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The limited-time offer described in this article has expired. For more information, see our complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue rewards program.

Christmas came early for JetBlue Mosaic members this year. JetBlue has announced major changes to its TrueBlue program, and one of the biggest standouts could mean huge savings for Mosaic members.

TrueBlue members with Mosaic status will receive free companion passes on flights booked and flown between Jan. 1 and May 20, 2021, which is basically a buy-one-get-one airfare ticket. For any cash fare you book and take during that time period, choose someone to fly with you and you’ll both get 50% off the base fare of each of the two tickets purchased.

While great news for Mosaic members, the offer is a clear indication that airlines are expecting air travel will be slow to pick up in 2021. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it expects deep airline industry losses to continue, projecting a net loss of $38.7 billion in 2021, which is much deeper than the $15.8 billion forecast in June. IATA added that it does not expect passenger volumes to return to 2019 levels until 2024 at the earliest. Perhaps doling out BOGO airfare will entice people to travel again and buck those projections.

What a JetBlue companion pass entails — and why it’s great

When you hold Mosaic status and book two tickets between Jan. 1 and May 20, 2021 for a flight within that period, you’ll be entitled to a 50% discount off the base fare of both of those tickets. You’ll still be on the hook for the usual taxes and fees.

To get the deal, the two of you must book at the same time, in the same class of service and in the same reservation. Additionally, you must travel all segments of your itinerary together.

Here’s what else you need to know.

The deal works in any fare class

Whether you’re booking a cheap Blue Basic fare or you’re going all out in Mint (the JetBlue version of first class), you’ll still get the discount. The two of you must travel in the same class of service (sorry, you can’t ditch your friend in economy while you live it up and stretch your legs in Mint).

You don’t need to commit to just one companion

Unlike other companion pass programs (such as the Southwest Companion Pass program, which allows you to change your designated Companion up to three times each calendar year), you don’t need to name just one companion. You could theoretically choose a new buddy every day, and you’ll both get half-price fares through the duration of the promotion.

Potentially huge value

The value of this promotion is what you make of it. Book a $100 round-trip flight between New York and Atlanta, and you’ve got yourself a Benjamin that still belongs to you. Book a $1,000 round-trip Mint fare between San Francisco and New York, and you’re looking at one of the slickest travel deals out there.

The caveats with this companion pass offer

If you’re sitting on a trove of JetBlue TrueBlue points, you won’t be able to use them to take advantage of this deal. The offer does not apply to non-revenue travel or travel booked with a travel certificate, JetBlue award flights or Cash + Points redemptions bookings. You’ll need to pay with cash to get this deal.

One more annoying caveat: You’ll have to call JetBlue’s customer support hotline to book a flight with the companion fare benefit.

Another benefit JetBlue launched: Even More Space

While certainly overshadowed by the companion pass deal, JetBlue today also announced another deal for Mosaic members: space-available upgrades to an Even More Space seat.

Even More Space seats are JetBlue’s version of business class, and they include benefits like extra legroom and early boarding.

Upon arrival at the airport, Mosaic members will now be able to request a same-day Even More Space seat for free by visiting a crewmember at the airport’s Mosaic desk, ticket counter or gate. Your odds of actually getting an upgrade are based on availability, and requests will be honored in the order they are received.

How to earn Mosaic status

JetBlue Mosaic is the highest tier of elite status you can earn in the JetBlue TrueBlue loyalty program, which is free to join.

You’ll begin as a basic member, but you can work your way up to Mosaic status.

But because of the pandemic, JetBlue has reduced the standard qualifying requirements. JetBlue also announced that it will be easier to earn elite status in 2021, cutting qualification requirements in half and adding a new pathway through spending on the JetBlue Plus Card or JetBlue Business Card.

Here are the new qualifications for Mosaic status:

7,500 Mosaic qualifying points (instead of the normal 15,000 points).

6,000 Mosaic qualifying points and 15 segments (instead of the normal 12,000 points and 30 segments).

$30,000 spent on the JetBlue Plus Card or JetBlue Business Card and 4,000 Mosaic qualifying points during the calendar year.

One of the qualification routes remains unchanged for 2021: Spend $50,000 on the JetBlue Plus Card or JetBlue Business Card during the calendar year.

Among the existing and ongoing benefits of Mosaic status are:

Free first and second checked bags.

No cancellation or change fees on most fares.

15,000 bonus points awarded at qualifying.

An additional 3 points per dollar spent on JetBlue fares.

Early boarding and, at selected airports, expedited security screening.

A dedicated customer service line.

Free alcoholic beverages during in-flight service.

The bottom line

If you already have Mosaic status and aren’t averse to getting on a plane during the first part of 2021, then this is a pretty sweet deal. If you’re close to reaching Mosaic status, this might provide incentive to work toward earning extra points so you can spend the first several months of 2021 flying with a friend for half off.