What the dissolution of the Northeast Alliance means for American Airlines and JetBlue customers

21.07.2023 - 13:16 / insider.com / Spirit Airlines / Airlines

The controversial Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways is officially ending on July 20 after three years of growth.

The partnership was struck down in May after a federal judge ruled against the NEA, telling the pair it had 30 days to untangle the web of strategic routes in New York, Boston, and beyond.

The timeline was later extended, but JetBlue opted out of the appeal process in early July despite American's intent to fight the decision.

"We are disappointed to be ending popular benefits like codesharing and reciprocal loyalty benefits," JetBlue said on Friday, which was published alongside a list of things that will change going forward.

Up until now, many customers have gotten used to the seamless travel American and JetBlue provided like flying on JetBlue to New York-JFK and then transferring on American to Barcelona, for example, or using American's AAdvantage loyalty points to book a JetBlue itinerary.

But, those days are gone. Now that the NEA chapter is effectively done, the last opportunity to purchase a codeshare flight is on July 20.

Moreover, JetBlue's TrueBlue points cannot be redeemed for travel on American starting July 21 — same for American AAdvantage bookings on JetBlue.

As far as existing codeshare itineraries scheduled to depart after the end date, that's still in limbo. According to information released by both airlines, they are working together during the wind-down to ensure passengers are not left without a flight.

"Customers can continue to feel confident in their existing codeshare bookings," JetBlue said. "To the extent any individual customers are impacted, JetBlue will reach out individually for any required re-accommodation or refund."

American expressed the same promise, noting to Insider on Monday that it "will have more details as they become available."

Fortunately, the airlines say people can still earn loyalty points on already-purchased reservations as long as their AAdvantage or TrueBlue number is added to the booking by July 20.

JetBlue specifically noted its Mosaic members who meet the deadline can "still enjoy their reciprocal perks" on existing American-operated reservations.

However, the New York-based carrier disclosed it would "let you know if this changes," pointing to the evolving nature of the situation.

Going forward, customers should pay attention to company communication and check for any itinerary changes that could occur as the Northeast Alliance shuts down and the perks effectively fade.

Once it's done, American and JetBlue will go back to operating as separate entities, with the latter taking the time to focus on its $3.8 billion merger deal with low-cost competitor Spirit Airlines.