In light of increased oil prices, we’ve seen airlines increase checked bag fees, and we’ve also seen them increase carrier imposed surcharges on many tickets. However, here’s a precedent that I especially don’t love, and I can’t help but wonder what the bigger implications are, in light of United’s overall loyalty strategy.
Continue reading: JetBlue TrueBlue Adds Surcharges On United Awards, Setting Bad Precedent
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I don't like this at all. I agree with you that it's not *specifically* a big deal in that I am unlikely to redeem B6 for UA coach any time soon, but if it becomes a wider trend it's concerning
Regarding that Blue Sky partnership. When will JetBlue implement reciprocal elite benefits like free checked luggage for United elite members?
Using JetBlue to book a domestic United Award proved problematic when I had to cancel the flight after checking in I couldn't do it on JetBlue ( who told me to go to UA) and I couldn't do it on UA (who told me to deal with my "booking agency"). Chat with JetBlue had a 2 hour wait - I was finally able to cancel via phone with JetBlue after 45" wait.
United better keep the hubris in check because, although limited, consumers still have other choices for air travel.
Big picture.
None of this is going to matter in the long run. JetBlue's days as an independent carrier are limited. Someone will acquire them and then this, and JetBlue, becomes a distant memory.
The agreement has been bad for jet blue frequent flyers since the launch for several reasons (it has basically been a one sided deal for United). At least someone is writing about it.
the 1.4 employees who handle jetblue's loyalty have to be the most hapless in the biz
looks like everyone had some McK decks sitting around for generating a few million bucks at the cost of some customer NPS and they dusted them off with the oil crisis
sad to see that ua is still intent on following dl down the road to loyalty oblivion... it's one thing for dl to do it knowing they can coast on the residual halo effect of prepandemic reliability and internal delusions of grandeur for a bit longer (quarterly reports still reign supreme in bonus/promotion decisions!), but ua doesn't even have that.
hubris at hilarious levels.
Actually I am flying both right now but need to decide on one for a permanent loyal program. From recent flights I have taken United is the winner. Why ? They occasionally give you an upgrade. Jet Blue won’t. United’s schedule is also considerably much larger.
‘rumps Iran war may well do more damage to the U.S. Airline industry than the carriers ineptitude. Those airlines competing on the world stage will undoubtedly suffer the most, however, the U.S. points dependant passengers will be the first victims of ‘rump’s insanity. There is more doom and gloom to come folks …. 🙁