JetBlue vs. American Airlines: Which Is Better?

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.

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.