For as long as JetBlue has been in existence, TrueBlue Rewards have been based on a series of points earned (between 2 and 12) based on distance traveled. Recently, the program has been modified to appear more like a traditional frequent flyer program. This doesn’t mean you’ve lost the points you earned under the old program, it has just changed to incorporate new features. Instead of distance traveled as the determining factor for points earned, JetBlue now rewards you for the dollars you spend to fly on their airline. A logical change, actually. The more you spend, the more you get in return.

The redesigned TrueBlue Rewards program seems to incorporate three major positive changes: No blackout dates, any seat available via points, and the points don’t expire (with a caveat).

No Blackout Dates – Any Seat, Any Time

The former and now defunct TrueBlue program often made it difficult to use your awards points due to frequent blackout dates and low availability of seats eligible for use in exchange for points. The new program allows for you to claim any seat on any flight at any time. If you have the appropriate amount of points and the seat is available, it’s yours. The only caveat is that your points can only be used for JetBlue flights, not mixed with codeshare partners like Lufthansa and Aer Lingus. However, some seats may cost more points than others due to the popularity of the date and time you choose to travel – similar to the increases in regular fares.

More Bonus Points Opportunities

There are a few new ways on JetBlue to accumulate points more quickly than before. It takes 10,000 points to receive a round-trip ticket, and one-way tickets may be exchanged for as little as 5000 points depending on date and time you choose to travel.

The “double points” earned from booking your ticket online at Jetblue.com still exists. You will earn 3 points for each dollar spent on air-travel, and an additional 3 points for booking online, for a total of 6 points per dollar spent for your online purchases. Honestly, a no-brainer.

JetBlue now offers a “Go Long” bonus. If you take 10 one-way trips, with each trip being 2,000 miles or more during a consecutive 12-month period, JetBlue will reward you with 10,000 additional points to your account – possibly enough for a round-trip ticket. For a list of trips that equal 2,000 miles or more, visit Jetblue.com

Also added to the program is the “Go Big” bonus. For each 3,000 points increment earned during a consecutive 12-month period, you will received 500 bonus points to your account.

No Expiration Dates – Sort Of

As long as you fly JetBlue at least once during a 12 month period, your points will not expire. This is certainly easier for the business travel to accomplish than any other kind of traveler. With the improvement of the TrueBlue program, you are incentivized to seek out a JetBlue flight annually in order to take advantage of your rewards.

For your convenience, your JetBlue flights can be booked here.