JetBlue doesn’t belong to one of the major airline alliances, but instead, the airline has a variety of partnerships with individual airlines. Some of these are basic interline agreements, while others feature loyalty reciprocity.
Along those lines, JetBlue has been partnering with Condor for roughly a decade now. However, the airlines have just taken their partnership to the next level, with the introduction of loyalty reciprocity. I think the more interesting angle here is for JetBlue TrueBlue loyalists, so let me explain.
In this post:
Redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points on Condor
Effective immediately, it’s possible to redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points for travel on Condor, which is Germany’s second largest long haul airline, after Lufthansa. Condor operates Airbus A330-900neos on long haul flights, with a pleasant business class experience. Here are the basics of these redemption opportunities:
- These awards are bookable directly on JetBlue’s website, on the homepage, by selecting the “use TrueBlue points” button
- Redemptions are possible for Condor’s entire route network, including across the Atlantic, and in short haul markets
- There are no carrier imposed surcharges on these redemptions
- Redemptions on Condor are possible in business class, premium economy, and economy
- While there’s not an award chart, award pricing seems to be a combination of zone based and segment based; that means you pay more if you have an itinerary that includes more than one segment
So, what is award pricing like? It seems like most one-way transatlantic awards cost 19,000 points in economy or 54,000 points in business class.
I’d consider this to be a useful redemption opportunity, since you can get outsized value compared to redeeming on JetBlue (where redemptions are revenue based).
JetBlue TrueBlue is now Condor’s second redemption partner in the United States, as you can also redeem Atmos Rewards points for travel on Condor (I apologize to those who are offended that I brought up Atmos Rewards… shame on me!). TrueBlue points can also be redeemed on some other partners, including Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Earn JetBlue TrueBlue points on Condor
In addition to points redemption opportunities, we’re also seeing the opportunity for JetBlue TrueBlue members to earn points when flying with Condor. Specifically, you can find the points earning chart below.
As you can see, points earning can get a bit confusing when we’re talking about a revenue based frequent flyer program awarding points based on distance flown on partner airlines.
Personally, I’d prefer to earn Atmos Rewards points for flights on Condor, but I’m sure for many East Coast flyers, this might be a better fit.
Bottom line
JetBlue and Condor have just launched a loyalty partnership, which allows JetBlue TrueBlue members to earn and redeem points for travel on Condor. JetBlue is Condor’s second partner in the United States, after Alaska. More options for earning and redeeming points are always a good thing, so I’m happy to see this.
What do you make of this new JetBlue & Condor loyalty collaboration?
It's wild to me that Jetblue is more than 25 years old, but only just now getting around to making its points redeemable on longhaul partners!
Just booked this morning—54k FRA to JFK. (A good spend down of B6 miles for me, which I've previously had a hard time getting good value from.)
Sorry to see this. I assume Condor flights booked with Alaska points will no longer be as easily available for my family. Oh well. An ever changing game.
Exactly my thought. But honestly, there is an oversupply of Alaska miles too since June, yet, I see Condor flight available for everyday of next summer with 5+ seats available in biz class, so I don't think this would be that much of an issue.
That's mostly phantom inventory. Although there is some availability.
That’s not true. I have ticketed 5 seats for next July and changed dates for almost 2 weeks as availability on my preferred days opened up. In all case, my reservation ticketed, I can see it on Condor website and I have already selected seats.
I am happy about this new addition! As a German/American that travels frequently between the east coast and Germany this will give me another option to look at when looking for award flights. I had previously credited paid Condor flights to my Alaska account but since those points are somewhat hard to come by and since they don't allow any transfers in from Amex, Chase or C1 this new partnership opens up lots of options....
I am happy about this new addition! As a German/American that travels frequently between the east coast and Germany this will give me another option to look at when looking for award flights. I had previously credited paid Condor flights to my Alaska account but since those points are somewhat hard to come by and since they don't allow any transfers in from Amex, Chase or C1 this new partnership opens up lots of options. I do wonder how this will play out in the long-term since JetBlue is looking to partner with United and United is married to Lufthansa. What do you think Ben?