While true, JG and MSG have stated they enjoy the ability to pick and choose their partners and it appears being forced into on specific alliance is contrary to their goals. Depending on how Spirit shrinks or cuts routes I wouldn’t be surprised to see UAL challenge for any routes JetBlue or Frontier also desires.

Should UAL make a solid challenge for those routes I could see AA reacting as they do continue to fall behind. What does all of this mean for JetBlue? It doesn’t appear any legacy carrier cares to absorb Jetblue at the moment. This does not bode well for the self described niche carrier.