Category Archives: JetBlue Airways

JetBlue and American Airlines Northeast Alliance offers customers record-setting summer schedule out of New York and Boston

JetBlue Airways and American Airlines today announced that customers in New York and Boston will have more reasons to make the Northeast Alliance (NEA) their preferred travel provider as the airlines add new routes, improved schedules and enhanced product offerings. Nine new routes go on sale this week across both airlines in New York and Boston. With these new routes, the NEA offers more frequencies in New York and Boston than any other airline.

Record-Setting Service in New York and Boston

With the addition of new destinations, new markets and added frequencies on variety of existing routes in New York and Boston, JetBlue and American are on track for a record-setting year in the Northeast in summer 2022.

At New York-JFK, the NEA will offer up to 300 daily departures, with JetBlue operating a record 195 flights. Along with the introduction of JetBlue’s new Vancouver service, the airline will also add frequencies on a variety of existing routes between New York-JFK and:

Aruba (AUA) | Up to 4x daily.
Atlanta (ATL) | Up to 4x daily.
Cancun (CUN) | Up to 4x daily.
Detroit (DTW) | Up to 2x daily.
Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE) | Up to 2x daily.
Kingston, Jamaica (KIN) | Up to 5x daily.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) | Up to 2x daily.
Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) | Up to 4x daily.
Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | Up to 3x daily.
Saint Lucia (UVF) | Up to 2x daily.
Turks and Caicos (PLS) | Up to 2x daily.

As part of the customer-focused NEA, in 2022, American will enhance its global reach with new, nonstop service between New York-JFK and Doha, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), becoming the only U.S.-based carrier to serve the Middle Eastern destination.

In the past year, American has provided New York customers with new international travel options, including JFK to Santiago, Chile (SCL); Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV); Athens, Greece (ATH) and Delhi, India (DEL).

At New York-LGA, the NEA will offer nearly 200 daily departures, which includes JetBlue tripling their departures compared to 2019. Along with the introduction of JetBlue’s new Portland, Maine service, the airline will also add frequencies on a variety of existing routes between LGA and:

Boston (BOS) | Up to 15x daily.
Charleston, S.C. (CHS) | Up to 3x daily.
Jacksonville, Fla. (JAX) | Up to 3x daily.
Nashville, Tenn. (BNA) | Up to 3x daily.
New Orleans, La. (MSY) | Up to 2x daily.
Orlando, Fla. (MCO) | Up to 5x daily.
Tampa, Fla. (TPA) | Up to 3x daily.
Savannah/Hilton Head, S.C. (SAV) | Up to 2x daily.

American has also added new LGA routes to Houston; Kansas City, Mo.; Oklahoma City; and Omaha, Neb. The airline has also added more seats to routes to St. Louis; Raleigh, N.C.; and Nashville, Tenn. Bolstered by the NEA, American has strengthened its offering at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), with better frequencies to its hub airports.

As part of the LaGuardia redevelopment project, American is completing its move of operations to the new Terminal B, Western Concourse starting today. The airline will no longer operate out of the old Central Terminal Building, which has been home to American’s operation since the 1960s. Additionally, JetBlue will be fully operating out of LaGuardia’s Terminal B when completed in summer 2022, providing easy connections for customers traveling on the Northeast Alliance. The LaGuardia Terminal B redevelopment includes a new 1.3 million square foot terminal with 35 gates, an array of New York City-inspired shops and dining options, permanent pieces of art by leading artists and a one-of-a-kind water feature.

Beginning in June, customers in Boston will enjoy greater connectivity with six new U.S. domestic routes and two new options to Canada. With these new routes, the NEA will serve 46 of the top 50 U.S. domestic mainland markets from Boston. Tickets will be available for sale starting Dec. 20.

In Boston, American today announced new nonstop service operated on Embraer E175 aircraft between Boston and:

Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ) | 1x weekly.
Louisville, Ky. (SDF) | Up to daily.
Memphis, Tenn. (MEM) | Up to daily.
Pensacola, Fla. (PNS) | 1x weekly.
Traverse City, Mich. (TVC) | 1x weekly.

These new routes follow recently announced American routes from Boston to Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis; Wilmington, North Carolina; St. Louis; and Toronto.

Along with JetBlue’s introduction of new service to Vancouver and Asheville, the airline will add even more flying between Boston and Washington, D.C. (DCA) with up to 16 daily departures. Additionally, service at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) will return in summer 2022 with up to five daily flights between Baltimore and Boston starting June 9.

