You can now redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points on Icelandair flights

JetBlue and Icelandair have been partners for the better part of a decade. But the two airlines' ties grew a lot deeper this week — and it's good news for frequent JetBlue flyers with a stash of points and/or transferable credit card rewards.

For the first time, JetBlue TrueBlue members can redeem points on flights operated by Icelandair.

It's a big step forward for the partnership, which dates back to 2017 — but previously only allowed JetBlue members to earn (but not "burn") points on flights operated by its Reykjavik-based partner.

This change should give TrueBlue members a wider range of ways to use their points — whether it's a flight to Iceland or a connection to a farther-flung destination Icelandair serves, from Europe to Greenland or the Faroe Islands.

This news was first reported this week by AwardWallet.

Keep reading to find out how you can redeem your JetBlue TrueBlue points for Icelandair award flights.

How to book Icelandair flights using JetBlue TrueBlue points

To book an Icelandair flight using JetBlue's loyalty currency, simply log in to your TrueBlue account and search for your desired itinerary just like you would for any award flight. After you input your cities and dates, be sure to check "Use TrueBlue points" to search for award flights.

Depending on the destination and routing, you may see itineraries involving Icelandair offered.

For instance, here's an August redemption from JetBlue's home base at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland — a route JetBlue does not fly.

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You can book this direct flight using 17,000 TrueBlue points. Just note, per JetBlue's website, award travel is subject to an additional $102.10 one-way per person.

JETBLUEIf you booked this fare using cash, you'd pay $494 for the one-way economy flight. Therefore, by using your points, you'd get a redemption value of about 2.3 cents per point. TPG values JetBlue points at 1.35 cents per point, so this is a good way to maximize your TrueBlue points.

As always, be sure to compare the cash price of the ticket to the award price.

Redeem TrueBlue points to book other Icelandair European destinations

You can also use JetBlue's booking channels to redeem points on itineraries to Europe. Just keep in mind that you'll have to stop in Reykjavik in each direction because any Icelandair booking is going to touch its home city.

However, this could be a way to redeem JetBlue points on trips to European cities the carrier doesn't currently serve — from Rome to Copenhagen, Lisbon or Barcelona.

Keep in mind that JetBlue does serve a growing number of transatlantic routes with its own nonstop service. But that's limited to a half dozen European destinations — and only from JFK and/or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

As of this month, Icelandair serves 14 U.S. cities with nonstop service, per aviation analytics firm Cirium, making this redemption partnership a new travel avenue for TrueBlue members in a wide range of U.S. cities.

However, at the time of publication, most European Icelandair routes were not showing up on JetBlue's award calendar. We'll keep an eye on award redemptions as they are made available.

Things to keep in mind when booking Icelandair itineraries through JetBlue

One thing to note: You can't currently redeem points for joint JetBlue-Icelandair itineraries — it has to be all JetBlue or all Icelandair. Also, Mosaic elite status members won't be able to tap into their loyalty benefits when flying on Icelandair.

Additionally, Icelandair's most premium offerings are more reminiscent of a domestic first-class product than the international business-class-style lie-flat Mint accommodations JetBlue boasts on its transatlantic service.

Best credit cards to use to book JetBlue partner award flights

Even if you're not a frequent JetBlue flyer, you can easily accrue enough TrueBlue points to book a flight to Iceland — or Europe, for that matter — aboard Icelandair by utilizing a credit card that earns transferable points.

A handful of major credit card issuers offer transfers to JetBlue, though be sure to consider the transfer ratios:

• Capital One miles transfer at a 5:3 ratio.
• American Express Membership Rewards points transfer at a 5:4 ratio.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio with most cards.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio.

Make sure there is availability before transferring your credit card rewards, as you generally can't undo transfers once they're complete.

Bottom line

While JetBlue's deeper partnership with Icelandair offers travelers new opportunities to redeem TrueBlue points on international trips, it's not the carrier's first such arrangement.

JetBlue offers similar redemption options through its tie-ups with Hawaiian Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Qatar Airways — including opportunities to even redeem points for Qatar Qsuite.

And it seems JetBlue is always looking to expand its partnership with other airlines. Previously, TrueBlue members could redeem points on American Airlines flights — and vice versa for AAdvantage members flying JetBlue — through the Northeast Alliance, which a federal judge later struck down.

Last year, JetBlue said it was exploring the possibility of a future partnership with another airline.

As for Icelandair, the carrier already partners with a handful of U.S. carriers, including its recently launched pact with Southwest Airlines. Rapid Rewards members should be able to book flights aboard Icelandair by 2026, Southwest executives previously told TPG.

Though JetBlue is not a member of any major alliance, the carrier continues to develop noteworthy partnerships to help expand its loyalty program.

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