CORRECTION: This post originally stated that JetBlue TrueBlue points can be redeemed on other carriers, which is incorrect, as pointed out by our readers, as they can only be earned flying on other carriers but redeemed only on JetBlue. The post has benen updated to reflect this on May 3, 2017 as of 1PM CST.
JetBlue is offering a lot of great deals and promotions to incentivize frequent fliers to invest in their TrueBlue program. You might think, “well, I live in a city that isn’t served by JetBlue, or has so few JetBlue frequencies to their hubs, why should I bother?”
Well, as someone who resides in Texas, I fit into that category, yet I still feel like there are some really great perks of accruing points on JetBlue. Here are a few of them (current as of May 3, 2017):
Some Reasons why JetBlue TrueBlue is a Good Program:
They have awesome partnership agreements, including both travel and non-travel related programs
You can earn points on JetBlue through Amazon, Lyft, Avis and Mastercard, plus other shopping partners.
JetBlue TrueBlue points can be earned on foreign carriers and other partners
JetBlue has agreements with Emirates, Hawaiian, Icelandair and Singapore Airlines, which means that you can earn TrueBlue points by flying on these carriers in various service cabins.
JetBlue Offers Family Pooling
One of the unique aspects of its TrueBlue program is the ability to “family pool,” so that you can earn, contribute and combine points. You can add up to 7 people (maximum 2 adults and maximum 5 children) to join the pool.
JetBlue Is Currently Offering Some Great Earning Opportunities
Additionally, it is really easy to earn JetBlue TrueBlue points right now through passive everyday spending activity. Here are some ways in which you can earn easy miles right now without even stepping onto a JetBlue flight.
You Can Earn 3x JetBlue Points per Dollar Spent on Amazon
In February I wrote about how you can earn 3 points per dollar on Amazon purchases, with certain terms and conditions. The points add up very quickly. If you opt-in to family pooling, moreover, the earnings can increase even more if your spouse has an individual Amazon account.
JetBlue Is Currently Offering 3,000 Bonus Points for Amazon Prime
Yesterday, Caroline (who is new to Travel Codex) posted about JetBlue’s attractive offer to provide 3,000 Bonus Points for new Amazon Prime memberships. I love using Amazon prime, but as I am already a member, I am not eligible for this offer. It is also not applicable to certain types of accounts on Amazon, like Prime for Students, so be mindful of the restrictions.
JetBlue Is Also Offering Generous Earning Opportunities with American Express
Yesterday, JetBlue also announced that they’re offering 25% more TrueBlue points when you transfer AMEX membership rewards points to the TrueBlue program through 5/31/2017. Essentially, this means that the point accrual is 1:1 (whereas it was previously a 5:4 ratio).
Another really nice feature is a targeted promotion from American Express to certain cardholders of the AMEX Platinum Card, which is offering 4,000 Membership Rewards points for $200 in purchases on JetBlue tickets through June 30, 2017. The Points Guy has more details on this offer, but since it is targeted, there is a chance you may not be a recipient of the deal. Regardless, 4,000 points are worth approximately $80, so its a pretty sweet discount.
Why I Think the TrueBlue Plus Card from Barclays is Worthwhile
So to return to my original proposal, here is why I think applying for the JetBlue Plus Card from Barclay’s is currently a great investment:
You Earn 6X Points on JetBlue Purchases
This is more applicable to the type of traveler demographic who is likelier to fly on JetBlue, but still, it is a really nice perk.
Let’s do a sample round-trip booking to see how quickly your TrueBlue points would accrue: a mid-June flight from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Boston amounts to approximately $300.40, which would earn you 1,800 TrueBlue points for booking on JetBlue.com, PLUS the additional 4,000 AMEX membership rewards points which would draw your price points down to $220.
You Get One Free Checked Bag
Enough said. The perk can be applied to up to 3 travel companions on the same reservation.
You’ll Earn 30,000 TrueBlue Points After Spending $1,000 in 90 days
Plus, an additional 5,000 points on your 1-year card anniversary.
2x Points at Restaurants and Grocery Stores
While not as generous as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for restaurants, you can at least get this perk for Grocery Stores (which I don’t have with any of my current list of cards). JetBlue also has one of the Dining Programs with Barclays that can allow you to, “double dip” essentially when you use the cards at certain restaurants.
The Annual Fee Is Only $95
Which is consistent with, if not slightly better, than most major credit cards, and is also offset by the card anniversary bonus. Lucky from One Mile at a Time values a TrueBlue Point at 1.4 cents, which means that the annual cardmember bonus of 5,000 points is worth about 7000 cents, or $70. As such, you’re basically only paying $25 out-of-pocket for the perks you get with this card.
You Get 50% Savings on In-Flight Purchases
Eligible items include cocktails, beer, wine, meals, JetBlue movies (but not wireless internet).
You Get 10% Points Back When You Redeem
Self-explanatory
You Get a $100 Statement Credit After Purchasing a Getaway Package
This is probably not applicable to a lot of people, but for each calendar year that you purchase a JetBlue Getaways vacation package of $100 or more on jetblue.com, you’ll get a $100 statement credit.
It’s Also Important to Remember JetBlue Is a Hybrid Carrier with Nice Amenities
JetBlue is one of the more generous U.S. carriers when it comes to offering in-flight products that enhance the customer experience. They provide free DIRECTV® and SiriusXM®Radio at every seat, free unlimited brand-name snacks and beverages and free Fly-Fi® – which is a real broadband internet in the sky on most flights. Not to mention, their legroom is pretty generous along with the ability to opt-up for ancillary products like Even More Space.
Finally, the card has No Blackout Dates, Points Never Expire and You Can Redeem for Any JetBlue Seat.
JetBlue Plus Card Bottom Line
I’m really excited for this card because I have a longstanding goal of using the points to fly on JetBlue’s MINT product some day. The carrier is expanding its roster of MINT routes, which makes it more accessible for people like me who reside in mid-continent markets.
As a reminder, JetBlue also offers its basic JetBlue Card which offers similar perks (3x points per dollar on JetBlue flights, 2x per dollar with grocery stores) and has no annual fee and a 5,000 point bonus sign-up for $1000 of purchases in 30 days.
Interested in the card? Apply here if I’ve convinced you!
