• by Tanya Gazdik , June 23, 2020

JetBlue is offering an incentive to get customers back in the air by giving its TrueBlue loyalty members who have as few as 500 points the option to make up the difference with cash. 

To encourage direct purchases from the company vs. third-party travel websites, the deal is available only when booking directly with JetBlue.

Customers who book direct are also eligible for exclusive personalized deals on car rentals, hotels, activities, and travel insurance.

This update comes at a time when members have been less likely to earn loyalty points but are ready to travel again, according to the airline.  

TSA Checkpoint Travelers reached 607,540 on Monday, the highest since recovery started. The number of travelers is down 78% from same day last year.

Customers no longer need to save up points for long periods of time before they are able to redeem them for flights. Now, customers can determine their preferred combination of cash and points, including for the Mint Experience, starting at 500 points. The deal is not yet available for JetBlue Vacations packages, but will be soon, according to the airline.

The goal is to inspire loyalty by offering more value and flexibility for customers, said Don Uselmann, vice president, loyalty and personalization, JetBlue. 

Cash + Points can be used for any JetBlue-operated flight with no blackout dates, and the cash portion of a Cash + Points flight will earn TrueBlue points for future use.