Big news in flights to Europe: Low-cost transatlantic carrier Norwegian and JetBlue have signed a letter of intent for a new interline agreement that will allow customers to use a single booking for connecting flights between the Americas and Europe. Plans call for the partnership to launch in early summer 2020, with bookings opening early next year through both airlines’ websites and for travel advisors via GDS.
Under the terms of the agreement, customers will be able to book connecting flights on both airlines’ websites. The partnership will connect more than 60 U.S. and nearly 40 Caribbean and Latin American cities to Norwegian’s network via New York – JFK, Boston and Fort Lauderdale airports. Norwegian Acting CEO and CFO Geir Karlsen noted that JetBlue is the largest airline operating at these three gateways, from which Norwegian offers more than 20 nonstop routes to Europe. Customers will also be able to check their luggage to their final destination.
Earlier this year, JetBlue had announced plans to launch its own flights to Europe on the long-range version of the Airbus A321 aircraft. At the time JetBlue said it planned to launch the new service, which will operate from Boston and New York – JFK to London, in 2021, although JetBlue was still evaluating which London airports to fly into. JetBlue said that it would also create a new long-haul version of its core cabin product designed to appeal to its existing customers, as well as a new, transatlantic version of its premium Mint service with more lie-flat seats than the airline currently offers on its existing A321s.
Related Stories
American Airlines, Qantas Expand Loyalty Benefits, Codeshare
Domestic U.S. Airfares Fell to Record Low in 2018
U.S. Travel Association: Domestic Travel Remains a Bright Spot