For the first time that I can recall, JetBlue TrueBlue has rolled out partner award redemption opportunities online, as flagged by AwardWallet. This is an exciting and long overdue development.
In this post:
JetBlue adds award redemptions on Qatar Airways
JetBlue and Qatar Airways have had a close partnership for quite some time, including a codeshare agreement. However, up until recently, there were no reciprocal award redemption opportunities. Several days ago we saw Qatar Airways Privilege Club roll out redemptions on JetBlue (well, that didn’t actually go all that well), and now we’ve seen JetBlue TrueBlue roll out redemptions on Qatar Airways.
Here are the basics of these redemption opportunities:
- These awards are bookable directly on JetBlue’s website
- There are no carrier imposed surcharges on these redemptions
- Awards seem to be possible in all regions, so you don’t need to flying to or from the United States
- Pricing varies based on where you’re traveling — a United States to Doha award starts at 34,000 points in economy or 70,000 points in business class, while a United States to India award starts at 53,000 points in economy or 106,000 points in business class
Now, unfortunately the bad news is that at the moment Qatar Airways business class award availability is quite bad, among the worst we’ve seen in years, though hopefully that changes again soon. I’d say these redemption rates are quite competitive — personally I value TrueBlue points at around 1.3 cents each, so this is an excellent value, assuming you can find availability.
JetBlue partner awards are long overdue
JetBlue is really trying to revamp its TrueBlue loyalty program, and make it more of a profit center. Historically I’d say the program has just been kind of lazy in terms of perks, and hasn’t done much to encourage incremental engagement (flying or credit card spending) in terms of elite benefits, and on top of that, JetBlue didn’t offer any partner award redemptions.
With JetBlue increasingly being in a tough financial spot and realizing that it’s greatly lagging the “big three” carriers when it comes to loyalty program revenue, I think we’re finally seeing some effort on that front.
For one, we’ve seen the launch of the new TrueBlue loyalty program. While not more rewarding for everyone, it does quite a bit to encourage incremental business. I think introducing partner awards is another thing that can make TrueBlue more lucrative.
So while I wouldn’t say this single redemption opportunity is a game changer, it is a step in the right direction for the program, and makes me optimistic about where it’s headed.
Bottom line
JetBlue TrueBlue has just rolled out award redemptions on Qatar Airways, as part of the partnership between the two programs. Redemption rates are potentially quite good, though award availability at the moment leaves a bit to be desired.
More broadly, I’m just happy to see JetBlue TrueBlue finally embracing the concept of partner redemptions, so here’s to hoping that this is the first of many. This could make the TrueBlue program significantly more compelling.
What do you make of JetBlue TrueBlue redemptions on Qatar Airways?
When booking Qatar business class through Jetblue, would you know which Qatar fare class it is? Qatar is one of the airlines that sells a Lite version fair class that does not include lounge access , seat selection, etc. I would hate to book a business class flight through JB and realize it's the Lite fare with Qatar and get denied access to the lounge.
Trying to book a flight directly through Jetblue website as suggested to get onto Qatar airways using Trueblue points. I am unable to. Suggestions?
@ Mary De La Cruz -- The issue is probably the lack of award availability on Qatar Airways, rather than it not showing up. You can also search availability through American's website (which has a useful calendar feature), and you should find that inventory matches between the two programs. Good luck!
@Lucky, how are you getting the business class availability to show? I'm seeing QR business award seats on AA and BA websites but nothing showing up on JetBlue. Thanks.
US to DOH has competitive rates but not much beyond (e.g., US to SE Asia, or SE Asia to Europe). Did they publish an award chart?
70k JetBlue points for QSuites would be amazing. The problem is earning JetBlue points. In general, you don't earn a lot of them because JetBlue is a low-cost carrier, meaning the flights themselves don't cost much, so you don't accrue tons of points. You're earning like 3 to 6 points on average for JetBlue flights, meaning you need to spend $11k on JetBlue flights, which would be much more flight segments than you would take...
70k JetBlue points for QSuites would be amazing. The problem is earning JetBlue points. In general, you don't earn a lot of them because JetBlue is a low-cost carrier, meaning the flights themselves don't cost much, so you don't accrue tons of points. You're earning like 3 to 6 points on average for JetBlue flights, meaning you need to spend $11k on JetBlue flights, which would be much more flight segments than you would take on any of the big 3 carriers.
Transferring MR to JetBlue at a less than 1:1 ratio is very unfavourable, especially compared to the other better MR transfer options. Finally, the JetBlue card itself is quite weak in terms of points earning. I'd rather earn 5x MR than 6x JetBlue points, and all other earning categories are poor.
Qatar human rights violations. Just keep in mind where your money is going.
Remind me again which country has not violated human rights.
I commented a few days ago about looking forward redeeming Trueblue points on Qatar and finally we have it, 70k to Doha is solid and in line with what Qatar avios charges however 108k to India is too steep.
This is great news although the actual availability of award seats (and points cost to redeem) will ultimately determine whether this is a valuable option for TrueBlue members. The only overseas redemption options I've been interested in so far (for lack of other options) are on Hawaiian Airlines. Qatar Airways would represent a massive step up in terms of routes and destinations, so I'm certainly eager to see what options emerge.