United Airlines has a new friend in Queens.

The airline plans to return to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport again, this time through a new partnership with JetBlue Airways .

The partnership, called Blue Sky, will allow the airlines to sell seats on each other’s sites and let JetBlue customers earn frequent flyer miles on United and vice versa. It also includes reciprocal loyalty benefits like priority boarding and roomier seats for travelers with elite status. The deal is subject to regulatory review, the airlines said.

Some aspects of the partnership, which the carriers announced Thursday, will begin as early as the fall, though the airlines didn’t provide exact timing. They also did not provide financial details of the deal.

JetBlue’s leaders have long said they need a partnership to better compete against larger airlines like United and their shared rival Delta Air Lines, the most profitable U.S. carrier.

United CEO Scott Kirby told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Thursday that in addition to the JFK access, the airlines together will have the largest presence in Boston and that United will be able to extend its reach in Florida and the Caribbean, where JetBlue has a robust network. In turn, JetBlue loyalists will get access to United’s globe-spanning destinations.

“It makes each airline more competitive,” Kirby said.

There are a few reasons I think United Airlines is the best airline for first-class travel.

There are a few reasons I think United Airlines is the best airline for first-class travel. Kachelle Pratcher

There are a few reasons I think United Airlines is the best airline for first-class travel. Kachelle Pratcher

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For my birthday last year, I decided to treat myself to something new — a first-class flight on United Airlines.

I figured the trip would be more comfortable than the ones I was used to in economy, but I didn’t expect how much the flight would change my outlook on travel.

Afterward, I started upgrading all my flights, but my recent United first-class experience is still one of my favorites.

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There was plenty of room to relax on my United flight

My first-class seat on United offered plenty of legroom and was perfect for a long flight.

The only drawback was that on one leg of my trip, I was in the front row, and the seat didn’t have space for my personal belongings. But the additional legroom made up for this minor inconvenience.

For once, I actually felt like I could stretch out, kick back, and enjoy the flight rather than just count down the hours until it was over.

United’s in-flight service was exceptional

I enjoyed a mimosa before takeoff. Kachelle Pratcher

During my flight, it felt like the United crew went out of their way to make me feel special. As soon as I boarded, a flight attendant greeted me by name and offered me a mimosa and warm towel before takeoff — a nice touch that set the tone for the flight.

Throughout the trip, they checked in regularly without being overbearing. Little gestures such as keeping my drink filled or offering additional snacks made a big difference and elevated the experience.

The meals were worth the upgrade

I was really impressed by the meals I received in first class. Kachelle Pratcher

When it was time for the meal service, I had low expectations. After all, I don’t typically expect to get a premium dining experience in the air.

But United’s first-class meals surprised me. I was able to preorder my meals 48 hours before takeoff on the United app, which ensured I got exactly what I wanted.

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For breakfast, I had scrambled eggs with red peppers, sautéed spinach, and potatoes. The tray also included a croissant, fresh fruit, and yogurt. It was simple but delicious.

I enjoyed the chicken dish on my return flight. Kachelle Pratcher

On the return flight, I ordered a chicken dish for dinner, which I enjoyed. The meat was tender and paired with well-seasoned potatoes, broccoli, and a roll.

The meal was simple, satisfying, and way better than what I would usually expect from airplane food.

Overall, I was incredibly impressed by United

Everything about my flight — including the thoughtful service and the surprisingly good food — felt elevated.

One downside of my United flight was that free WiFi wasn’t included. WiFi access would’ve cost $8, and I could’ve purchased it with miles, but I chose not to add it since the in-flight entertainment was more than enough for my four-hour journey.

Though it would’ve been nice to have complimentary WiFi, I didn’t think it took away from the overall experience, and I’m looking forward to my next flight with United.

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This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jodye Beard-Brown, a 58-year-old United Airlines flight attendant in Houston. It has been edited for length and clarity.

In 1994, I had just returned to Houston after living and modeling in France. I missed my family and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. I just knew that I loved traveling.

I heard that Continental Airlines (which merged with United Airlines in 2012) was hiring, so I submitted my résumé. I conducted a series of interviews and was subsequently hired and sent to do six weeks of training.

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When I got married, my husband was in the Navy, and the job was terrific because I could move and not have to start over. It’s been a great career.

