JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program has been steadily expanding the range of partner redemptions and the newest one is a big deal. Starting today, TrueBlue members can book points redemptions on China Airlines flights, allowing them to book flights to Taiwan and a number of other Asian hubs at rates that, for the first few flights anyway, appear to be competitive with other programs for the same flights.

This isn't a new relationship. JetBlue and China Airlines have already been interlined for a while meaning TrueBlue members can earn points on China Airlines flights. What's new is the ability to redeem points towards a China Airlines flight both ways, meaning you can use your TrueBlue points to book a flight with China Airlines, rather than earning a handful of points when you pay cash for a China Airlines flight. If you're a U.S. traveler looking to go to Asia, it's very much worth spending a few minutes with this new development.

How the Redemption Actually Works

You book through JetBlue (jetblue.com and the JetBlue app) which overcomes some of the complications often encountered with partner awards. You don't have to call, you don't have to wait for someone to search for space. You look, you see, you book. That's more than a small thing, especially for those who've had the experience of having to navigate through call centers to book partner awards in other loyalty programs.

Theoretically both economy and premium class awards are bookable, which is something to keep in mind for long-haul transpacific travel. A 17-hour flight in economy is bearable. A 17-hour flight in business is a very different experience, and the ability to use points for premium cabins when flying such a long route is what makes a move like this one so exciting, as opposed to simply interesting.

The one thing to note at the moment is that the availability that's showing up for live award bookings is somewhat limited compared to other SkyTeam partners. JetBlue's website doesn't show any business class availability at the moment, and it's still taking time for the full inventory (which TrueBlue members will ultimately have access to) to filter through. This seems to be in early roll-out and it is anticipated that as the partnership continues, inventory will grow.

The Price on New York to Taipei is the News

Here's the interesting part. The "showpiece" route currently on the market is New York JFK to Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) - which is over 17 hours of flying time (and two of the world's biggest commercial hubs). The cost to redeem a one-way economy ticket with TrueBlue on this route: 39,000 points plus about $215.60 in taxes and fees.

To put that in perspective: Delta SkyMiles is currently offering the same route for 62,000 miles for a one-way economy redemption. That's a difference of 23,000 points, which is enough to make TrueBlue look like it will be a very nice choice for this redemption, despite TrueBlue being a revenue-based program where point values are not necessarily equal to other programs.

The rates will, of course, vary as China Airlines fills the flights and JetBlue's award system adjusts to the new alliance. But as a first message of what this redemption type will look like, JFK-TPE is promising.

JetBlue Premier Card Holders Get an Extra Edge

For JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard holders, the China Airlines redemption just got a little more exciting. The card is now offering a 15% rebate for award redemptions, including partner award redemptions such as those with China Airlines booked through TrueBlue.

Using this rebate on a 39,000 point economy ticket to Taipei, for example, translates to about 5,850 points in your account after the booking is complete. That's no small rebate not enough to radically alter the cost of an individual award, but certainly important if you make multiple partner awards, or are working toward a particular award goal. It also effectively lowers the redemption cost to 33,150 points, making it even further out of reach for competing loyalty programs.

If the China Airlines partnership scales up to include business class availability at higher levels of points (which is likely as the partnership rolls out the benefit of the rebate will be more significant as the base point value increases.

An Overview of China Airlines' Network and U.S. Traveler Benefits

China Airlines is based in Taipei and has one of the longer haul networks in Asia with routes running between Taiwan and Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Europe and North America. China Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, and as a result, there are several programs that can already book awards with China Airlines, and TrueBlue is on its way to becoming one of those programs from outside the alliance.

The most attractive destination for US-based passengers is Taiwan and the onward connectivity available from Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to explore Asia. Taipei is one of the most convenient connections in Asia, and China Airlines' network from TPE includes flights to Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and other destinations.

Here's an overview of the important redemption information at the time of this writing:

• Economy awards from JFK to Taipei: 39,000 TrueBlue points plus approximately $215 in taxes and fees
• How to book: Directly from jetblue.com or the JetBlue app (no phone needed)
• Premium cabin included: Yes, but not yet available in the live system
• JetBlue Premier rebate: 15% points back on partner award redemptions, effectively 

lowering the cost

What's Missing and What to Look Out For

The difference between what's offered today and what's promised in the long term is the drawback of the current situation. Business class awards are clearly the missing element for a 17-hour transpacific trip, premium redemptions are what most people using their points to fly will expect and it doesn't exist yet.

The route map is also thin. JetBlue currently only displays this one JFK-TPE route, while systems like Delta SkyMiles offer more coverage of China Airlines' network, including flights from other U.S. gateways, and destinations in Asia beyond TPE. Presumably this will grow as the programs develop together, but it's worth getting ahead of the story on this front for those not travelling from New York and/or not travelling to TPE.

It's an upward trend. The starting prices are fair, the booking is seamless and the rebate on the card is a nice addition for loyal JetBlue passengers. Time will tell how valuable this collaboration becomes, as the inventory develops over the next couple of months.

The Bottom Line

JetBlue's TrueBlue program members can now redeem China Airlines flight miles through JetBlue, including New York to Taipei economy fares for just 39,000 points a savings of 23,000 Delta SkyMiles points for the same trip. JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard holders also receive 15% fewer points back on the award, bringing the cost down even further. We're still waiting for business class availability and a wider menu of flights, but this partnership is off to a good start. If you're looking to travel to Asia and have TrueBlue points, keep your eyes open as inventory grows.