership Rewards points and Capital One miles transfer at a 5:3 ratio.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Before you transfer your points to JetBlue, we recommend reviewing our guide to the best ways to travel to Japan on points and miles to ensure you’re getting the most mileage out of your credit card rewards.
Other JetBlue redemption partners
While JAL is JetBlue’s first East Asia-based redemption partner, the carrier also has a few other international partners on which you can redeem points, including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Icelandair and TAP Air Portugal.
As part of Wednesday’s announcement, the carriers revealed members of Japan Airlines’ Mileage Bank loyalty program can redeem their miles for select JetBlue flights, including trips to Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and the U.S. East Coast.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
