American Airlines and JetBlue today announced a plethora of reciprocal benefits for each other’s top-tier frequent flyers. This means members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage and JetBlue’s TrueBlue Mosaic frequent flyer programs will now have access to several perks on flights operated by either of the two airlines.

Don Uselmann, vice president loyalty & personalization, JetBlue, said,

“We know our most loyal customers love the added perks and flexibility that come with being a TrueBlue Mosaic member, which is why, together with American, we’re extending more great benefits to our travelers when they are flying on American-operated flights. At the same time, we continue to add value to our Northeast Alliance by also extending additional perks and flexibility to American’s status members when they fly JetBlue. It’s another win as we continue to add value to our loyalty programs.”

The new perks

Today’s announcements are mainly focused on elite customers from both airlines. Only AAdvantage status and TrueBlue Mosaic members are included in the perks package, as they sit at the top in each carrier’s frequent flyer program. Below is a detailed breakdown of who gets what:

• All AAdvantage status members now have access to complimentary Even More® seats whenever available. The Even More® Space option on JetBlue comes with 7” of extra legroom (total goes up to 38”), priority boarding, dibs on overhead storage bins, and a separate check-in line at specific cities.
• Similarly, TrueBlue Mosaics get complimentary “Main Cabin Extra” seats when traveling with American. The upgrade to Main Cabin Extra offers similar perks to JetBlue’s Even More®- extra legroom, early boarding, complimentary meals, carry-on storage, and free entertainment.
• In addition, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members (the two top tiers in the program) are eligible for same-day changes to confirmed flights on both carriers. This service is also available to TrueBlue Mosaic members traveling with either airline.

The Northeast Alliance presses on

Today’s announcement comes as part of continuous efforts from both airlines to strengthen the Northeast Alliance (NEA). The NEA gained significant momentum in 2021, and unsurprisingly, both airlines intend to keep working towards their common goal. In December last year, both carriers significantly expanded operations in the northeast United States, resulting in over 700 planned daily flights from New York and Boston this summer.

However, the ambitious Northeast Alliance faces legal action from the United States Department of Justice. The governmental body has filed an antitrust lawsuit challenging the collaboration between the two airlines, alleging that it will decrease competition in an already consolidated market, ultimately resulting in higher fares levied on customers.

When asked if the airline was concerned about the legal challenges to the NEA, JetBlue directed Simple Flying to a September 2021 statement by CEO Robin Hayes,

“Regardless of what the DOJ claims about us in court and in the media, it’s important you know that JetBlue’s commitment to competition and low fares remains as strong as ever. This is not at all like a merger with American – we have two different business models and are not working together on pricing. It’s also important that you have the full picture on benefits the NEA is already delivering, and I want to reassure you that the DOJ’s action will not affect our plans to continue implementing the NEA.”

After a failed attempt by both airlines at getting the lawsuit thrown out, American and JetBlue are set to face the DOJ in court later this year. Both parties earlier agreed to go to trial in September.

What do you make of the Northeast Alliance? Do you think such partnerships contribute to reduced competition and increased fares? Please, let us know your thoughts in the comments.