JetBlue vs. American Airlines: Which Is Better?
American Airlines gives JetBlue a run for its money in this showdown of domestic carriers.

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If you're looking at JetBlue Airways and American Airlines, the choice can be tough. Both are solid choices.
It helps to think beyond the short term of the flight in question and consider each airline's loyalty program, class options, potential for elite status and routes. Here's how they compare.
In this article
Where they’re based and where they fly
Winner for route options: American
American
As a member of Oneworld, American has more than a dozen partner airlines with which it shares flights. Aside from this, it features more than 350 destinations on its expansive route network.
» Learn more: The complete guide to American Airlines partners
JetBlue
JetBlue isn’t a member of an airline alliance, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have partnerships. Among its 10 individual partners are airlines such as Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways.
However, it features a much smaller route network than American, with just over 100 destinations worldwide. Although it continues to expand, it’s going to take a while before it can catch up to American.
Airline loyalty programs
Winner for value of program and rewards: American
American Airlines AAdvantage
American’s AAdvantage loyalty program is unique in that you don’t actually need to fly to accrue Loyalty Points. Instead, those who shop, dine and spend on credit cards (plus those who fly) can easily earn top-tier elite status, making it much more accessible to travelers.
American uses semi-fixed pricing for its award tickets, especially when it comes to partners. These can represent a great value and are one reason why NerdWallet values American miles at 1.3 cents each.
» Learn more: The guide to American Airlines elite status
JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue has been busy revamping its TrueBlue Mosaic program over the last few years. And while its benefits are actually better than American’s — even the lowest tier elites get two free checked bags — elite status is more difficult to earn.
JetBlue does offer some exceptional value when redeeming TrueBlue points for Qatar Airways Qsuites, which is something American struggles with.
However, for award redemptions on its own metal, JetBlue uses a dynamic pricing system; the cash price of the ticket directly impacts how many points you need for a redemption. This makes it impossible to get much value out of your rewards.
Extra fees
Winner for lowest fees: JetBlue
JetBlue
JetBlue has built its brand on offering more amenities, for lower costs, than the competition. This is reflected in a variety of ways: Wi-Fi is free, complimentary full-size snacks are offered to all passengers, and bringing a pet in cabin costs just $125.
American
American will start offering free Wi-Fi in January 2026. It charges $150 to have your pet tag along. However, it can be cheaper to check a bag during peak periods since JetBlue will charge you $40 and American just $35.
» Learn more: Which airlines have the best (and worst) fees?
In-flight experience
Winner of the sky: JetBlue
American
American has multiple cabins on its aircraft, including Main Cabin Extra, premium economy, first and business.
While in flight, passengers can expect to receive complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic drinks. Those in more expensive cabins can enjoy free alcohol and meals (depending on the timing and length of the flight). Long-haul flights include meals for all passengers, regardless of class of service.
American has been doing away with seatback entertainment on its aircraft. While you’ll still find it on long-haul routes, otherwise you’ll need to bring your own device.
» Learn more: The best airline for in-flight entertainment
JetBlue
JetBlue offers seats with more legroom, free Wi-Fi, free live TV, seatback screens at every seat and free full-size snacks.
That’s just in economy. In JetBlue Mint, JetBlue’s version of business class, you’ll find pod-like lie-flat beds that are among the best in the world.
» Learn more: JetBlue Mint: Your guide to flying first class
Credit card offerings
Winner for best credit card: American
JetBlue
JetBlue has three personal credit cards and a business option. They lack some of the better benefits offered on American’s co-branded credit cards.
American
American offers more credit cards than JetBlue, with a variety of annual fees for those willing to spend a little more.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
JetBlue vs. American Airlines: The results
For international travel, American is the clear winner. You simply cannot beat the breadth of its destinations, especially when you factor in its partners. However, JetBlue is the winner for domestic flyers, with a passenger experience that hearkens back to the golden days of aviation rather than the cattle call of the modern era.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2025:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card