Travel enough and you start to notice the difference between the haves and the have-nots. That is, those travelers who have elite status (and the perks that come along with it) and those that don’t. If you’re in the latter part of that passenger profile, you might be asking yourself questions like: What are the perks of signing up for a frequent flyer program? How can I receive complimentary upgrades? Is there a secret password for accessing an airline’s lounge? Is it really worth it to pursue the top-tier status?

With these questions in mind, our team set out to better understand not only what it means to have elite status with a US-based airline, but what we could be missing having say, Gold status versus Platinum. In this multi-part series, we answer these questions—and more—about domestic carriers’ loyalty programs.

JetBlue Airways

How to earn miles with JetBlue

Travelers part of JetBlue’s frequent flyer program are known as TrueBlue Members. As members of this loyalty program, travelers earn points based on dollars spent, fare type, and where the booking is made. On JetBlue-marketed flights, TrueBlue members earn three base points per $1 spent. Members can also earn bonus points when they book on jetblue.com. Bonus points are earned based on the fare class purchased:

In addition to earning points per dollar spent, JetBlue offers bonuses for the following booking activities:

• Take 3 Bonus: Earn 5,000 bonus points when you purchase and fly three round-trip JetBlue flights in a calendar year.
• Lucky 7 Bonus: Earn 7,000 bonus points when you purchase and fly seven round-trip JetBlue flights in a calendar year.
• Go Long Bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus points when you purchase and fly 10 one-way JetBlue flights that are 1,600 miles or more in a calendar year.

JetBlue offers a unique Points Pooling program that allows TrueBlue members to collect and combine points with friends and family in order to achieve awards faster. A Points Pool consists of two to seven members, with a Pool Leader who manages and delegates the pool’s account. To learn more about this program, visit JetBlue’s Points Pooling page. Best of all, regardless of whether you earn points on your own accord or decide to pool with your friends, your TrueBlue points never expire.

On JetBlue-marketed flights, TrueBlue members earn three base points per $1 spent. Members can also earn bonus points when they book on jetblue.com.

TrueBlue points can be used for award travel, JetBlue vacation packages, and more. For example, you can fly round-trip in economy from BOS to FLL for as little as 6,800 points; JFK to SFO for just 15,800 points; and from DTW to LAX for 19,500 points. Want to make the most of your points? JetBlue maintains a list of current deals to help you plan a getaway within your points budget.  

How to achieve elite status with JetBlue

Unlike many other elite status programs, JetBlue's has just one status level: TrueBlue Mosaic. To qualify for Mosaic, TrueBlue members must fulfill one of the following requirements: (1) earn 15,000 base flight points within a calendar year, or (2) fly 30 segments plus earn 12,000 base flight points within a calendar year. Base flight points are simply another way of saying the three points per $1 spent that you earn on JetBlue flights.

Yup, that’s it!

Unlike many other elite status programs, JetBlue's has just one status level: TrueBlue Mosaic.

Here for the benefits

Once you’ve achieved Mosaic status, you’re eligible for a variety of elite benefits. These perks include: 

• 15,000 bonus TrueBlue points upon qualifying for Mosaic
• 3 additional TrueBlue points per $1 spent—for at least 9 points per $1 if you book on jetblue.com
• Waived cancellation and change fees
• Reduced rates on seat upgrades 
• First two checked bags are free for you and anyone on your itinerary
• Expedited security checkpoint line
• Priority boarding
• Dedicated customer service line
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages on-board 

For a full list of benefits and their terms, check out JetBlue’s TrueBlue Mosaic program. 

Partner airlines

TrueBlue members can earn points with JetBlue’s partners on select partner-marketed flights. Partner airlines include: 

JetBlue also partners with a variety of travel-related brands—such as Lyft, Avis, Budget, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards Club, and others—to help TrueBlue members earn and redeem points, as well as streamline their travel experience. 

Hubs and lounges

While based at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JetBlue has several focus cities across the US, including: 

• Boston (BOS)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Long Beach (LGB)
• Orlando (MCO)
• San Juan (SJU)

JetBlue does not currently operate its own lounges. Instead, use the TripIt app’s interactive airport maps to locate lounges in the airport(s) you’re traveling through. You’ll have everything you need to navigate your way with estimated walk times and step-by-step directions.

Shopping around for an airline to pledge your allegiance to? Check out our loyalty guide to Delta Air Lines.