JetBlue Enables Points-Sharing For Families of All Shapes

JetBlue says it has become the only U.S. airline to allow families to pool their points for free, and with no blackout or points' expirations.

Under the new TrueBlue Family Pooling Program, each family, which can consist of two adults and up to five children under age 21, designates a head of household, who can redeem points from the family account for any family member's travel.

UPDATE: Despite JetBlue's boast that it's the only U.S. domestic airline to enable points' sharing among groups, Sun Country Airlines in January began allowing up to 10 members of its Ufly Rewards program to pool their points for award ticket redemption. Sun Country, however, is not a major airline.

In a modern twist, families can include same-sex partners, or even two unrelated friends.

There are no blackout dates or restrictions on seats eligible for redemption.

Travelers are responsible for the taxes and fees, which can range from $2.50 to $5 on a one-way domestic flight to $22.24 to $102.10 for international roundtrip flights.

Family members can choose to pool all of their TrueBlue points or as few as 10% of their points, JetBlue states.

"TrueBlue is a loyalty program that rewards all of our customers, regardless of their frequency. Some customers choose JetBlue exclusively for family travel, while others mix business and family travel," says Dave Canty, director of loyalty marketing and partnerships at JetBlue Airways.

"Families may not travel with us as often, but with Family Pooling they still get to enjoy their rewards," Canty adds.

JetBlue is having a kickoff event tomorrow at JFK's terminal T5 for Family Pooling.