In summer 2022, the NEA will offer more than 200 daily departures in Boston, with JetBlue operating more than 150, to more nonstop destinations than any other carrier.

All-New JetBlue Cities and New Routes Now On Sale

In June 2022, JetBlue will touch down for the first time at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – JetBlue’s first-ever Canadian destination – and at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina. JetBlue will serve Vancouver daily from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and daily throughout the summer season from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Asheville service will operate daily throughout the summer.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Vancouver (YVR) Daily starting June 9, 2022
JFK – YVR Flight #1975	YVR – JFK Flight #1974
7:18 p.m. – 10:49 p.m.	11:59 p.m. – 8:13 a.m. (+1)

Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Vancouver (YVR) Daily summer seasonal starting June 16, 2022
BOS – YVR Flight #2149	YVR – BOS Flight #2150
5:55 p.m. – 9:19 p.m.	10:29 p.m. – 6:46 a.m. (+1)

Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Asheville (AVL) Daily summer seasonal starting June 16, 2022
BOS – AVL Flight #2277	AVL – BOS Flight #2278
11:15 a.m. – 1:40 p.m.	2:15 p.m. – 4:35 p.m.

JetBlue is also now selling seats for an all-new route at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), with service to Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine. Flights will operate daily throughout the summer season beginning in July 2022.

Schedule between New York (LGA) and Portland (PWM) Daily starting July 9, 2022
LGA – PWM Flight #1382	PWM – LGA Flight #1383
3:29 p.m. – 4:57 p.m.	6:20 p.m. – 7:32 p.m.

JetBlue will operate these new routes using a variety of aircraft which all offer the airline’s award-winning service featuring the most legroom in coach (a); free Fly-Fi, the fastest broadband internet in the sky (b); complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and soft drinks; free, live DIRECTV® programming and 100+ channels of SiriusXM® radio at every seat.

New JetBlue Routes, Special JetBlue Fares

To celebrate the launch of the four all-new new routes, JetBlue is offering limited time introductory fares (c):

New York (JFK) – Vancouver: $99
Boston – Vancouver: $99
Boston – Asheville: $74
New York (LGA) – Portland, Maine: $54

These fares are available online only at JetBlue.com and on the JetBlue mobile app. Travelers who book directly through jetblue.com are guaranteed to find the airline’s best and lowest fares, and can enjoy additional benefits including access to all of JetBlue’s fare options, as well as fare sales and promotions, some of which may not be available through other third-parties.

Codeshare Expands

Today’s newly announced 2022 schedules come just as JetBlue and American have activated a key component of its codeshare agreement with more connecting markets now available through JFK. The airlines are now codesharing on 185 routes, as American will have its code placed on 70 JetBlue routes while JetBlue will place its code on 115 American routes. This gives the pair a combined schedule with the number of markets and seats that allows JetBlue and American to offer their respective customers options that stack up against larger, dominant carriers. JetBlue and American customers purchasing a codeshare itinerary benefit from having a single ticket that includes flights operated by both carriers, as well as conveniences on their day of travel like one-stop check-in and baggage transfer.

More connecting markets through other New York airports and Boston are set to become available to book soon.

Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N605JB (msn 2368) (Boston Red Sox) DCA (Brian McDonough). Image: 956141.

JetBlue aircraft slide show:

JetBlue aircraft photo gallery:

JetBlue inflight crewmembers approve five-year agreement

JetBlue Airways made this announcement:

JetBlue with its inflight crewmembers, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), today announced the ratification of a five-year contract.

“I appreciate the hard work and dedication of both the TWU and JetBlue negotiating teams in coming to an agreement that is fair for our inflight crewmembers and that allows JetBlue to continue to grow, compete and succeed,” said Ed Baklor, head of customer care and programs for JetBlue. “Thank you to our entire inflight team for their continued professionalism throughout the negotiation process and every day.”

JetBlue and Aer Lingus expand their codeshare partnership across the North Atlantic

JetBlue Airways today announced it is expanding its codeshare partnership with Aer Lingus –the Irish flag carrier – to offer customers more ways to book and connect their travel between the two airlines’ networks.

Photo: Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue (left) and Lynne Embleton, chief executive officer and chairman, Aer Lingus at the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Boston on October 3, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

As part of the new bilateral codeshare, JetBlue is now placing its “B6” code on four Aer Lingus routes between JetBlue’s Northeast focus cities and Ireland:

New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to:
- Dublin Airport (DUB)
- Shannon Airport (SNN)

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to:
- Dublin Airport
- Shannon Airport

JetBlue intends to add its code to select Aer Lingus routes beyond Ireland in the near future.

