JetBlue Rolls Out Reciprocal Loyalty Benefits with TAP Air Portugal

Rhea-AI Summary

JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and TAP Air Portugal have expanded their partnership to include reciprocal loyalty benefits, allowing members of both airlines' loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across either network. This marks the first time JetBlue TrueBlue members can redeem points for flights with a European airline partner.

The enhanced partnership enables TrueBlue members to earn and redeem points for destinations like Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, as well as locations in Africa through TAP's international network. This development coincides with JetBlue's European expansion, which includes new daily nonstop summer seasonal service from Boston to Madrid and Edinburgh.

Positive

• First-time access for TrueBlue members to redeem points with a European airline partner
• Expansion of JetBlue's loyalty program reach to include TAP Air Portugal's international network
• Strategic alignment with JetBlue's European route expansion

Negative

• None.

Insights

Loyalty Program & Partnerships Analyst

The expansion of JetBlue's partnership with TAP Air Portugal represents a significant strategic enhancement to its loyalty program offering and European market strategy. This development is particularly noteworthy for several reasons:

Strategic Value & Market Positioning:

• First European airline partner for point redemption strengthens JetBlue's competitive position against major U.S. carriers who have established European loyalty partnerships
• Timing aligns perfectly with JetBlue's European route expansion to Madrid and Edinburgh, creating a more comprehensive transatlantic value proposition
• Access to TAP's extensive network in Portugal, Africa and beyond significantly expands JetBlue's effective reach without the capital investment of new routes

Revenue & Customer Impact:

• Enhanced loyalty program benefits typically drive higher customer retention and program engagement
• Partnership creates new revenue opportunities through increased point purchases and redemptions
• Reciprocal earning structure helps capture high-value international travelers who might otherwise choose legacy carriers

Market Context & Timing:

• Arrives during a period of strong international travel recovery and growing demand for European destinations
• Helps JetBlue capitalize on the trend of longer-duration leisure travel and "bleisure" trips
• Positions the airline to better compete for valuable transatlantic business travelers who prioritize loyalty program benefits

This partnership expansion demonstrates JetBlue's commitment to enhancing its competitive position in the international market while providing increased value to its loyalty program members. The move could help drive customer acquisition and retention during a important period of international expansion.

JetBlue TrueBlue^® and TAP Miles&Go customers can now earn and redeem on both airline networks

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and TAP Air Portugal announced they are extending their existing partnership with the addition of reciprocal point earning and redemption for award travel, available now. Members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program and of TAP’s Miles&Go program are now able to earn and redeem points using the program of their choice when flying across either network. It marks the first time JetBlue TrueBlue members can redeem TrueBlue points for flights on one of JetBlue’s European airline partners.

“We continue to look for more ways to reward our customers and provide them with the high-value travel experiences and point-earning opportunities they love from JetBlue,” said Chris Buckner, vice president of loyalty and partnerships, JetBlue. “This partnership expansion provides both TrueBlue and TAP Miles&Go members more ways to earn and redeem on travel, more options to tailor their travel journey, and makes exploring both networks even more rewarding.”

“We value this cooperation that will enable our customers extended ways to earn and redeem, through an extended airline network. We look forward to achieving milestones together,” said Sofia Lufinha, Chief Customer Officer at TAP Air Portugal.

Customers can now earn and redeem TrueBlue points to destinations like Lisbon and Porto in Portugal as well as destinations in Africa and beyond through TAP’s international network. The customer loyalty benefits also arrive on the heels of JetBlue’s recent European expansion announcement of daily nonstop summer seasonal service from Boston to Madrid, Spain, and Edinburgh, Scotland.

For more information on this partnership visit: jetblue.com/airline-partners/tap-air-portugal

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline^®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue, known for its low fares and great service, carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

About TAP Air Portugal

TAP is Portugal’s leading airline and is a member of Star Alliance since 2005. Flying since 1945, TAP Air Portugal has its hub in Lisbon, a privileged access platform in Europe, at the crossroads with Africa, North, Central, and South America.

TAP Air Portugal is the world's leading airline between Europe and Brazil. TAP offers more than 1,070 weekly flights to 80 cities in 32 countries through its network of destinations, which includes 5 airports in Portugal, 10 in North America, 14 in Central and South America, 13 in Africa and 38 in Europe (in addition to Portugal).

TAP has made a clear commitment to modernizing its fleet and offering the best product in the sector to its customers. The Portuguese airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with all of Airbus' next generation NEO aircraft: A320neo, A321neo, A321LR, and A330neo, with superior efficiency and reduced emission levels. TAP also operates 19 Embraer aircraft in its regional fleet (TAP Express).

TAP is ranked by Airline Ratings as the safest airline in Europe and the 11th safest in the world.

TAP Air Portugal has been recognized and awarded as Europe's Leading Airline to Africa, as well as Europe's Leading Airline to South America by the World Travel Awards in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250205803688/en/

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1.718.709.3089

corpcomm@jetblue.com

Source: JetBlue

FAQ

What are the new loyalty benefits between JetBlue (JBLU) and TAP Air Portugal?

JetBlue TrueBlue and TAP Miles&Go members can now earn and redeem points across both airline networks, allowing access to destinations in Portugal, Africa, and beyond.

Which European destinations can JetBlue (JBLU) TrueBlue members now access with points?

TrueBlue members can now redeem points for flights to Portuguese destinations including Lisbon and Porto, as well as other destinations in TAP's network.

How does the 2024 JetBlue-TAP partnership affect TrueBlue loyalty program members?

The partnership marks the first time TrueBlue members can redeem points for flights with a European airline partner, expanding their redemption options internationally.

What new European routes is JetBlue (JBLU) adding alongside the TAP partnership?

JetBlue is adding daily nonstop summer seasonal service from Boston to Madrid, Spain, and Edinburgh, Scotland.