LONG ISLAND CITY/CHICAGO: JetBlue and United Airlines are teaming up to offer travelers more flexibility and rewards, announcing a partnership Thursday that will let customers book flights across both carriers' websites and share loyalty perks.

The deal — called Blue Sky — includes reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, shared booking platforms, and flight schedule coordination. Pending regulatory approval, parts of the agreement could roll out as early as this fall.

As part of the tie-up, JetBlue will grant United access to slots at New York's JFK Airport for up to seven daily round trips starting in 2027. In return, the airlines will swap eight flight slots at Newark, and United will begin using JetBlue's Paisly platform for specific holiday and travel services.

"This collaboration with United is a bold step forward ... that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks," said JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty.

Loyalty program integration will also mean shared benefits such as seat upgrades and flexible rebooking for travelers with status on either airline. United CEO Scott Kirby said the partnership would offer "new, unique ways to use their hard-earned miles and find options that fit their schedule."

The partnership comes as JetBlue seeks new growth strategies after a judge blocked its previous alliance with American Airlines. The airline has struggled to post consistent profits since the pandemic, with only two profitable quarters in the last nine.

United, meanwhile, continues to scale back operations at Newark due to infrastructure and staffing issues. It exited JFK in 2022 after failing to gain approval for expanded flight access but has signaled continued interest in growing its New York footprint.

The deal, which includes an interline agreement rather than a codeshare, allows each airline to retain control over pricing and flight management while offering customers a more seamless travel experience.