JetBlue and Aer Lingus customers purchasing a codeshare itinerary benefit from having a single ticket that includes flights operated by both carriers, as well as conveniences on their day of travel like one-stop check-in and baggage transfer. Additionally, customers traveling to the U.S. from Ireland benefit from the convenience of pre-clearing customs prior to departing Dublin and Shannon, allowing them to be on their way faster after landing in New York or Boston.

JetBlue and Aer Lingus have partnered since 2008 and in 2013 announced a unilateral codeshare agreement. Today the Aer Lingus “EI” code is available on more than three dozen JetBlue routes and offer customers convenient connections through JetBlue’s New York and Boston focus cities.

Aer Lingus will operate 16 transatlantic routes from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester, UK to North America and the Caribbean in 2022. Aer Lingus is a 4-Star airline, awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s largest airline groups.

President and Chief Operating Officer, JetBlue Airways is thankful

JetBlue Airways issued this statement:

As Thanksgiving approaches, gratefulness is always top-of-mind.

And looking back at the past nearly two years, and ahead toward the holiday season and beyond, I’m so thankful, both to our 21,000 JetBlue crewmembers, for coming together and leaning on each other as we navigated these unprecedented times, and to our customers, for trusting us to keep you safe.

With many holiday get-togethers planned and more international destinations open for travel, I am grateful for this opportunity for JetBlue to bring air travel back to humanity. Ramping back up has also not been without its growing pains—and we appreciate your continued patience and support as we take this journey together.

As we look to serve a record number of travelers this holiday season, we’re proud of the steps we’ve taken to meet the holiday rush, and deliver the JetBlue experience that you know and love, including:

Increasing hiring across key teams, including Customer Support and Airports, and rallying broad crewmember compliance with all vaccine mandates and protocols.
Expanding our flight schedule to pre-pandemic levels, while also providing customers with additional options and flexibility in the Northeast through our alliance with American Airlines.
Continuing to trim down wait times at airports by streamlining lobby lines, introducing more signage and crewmembers to help customers find their way, and making our bag drop process as efficient as possible.
Reducing average Customer Support hold times to under an hour. (And for the fastest way to reach a live crewmember, you can chat with us at jetblue.com/chat).
Deploying in-person Customer Support crewmembers at select airports.
Bringing back our full onboard selection of brand-name snacks and soft drinks.

As always, safety remains our #1 priority, and we encourage our customers to do their part to ensure a safe—and seamless—holiday travel experience for all, including:

Keeping up to date on the COVID-19 testing and documentation requirements of your destination, as well as the safety protocols at the airport and on board, including masks for all travelers 2 years of age and older. These can change daily so be sure to check our COVID-19 info hub.
Double-checking the fare you purchased and whether it includes a checked bag and/or a carry-on. Learn more here.
Arriving early and allowing extra time for check-in, security and any destination-specific COVID-19 protocols. For international flights, we recommend arriving three hours in advance.
Considering public transit options for travel to and from the airport to avoid holiday traffic.

For 21 years, we have made it our mission to bring people together, during the holiday season and all year round. What we have all been missing these last almost two years we are now only too happy to provide, and provide safely, sensibly and securely. For this Thursday and beyond, happy holidays, and welcome aboard.

Happy holidays!

Joanna Geraghty
President & Chief Operating Officer, JetBlue Airways

American Airlines, JetBlue ask court to throw out U.S. antitrust suit

From Reuters:

“American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have asked a U.S. judge on Monday to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Justice Department and six states over the company’s “Northeast Alliance” partnership.”

Read the full article:

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/american-airlines-jetblue-ask-court-throw-out-us-antitrust-suit-2021-11-22/

The Northeast Alliance to add more international flights in 2022

American Airlines issued this statement:

The NEA has increased competition, created the most frequencies in New York and is transforming business travel in high-frequency markets

The NEA has created the largest flight schedule in New York and Boston than any other airline, offering consumers more flight choices in 60 markets from New York and 49 markets from Boston.
In December, American and JetBlue will offer lie-flat seats on all transcontinental routes from New York and Boston, offering the most lie-flat seats of any airlines for a premium travel experience from the Northeast.
In 2022, the NEA has 18 new international routes launched or planned to meet increased travel demand.
American is introducing Main Select, which will provide business customers more flexibility, convenience and comfort starting on flights in the Northeast, and then throughout its network.

