JetBlue announced a major update to its TrueBlue loyalty program that includes changes like customizable perks, four levels of Mosaic elite status and a new tile system to track your progress toward rewards. Some of the customizable perks can be earned before qualifying for elite status, which makes JetBlue’s program even more valuable for non-elites.

The new JetBlue TrueBlue loyalty program is set to go live in spring 2023, though many earning opportunities begin at the beginning of the new year. Here’s what you need to know about the changes to JetBlue’s loyalty program, and how you can earn rewards and status under the new system:

A new tile system to track awards and status

The most noticeable change in the TrueBlue overhaul is a new tiles system, which is used to track and measure progress toward Mosaic status. Every dollar spent on JetBlue travel or with JetBlue credit cards counts toward your tiles.

Here’s how the earning rates break down:

Earn one JetBlue tile for every $100 spent on travel booked through JetBlue (that includes JetBlue Vacations, Paisly by JetBlue, JetBlue fees and JetBlue add-ons).

Earn one tile for every $1,000 spent on JetBlue credit cards.

Tiles dictate your level of Mosaic elite status

JetBlue is expanding its Mosaic elite status program to have four tiers of elite status, up from the former two elite status tiers of Mosaic and Mosaic+ in 2022. That might come as good news for more casual travelers who never would have attained Mosaic status.

With the four tiers, you might at least receive some extra goodies in exchange for your loyalty — even if you don’t get all the goodies that come with the highest tiers of elite status.

Once you have at least 50 tiles, you qualify for the lowest tier of Mosaic elite status. Earn 250 tiles for top-tier status. Here are the four tiers of elite status, and some of the top benefits:

*Spending needed to earn that many tiles can also be attained by a combination of flying on JetBlue and credit card spending.

The Mosaic 1 tier largely mirrors the existing JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic elite status level. NerdWallet’s annual valuation of elite status programs determined that Mosaic elite status costs $6,329 to earn and is worth $1,987.

The Mosaic 3 tier most closely aligns with JetBlue Mosaic+, which was new for 2022.

The expansion from two to four tiers adds a few more benefits for Mosaic members who wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach Mosaic+ status. And for the ultra-big spenders, JetBlue’s helicopter transfer benefit could be a pretty posh way to land right in the heart of the Big Apple.

New “Perks You Pick” rewards

In addition to tiles counting toward elite status, tiles also serve as milestone rewards. Even if you never earn the 50 tiles needed to get elite status, you might still earn some sort of small goodie.

For every 10 tiles earned (until 50, which gets you Mosaic 1 status), you can choose from a list of “Perks You Pick.” The rewards up for grabs are:

Early boarding in Group B (excluding Blue Basic fares).

Access to an expedited security line (at participating airports).

Your first alcoholic drink free on subsequent flights (for age 21 and over).

A one-time, 2x points bonus on a JetBlue Vacations package.

5,000 bonus points (worth about $75, based on NerdWallet’s valuation of JetBlue points at 1.5 cents.

Consider it a taste of elite status with as little as $1,000 in JetBlue spending.

And once you move up to JetBlue elite status ranks, the milestone benefits keep coming. Each time you qualify for a new level of Mosaic elite status, you’ll be able to pick one new perk from an even-better Mosaic Perks You Pick menu.

Options are:

FoundersCard Blue Membership, which is a program that offers discounts and loyalty status upgrades at other travel brands.

A pet fee waiver (worth $125 per flight) for subsequent flights.

A one-time statement credit for the JetBlue Plus Card or the JetBlue Business Card.

A one-time, 20-Tile bonus to get you to the next elite status level faster.

15,000 bonus points (worth about $225).

Boost your TrueBlue balance with 15,000 bonus points.

Priority access to Mint Suite selection on select aircraft (pending availability and arriving later in 2023), excluding Mint Studio.

Pros and cons of the new loyalty programs changes

Pros: JetBlue TrueBlue’s addition of new status tiers and rewards give travelers of all budgets more options to earn perks. The tile system is pretty straightforward, creating an easy way to understand how to earn status.

For more casual travelers, the new program is an opportunity to earn some sort of benefits, even if they’re not as extravagant as what the jet setters are earning. With as little as $1,000 spending on JetBlue, you’ll earn your first “Perks You Pick.” That’s some recognition for your loyalty after a few JetBlue flights — or perhaps a consolation prize for that single, last-minute (and astronomically priced) holiday airfare you might be saddled with.

Cons: People used to earning JetBlue elite status through Mosaic-qualifying points and segments might be disappointed. In spring 2023, Mosaic-qualifying points and segments will be retired.

At that time, the number of tiles held by existing Mosaic members will be based on how much you’ve already spent in 2023. And for next year, Mosaic levels will be based either on how much you spent in 2022 or in 2023, whichever is greater.

TrueBlue program benefits that won’t change

Many airlines have been on a streak of increasing elite status requirements or cutting back on benefits, which is generally seen as bad news for people looking to get invited to the inner circle of airline loyalists.

JetBlue has made many changes, too, but many of the reasons to like JetBlue TrueBlue still haven’t changed. Here are some examples that are still part of the TrueBlue program:

You can earn TrueBlue points on eligible American Airlines flights as well, allowing for more opportunities to earn more rewards, even if you’re not flying on JetBlue (Mosaic members also get reciprocal loyalty benefits on American Airlines flights).

TrueBlue points never expire, which is a bit of a rarity in the travel rewards world.

You can book JetBlue flights and JetBlue Vacations packages through Cash + Points, which can be worth it if you don’t have enough points to cover the cost of your full itinerary.

Purchases made through JetBlue.com or the JetBlue app earn 2x points.

Featured image courtesy of JetBlue.