JetBlue, American launch frequent flyer earning reciprocity

American Airlines and JetBlue passengers can now earn points flying on the other carrier. The two airlines announced details of their frequent flyer earning reciprocity plans today, part of their Northeast Alliance efforts.

Given that both programs are revenue-based for earning the reciprocity program is pretty simple: It remains revenue based.

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JetBlue TrueBlue program members will earn 3 points per fare dollar spent on American Airlines-operated flights other than Basic Economy fares. The cheaper tickets will earn one point per fare dollar.

AAdvantage members will earn a base rate of 5 points per dollar on JetBlue marketed and operated flights, the same as on AA metal.

In both cases the elite status multipliers also apply. For TrueBlue Mosaic members this means an additional 3 points per fare dollar. For AAdvantage members the earn rate increases by 2-6 points depending on the status tier.

Passengers in both programs will also be able to earn points towards elite status when flying on the other carrier. For TrueBlue members this is the same 3 points per fare dollar towards Mosaic status, or 1 point for basic economy. For AAdvantage members basic economy fares on JetBlue will not earn towards AAdvantage status. Regular economy fares will earn 1x the miles flown, as well as EQDs and 1 EQS per segment. Mint business class fares will earn 2x (C, D, I fare classes) or 3x (J fare class) EQMs but no EQS bonus.

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Details on redemption reciprocity remain pending. That is likely to be much more interesting as American uses a zone-based redemption model while JetBlue’s approach is revenue-based.

Similarly, the companies continue to state they’re “exploring opportunities to recognize JetBlue Mosaic customers and American’s AAdvantage elite members across both airlines.”