JetBlue is discontinuing its loyalty partnership with Japan Airlines, which means TrueBlue points will no longer be redeemable for flights operated by the Japanese airline.
The companies have announced that March 31, 2026, will mark the last date for booking Japan Airlines flights using TrueBlue points. After that date, award redemptions for JAL will be unavailable, though cash bookings remain unaffected, and all current award reservations will be honored.
Read on to learn more about the end of this loyalty program partnership and how you can still use transferable rewards for JAL flights.
Related: Explore Japan using points and miles: Top ways to redeem rewards on flights and hotels
What JetBlue TrueBlue Members Need to Know
The major change for TrueBlue members is the cessation of award redemptions on Japan Airlines. Beginning April 1, 2026, JetBlue points will be unusable for flights operated by JAL.
JetBlue has assured that all existing bookings will be honored, so travelers who have already secured JAL award flights using TrueBlue points won’t need to make adjustments.
This update impacts only future award redemptions. Members can still book Japan Airlines flights using cash, either directly through JAL or via JetBlue, where applicable.
This update may disappoint many JetBlue TrueBlue members, especially since the airline’s loyalty program aligns with most major flexible rewards programs, which include American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Capital One miles.
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Related: JetBlue TrueBlue program: Earning and redeeming points, transfer partners, and more
Overview of JetBlue’s Partnership with Japan Airlines
JetBlue and Japan Airlines have enjoyed an interline relationship for several years, allowing passengers to book itineraries combining flights from both airlines.
In April 2025, JetBlue expanded this relationship by granting TrueBlue members the option to redeem points for JAL-operated flights, creating new possibilities for long-haul international awards, including travel between the U.S. and Japan.
Although this redemption option was short-lived, it provided excellent opportunities for high-value international award tickets. In certain cases, travelers could secure one-way economy flights between the U.S. and Japan for as few as 29,000 TrueBlue points (excluding taxes and fees), subject to availability.
Alternative Ways to Book Japan Airlines Flights with Points
Despite the end of JetBlue’s partnership with Japan Airlines, travelers still have several options for booking JAL flights with rewards.
Japan Airlines is currently a direct transfer partner of Capital One and Bilt Rewards, enabling members of those programs to transfer points to Mileage Bank for redeeming JAL award flights.
Additionally, JAL flights can also be booked through Oneworld partners such as American Airlines AAdvantage and Alaska Atmos Rewards.
While the news surrounding JetBlue and JAL may be disappointing, these other redemption avenues ensure travelers can continue to book Japan Airlines flights using points or miles after the TrueBlue partnership concludes.
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