In 2022, customers will experience the full benefits of the Northeast Alliance (NEA) between American Airlines and JetBlue, including the most flight choices in dozens of markets from New York and Boston, lie-flat seats on all transcontinental routes and a robust international network. In addition, American will reimagine business travel in 2022 with the launch of Main Select for business travelers.

The innovative alliance between American and JetBlue continues to increase competition in the Northeast.

Easiest way to travel the East Coast

The NEA has created more frequencies in New York than any other airline, offering consumers access to nearly 60 markets, and more than 48 markets from Boston. And with a retimed 2022 schedule in high-frequency markets such as from Boston (BOS) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) and New York (LGA) to DCA, the NEA will offer customers the most convenient service on key business routes.

Recently, JetBlue added its code to several international flights on American’s network and continues to add its code to further domestic and international flights.

Customers can now easily connect from an American flight to a JetBlue flight and vice versa through New York (JFK) as the two airlines are now offering codeshare connections to nearly 600 origin and destination markets.

Since January, the NEA has brought more service to customers in New York and Boston, including 58 new routes, increased frequencies on more than 130 routes and codeshare on 175 routes. The NEA has also created reciprocal codeshare on the largest connecting markets from JFK.

The return of international travel

While other airlines try to make old routes new again, American has continued to operate its international schedule during the pandemic. Bolstered by the NEA, American is currently the fastest growing international carrier in New York. The alliance connects the Northeast to almost 150 worldwide destinations, including 10 new international routes from American.

These routes include new service from New York’s JFK to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), which launched in May; JFK service to Athens, Greece (ATH), which launched in June; and JFK service to Delhi, India (DEL), which launches on Nov. 12.

In its January 2022 schedule, American will also upgauge aircraft on its New York routes to Medellin and Cali, Colombia, offering more seats to the popular South American destination.

Blue Extra, meet Main Select

American is reimagining travel for business customers. In 2022, American will launch Main Select in key business markets, continuing American’s decades of premium business service by operating high-frequency routes between LGA to DCA, LGA to Chicago (ORD), BOS to DCA and in additional markets such as Dallas and Los Angeles. Main Select takes the stress out of business travel with refundable fares, priority boarding, priority check-in, choice of all seats in Main Cabin at time of booking including Main Cabin Extra, and free same-day flight changes.

With this new innovative fare product for business customers across the country, American will be retiring the airline’s Shuttle product, which was only available on select routes in the Northeast.

Business customers can purchase a Blue Extra fare when flying on JetBlue high-frequency routes, including LGA to BOS, operated exclusively by JetBlue. Blue Extra conveniently offers same-day flight switches, Even More® Speed at select airports and early boarding, making business travel a breeze.

Status perks on both airlines

Earlier this fall, American’s AAdvantage status members and JetBlue’s TrueBlue Mosaic members began receiving their benefits when traveling either carrier, including priority boarding, priority security and free checked baggage allowances.

For those TrueBlue Mosaic members who want to choose an aisle or a window seat, these preferred seats are now available for selection at the time of purchase.

JetBlue announces a new tentative agreement on negotiations with TWU

JetBlue Airways has announced it has reached a new tentative agreement with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) for JetBlue’s inflight crewmembers.

“We’re pleased to share that the JetBlue and TWU negotiating committees have reached a new tentative agreement,” said Ed Baklor, head of customer care and programs, JetBlue. “Our inflight crewmembers have been on the frontline supporting and protecting JetBlue’s operation and our customers through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am proud of the TWU and JetBlue teams for recognizing our environment and coming to the table with solutions. We look forward to bringing this contract to a vote with our inflight crewmembers.”

Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 WL N993JE (msn 814) (Prism) LAS (Gunter Mayer). Image: 955790.

JetBlue aircraft slide show:

JetBlue aircraft photo gallery:

JetBlue and Icelandair expand strategic codeshare partnership

JetBlue Airways today announced it is expanding its codeshare with Icelandair – the national carrier of Iceland – to offer customers more ways to book and connect their travel between the two airlines’ networks across Europe and North America.

October 04, 2021 – JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes (left) and Icelandair CEO Bogi Nils Bogason at the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Boston celebrate 10 years of partnership and expansion of codeshare. (Photo: Business Wire)

JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes (left) and Icelandair CEO Bogi Nils Bogason at the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Boston celebrate 10 years of partnership and expansion of codeshare. (Photo: Business Wire)

JetBlue’s current codes on Icelandair offer customers direct flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport, Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS), Newark’s Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in the capital city of Reykjavik. As part of the codeshare expansion, the JetBlue “B6” code will initially be placed on seven of 24 European routes that Icelandair operates beyond Reykjavik. The plan is to add more in the near future. The initial routes are:

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands
Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Denmark
Glasgow Airport (GLA), United Kingdom
Helsinki Airport (HEL), Finland
Manchester Airport (MAN), United Kingdom
Oslo Airport (OSL), Norway
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Sweden

This expanded codeshare agreement builds upon JetBlue and Icelandair’s partnership that first began in 2011. Icelandair passengers already benefit from access to a network that spans to 45 destinations in more than 15 countries around the world. This further strengthening of the partnership will allow JetBlue customers to enjoy additional travel options via Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport, Icelandair’s connecting hub.

