JetBlue Airways has confirmed a significant shift in its loyalty programme, announcing the termination of its partnership with Japan Airlines. The move will affect how members of its TrueBlue scheme can use their accrued points.
Partnership Cut Short After Less Than a Year
The collaboration, which allowed TrueBlue members to redeem their points for economy, business, and first-class seats on select Japan Airlines flights, was first introduced in April 2025. In a surprising reversal, the airline stated the programme will now cease entirely as of March 31, 2026, ending the arrangement in under twelve months.
A notice issued by the carrier on Friday 26 December 2025 provided clarity for existing bookings. It confirmed that all Japan Airlines flights booked with TrueBlue points for travel after April 1, 2026 will remain valid and be honoured by the airline.
"TrueBlue members can continue to redeem points on Japan Airlines flights booked on or before that date. All existing bookings will be honoured," the company's statement read.
Network Expansion Amidst Partnership Withdrawal
The dissolution of the Japan Airlines tie-up is not the only change JetBlue has enacted recently. The carrier is simultaneously pursuing an aggressive expansion of its own network, particularly to Puerto Rico.
Earlier in December, JetBlue revealed plans for new nonstop services connecting the continental United States to San Juan. Starting in March 2026, flights will launch from five cities with introductory one-way fares from $99.
The new routes and their proposed schedules are:
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Daily flights.
- Jacksonville, Florida and Buffalo, New York: Service on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
- Norfolk, Virginia: Flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- Richmond, Virginia: Three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
This expansion will position JetBlue against six other US carriers already offering nonstop flights to Puerto Rico: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit.
Route Adjustments and Strategic Shifts
JetBlue's strategic review has also led to the termination of some existing services. As of September 2025, the airline no longer operates its final route between Boston and Miami, effectively ending its service to the Florida tourist hub.
However, the airline continues to serve other parts of Florida extensively. Passengers can still fly to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach from key destinations including Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles.
In a statement addressing the network changes, a JetBlue spokesperson said: "We continually evaluate how our network is performing and make changes as needed. To free aircraft for new routes, we've recently made the decision to end a small number of unprofitable flights including between Boston and Miami."
The airline assured customers affected by the Boston-Miami cancellation that they can either re-route via Fort Lauderdale or receive a full refund to their original payment method.
The Independent has contacted JetBlue for further comment on the termination of the Japan Airlines partnership and its broader loyalty strategy.
