The partnership with United is envisioned as quite different from the NEA, the sources said. While the alliance is expected to focus on providing greater connectivity to customers and allowing them to earn and burn frequent-flier miles, the two carriers will not coordinate on schedules and pricing, they added.

JetBlue is reportedly discussing a potential partnership with United Airlines after its planned Northeast Alliance with American Airlines failed. The Department of Justice sued to block the alliance between the two airlines in 2021, characterizing it as anti-competitive.

The upgrade of the Polaris lounge at O’Hare is United’s latest salvo in the broader arms race for premium passengers that’s playing out across the commercial aviation industry. More customers are seeking, and paying for, perks ranging from extra legroom to lounge access.