JetBlue arrives in San Antonio

JetBlue Airways today announced it has officially launched service at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) from both New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), with the first flights landing in the Texas city this afternoon.

San Antonio service will operate with a mix of both the Airbus A320 and A220 aircraft.

JetBlue expands at LaGuardia in two terminals with significant growth made possible by its Northeast Alliance

JetBlue Airways today announced effective this Sunday, October 31 it will expand its footprint at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) across two terminals, operate more daily departures than ever before with up to 35 daily flights and serve more than triple the number of nonstop destinations flown in 2019. JetBlue’s growth – aimed at delivering more competition and low fares to travelers – is made possible through its Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines.

Simple, Split Terminal Operations

Starting this Sunday, JetBlue will expand operations to two separate terminals at LaGuardia to make way for more flying and new destinations. The airline will continue to operate in the historic Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A) but will also be expanding into LaGuardia’s state-of-the-art Terminal B.

All Boston flights will operate at the Marine Air Terminal, while flights to and from all other destinations will operate at Terminal B. JetBlue will operate up to 12 daily departures to Boston at the Marine Air Terminal and up to 23 additional daily departures to other destinations from Terminal B. Terminal B is also home to American Airlines and will allow for convenient connections between the airlines within the same terminal.

JetBlue’s split operation at LaGuardia will continue until the airline fully relocates to Terminal B in the future.

The LaGuardia Terminal B redevelopment – now more than 85% complete – includes a new 1.3 million square foot terminal with 35 gates, an array of New York City-inspired shops and dining options, permanent pieces of art by leading artists and a one-of-a-kind water feature.

More Departures to More Destinations

In addition to expanding its footprint at LaGuardia, JetBlue will also expand its list of nonstop destinations and number of daily flights. Starting Sunday, October 31, the airline will introduce three all-new routes with daily service between LaGuardia and:

Jacksonville, Fla. (JAX), up to twice daily.
Sarasota, Fla. (SRQ), once daily.
Savannah, Ga. (SAV), once daily.

With the addition of new destinations and increased flying on select routes, JetBlue will now operate up to 35 daily departures at LaGuardia, more than ever before. Still, JetBlue intends to grow further in the months ahead. In 2022, the airline will operate more than 50 daily departures and add service to even more new destinations, again enabled by the NEA. In the first half of the year, JetBlue will introduce nonstop service between LaGuardia and:

New Orleans, La. (MSY), on sale and launching March 27.
Nashville, Tenn. (BNA), on sale and launching March 27.
Portland, Maine (PWM), on sale soon and launching summer 2022.

By summer 2022, JetBlue will serve 16 nonstop destinations from LaGuardia, more than even before.

Northeast Alliance Supercharges Competition

JetBlue’s expansion at LaGuardia is a direct result of the NEA with American, which creates a viable third competitor in the Northeast by, among other things, connecting JetBlue’s growing network to American’s through codeshare and reciprocal loyalty benefits. The NEA is already delivering countless benefits to customers and enabling the expansion of JetBlue’s low fares and great service.

JetBlue has announced nine all-new destinations and 32 new routes, enabled by the NEA. Together JetBlue and American have added 58 new routes, including 18 international flights that will launch by 2022 and increased frequencies on more than 130 routes giving more options and choices to customers. The airlines are now codesharing on 175 routes, giving the pair a combined schedule with the number of markets and seats that for the first time in JetBlue’s two-decade history allows it to offer its customers options that stack up against larger, dominant carriers.

In New York, JetBlue and American plan to operate close to 500 daily flights next month, 300 of which will be flown by JetBlue. Given a vastly expanded network and flying, the NEA is estimated to generate more than $800 million dollars in annual consumer benefits. JetBlue is also in the process of hiring 1,800 new Crewmembers as a direct result of the growth that the NEA is enabling – jobs that otherwise would not be created without this alliance.

JetBlue will continue to implement the NEA and deliver tremendous benefits of added competition to its customers.