July 05, 2023
•
1 min read
BREAKING: Northeast Alliance turmoil as JetBlue won’t appeal end of pact, but American will
Sign up for our daily newsletter
The Northeast Alliance has been thrown into question once more.
JetBlue said Wednesday that it would not appeal a recent antitrust ruling by the federal District Court in Massachusetts against its partnership with American Airlines and begin the process of unwinding a complex integration that has been in place for more than two years.
The airline said it would instead focus on an upcoming antitrust suit over its planned merger with low-cost Spirit Airlines.
American Airlines, on the other hand, said that it would plan to file an appeal separately. It was not immediately clear if JetBlue intended to stick with the alliance if American’s appeal is successful.
Nor was it clear what such a split legal strategy would mean for passengers in the interim as JetBlue and American continue to sell and operate flights under the alliance, pending a final implementation of the court ruling. The airlines are still honoring benefits, including earning and using miles, across their two frequent flyer programs.
Since the decision was passed down in May, both airlines
This is a a breaking story and will be updated, check back for more.
Featured image by DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
