Simply days faraway from asserting a significant new partnership with United Airways, JetBlue is teaming up with one other transportation companion — this time, on the rails.
The New York-based airline on Tuesday introduced a brand new partnership with Brightline, the nation’s first personal, intercity rail operator. As a part of the tie-up, JetBlue prospects will have the ability to e-book itineraries that function each a flight and a prepare journey.
Bookings had been anticipated to go dwell straight away on the airline’s web site.
Learn extra: JetBlue launches TrueBlue redemptions on Japan Airways flights to Tokyo and past
Brightline seems to be to the skies
It is a large step ahead for Brightline, lower than two years after it launched a large extension of its Florida rail service, linking the Sunshine State’s coast with the terminals at Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO).
Brightline’s shut proximity to air passengers in Orlando ought to make this linkage notably helpful for JetBlue flyers: You would fly to Orlando, after which join seamlessly to certainly one of Brightline’s 5 stations on the coast: West Palm Seashore, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and downtown Miami.
JetBlue has a large presence in Florida, notably in Orlando and at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL).
The partnership may even supply itinerary alternate options for JetBlue passengers who run into flight bother in Florida, which could be all too widespread on spring and summer time afternoons. For instance, when you received stranded in Orlando and wanted to get to Miami, you may hop on a Brightline prepare as an alternative of ready for a flight.
“Collectively we’re increasing transportation choices for all of our prospects to get to the place they wish to go, whether or not they’re beginning their journey, heading to their last vacation spot, or adjusting plans alongside the best way,” mentioned Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vp of community planning and airline partnerships, in an announcement asserting the information.
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How the JetBlue-Brightline partnership will work
All you may have to do to e-book a Brightline prepare connection on JetBlue is go to the airline’s web site or cellular app and plug within the metropolis (not essentially the airport) you are hoping to go to.
We’ll add examples as soon as the reserving choices go dwell. However, for instance, you must have the ability to create an itinerary that goes like this, for example:
- A JetBlue flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK) to Orlando
- A connection to a Brightline prepare phase (search for “operated by Brightline” or one thing to that impact) to West Palm Seashore
As a part of the linkage between airline and rail operator, JetBlue-Brightline connections will embrace complimentary shuttle service between airports and close by stations.
Plus, there will likely be some carry-over in product, whether or not you are reserving a coach seat on JetBlue, or a spot in its premium cabin.
Product consistency
On air and rail bookings, JetBlue financial system tickets will likely be matched up with a typical “Good” fare on Brightline. Passengers flying Mint will then shift into Brightline’s premium vehicles.
These bookings sometimes include entry to Brightline’s lounge in Orlando.
“This partnership permits vacationers to e-book a single ticket for each air and rail, providing a quick, dependable, and eco-friendly rail transportation possibility whereas seamlessly connecting to JetBlue’s in depth community,” Barbara Drahl, Brightline senior vp of promoting and industrial technique, mentioned in an announcement Tuesday.
No loyalty tie-in, for now
One draw back? Not less than from the outset, JetBlue doesn’t plan to supply TrueBlue earnings and redemptions on Brightline journeys.
Increasing air-and-rail stateside
JetBlue and Brightline aren’t the primary U.S. airways and rail operators firms to crew up — however a lot of the current preparations contain air and rail connections abroad.
As an illustration, Delta Air Traces and United Airways supply rail connections in Europe, and a myriad of worldwide carriers supply joint airplane and prepare itineraries, akin to Lufthansa’s Rail&Fly tickets that permit passengers to hook up with Germany’s Deutsche Bahn.
Brightline strikes ahead
Phrase of Brightline’s first partnership with a U.S. airline took place two months after the rail operator rolled out its first loyalty program.
In the meantime, it is usually increasing westward with a brand new high-speed line underneath development between Las Vegas and Southern California, slated to open later this decade.
Backside line
Brightline’s growth in Florida set the stage for brand spanking new connectivity alternatives with airways, and that is what JetBlue is capitalizing on with this new partnership.
TrueBlue members will not have the ability to earn or redeem on prepare rides, for now — so it is value watching whether or not the provider explores some type of loyalty tie-in down the highway.
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