Meghan Coyle

You're listening to Smart Travel, a deep dive into the tips, tools, and tactics to maximize your travel dollars. I'm Megan Coyle, back from two weddings in Italy. One suitcase almost didn't make it, but that's a story I'll save for another episode.

But can't forget our usual disclaimer. We'll talk about a few credit card companies that are NerdWallet partners in this episode, but that doesn't influence how we discuss them. The benefits, terms, and fees mentioned were accurate at the time of posting, but things can change and some offers may have expired by the time you're listening.

But can't forget our usual disclaimer. We'll talk about a few credit card companies that are NerdWallet partners in this episode, but that doesn't influence how we discuss them. The benefits, terms, and fees mentioned were accurate at the time of posting, but things can change and some offers may have expired by the time you're listening.

But can't forget our usual disclaimer. We'll talk about a few credit card companies that are NerdWallet partners in this episode, but that doesn't influence how we discuss them. The benefits, terms, and fees mentioned were accurate at the time of posting, but things can change and some offers may have expired by the time you're listening.

For the latest details, follow the links in the episode description.

For the latest details, follow the links in the episode description.

For the latest details, follow the links in the episode description.

This is awesome for members of both United and JetBlue's loyalty programs. United's Mileage Plus members will soon be able to earn and redeem United miles on JetBlue flights, while JetBlue's TrueBlue members can earn and use their JetBlue points on United flights.

This is awesome for members of both United and JetBlue's loyalty programs. United's Mileage Plus members will soon be able to earn and redeem United miles on JetBlue flights, while JetBlue's TrueBlue members can earn and use their JetBlue points on United flights.

This is awesome for members of both United and JetBlue's loyalty programs. United's Mileage Plus members will soon be able to earn and redeem United miles on JetBlue flights, while JetBlue's TrueBlue members can earn and use their JetBlue points on United flights.

And each airline's flights will show up on the other's website and app. So you'll be able to book tickets that have these mixed itineraries where one leg could be on United and the other could be on JetBlue. And everything's very seamless. You don't have to recheck your bags. It's all on one ticket.

And each airline's flights will show up on the other's website and app. So you'll be able to book tickets that have these mixed itineraries where one leg could be on United and the other could be on JetBlue. And everything's very seamless. You don't have to recheck your bags. It's all on one ticket.

And each airline's flights will show up on the other's website and app. So you'll be able to book tickets that have these mixed itineraries where one leg could be on United and the other could be on JetBlue. And everything's very seamless. You don't have to recheck your bags. It's all on one ticket.

And even though it's not a merger, it is still subject to regulatory review. So I'm still sad that JetBlue's earlier reciprocal alliance with American Airlines was blocked back in 2023. But there are a few key differences between that agreement and this new one. The first one is that United and JetBlue will not coordinate on pricing or scheduling.

And even though it's not a merger, it is still subject to regulatory review. So I'm still sad that JetBlue's earlier reciprocal alliance with American Airlines was blocked back in 2023. But there are a few key differences between that agreement and this new one. The first one is that United and JetBlue will not coordinate on pricing or scheduling.

And even though it's not a merger, it is still subject to regulatory review. So I'm still sad that JetBlue's earlier reciprocal alliance with American Airlines was blocked back in 2023. But there are a few key differences between that agreement and this new one. The first one is that United and JetBlue will not coordinate on pricing or scheduling.

So assuming that everything gets approved, this Blue Sky program could launch as early as this fall.

So assuming that everything gets approved, this Blue Sky program could launch as early as this fall.

So assuming that everything gets approved, this Blue Sky program could launch as early as this fall.

Oh, yeah. United announced that their excursionist perk is getting the axe. That means starting August 21st, you'll no longer be able to score a free one-way flight on a multi-city award ticket. That's the type of ticket that lets you fly to multiple destinations, different legs, all on points. But it let you get three of those flights for the price of two award flights.