You would think I’m very senior, but I’m not

I’m in my 31st year, which is amazing, but there are flight attendants who’ve been here for 50 years. It’s easy to stay around.

You can choose how much or how little you want to fly. There’s also the travel perk, which is why most of us got into the industry to begin with. Another bonus is the flexibility. You can trade trips with other flight attendants and fly more or less as needed.

Seniority determines everything from bidding for flight destinations to vacation time, to whether you take the first break on shift.

I still can’t fly to the most desirable European cities, such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, or Sydney and Narita, because I’m not senior enough.

I fly to São Paulo this month

Those flights depart in the evening, which is convenient. I have my regular day, and then I head to the airport and check in at the gate around 6:30 p.m. That flight is about nine hours.

We serve dinner, and then people settle in to rest. We serve breakfast before arrival. São Paulo is only a two-to-three-hour time change for me.

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In contrast, Paris — one of my favorite places in the world — is a seven-hour time change on a 24-hour layover. I have to hit the ground running to experience the city.

I also work on domestic flights, which is one of the perks of my job. I can fly domestic, international, or both in the same month. Each month, around the 15th, we bid a line, or request a certain schedule, for the following month.

The job may seem glamorous, but it’s incredibly physical

By the time you’re on the airplane, you might’ve walked a mile already. Physically, we need to be able to push a 70- to 80-pound bar cart up the aisle.

I’ve had many friends who’ve been hurt while lifting luggage into the overhead compartment; this can easily happen.

If you have young kids, being away from home can be tough. Having a solid support system helps. You might miss events or holidays, especially early on when you’re not senior enough to get Christmas off.

If you live alone, having a pet can be tricky, but you make the best of it. It’s all part of the journey.

Times have changed since when I started

People were much more polite back then — now we’re seeing more physical altercations on airplanes. I especially noticed that shift after the pandemic.

Where we previously enforced safety with seat belts and recently with face masks, it can feel like you’re policing people — or like they feel threatened by you — when you’re simply asking them to follow the airline’s rules.

My motto has always been to kill them with kindness. It’s always a lot easier if you respond with a smile.

Our union recently reached a tentative deal for a new contract

I’ve only seen highlights of the contract and haven’t seen the entire contract yet.

If the contract were signed, voted on, and passed, this would be my first raise. However, it’s not just the raise. We also want to get the work rules right, like how long we can work without sleep, etc. We deserve that.

As for pay, I’m at my top out, which is $67 an hour, compared to American Airlines, which is at $82. Most major airlines have renewed their contracts within the last year or two. We’re in our fourth year without a contract, so it’s about time.

Half pay during boarding is much better than no pay, so there’s that.

I’d recommend this job to anyone who enjoys being part of a team and thrives on working with people

My advice to those starting out is to see this job not just as a paycheck, but as a chance to explore every layover destination. Everyone gets tired, but it still surprises me how many people don’t take advantage of the biggest perk of this job.

If you’re a people person who loves a change of scenery, this role is a great fit. While the job itself is consistent, your crew and the passengers you serve are always changing.

I don’t have retirement plans at the moment. I’ve told friends that I need a code word because I’ll keep working as long as I can. I’ll only stop if I can’t pick up bags or if I forget where things go.

I’m also an artist and love to use traveling as inspiration. There are still so many places on my bucket list.

Editor’s note: Business Insider has reached out to United Airlines for comment.

I’ve written in the past about the best airline boarding music and the best airline safety videos. Continuing with the theme of enjoying airline-related things at home, today I want to share some of my favorite airline ads that were produced in the past 25 or so years.

I’m a huge fan of both airlines and marketing, so when you combine the two, I enjoy airline ads more than others. It’s hard to rank these ads since they’re all so different, but below are some of my favorites (and then in the comments section, I’d love to hear which ads OMAAT readers like most, ideally with links to them).

Etihad’s “Flying Reimagined” campaign

Ahhh, remember the time when Etihad was super aspirational and lighting money on fire, rather than trying to be more fiscally conservative? Yes, it was a lovely few years. The below ad featuring Nicole Kidman is just so whimsical and fun to watch, and really was the start of Etihad (briefly) being an ultra-luxurious carrier. On the plus side, Etihad is once again headed in the right direction and offers great inflight service, and the airline has even brought back its Airbus A380s.

American Airlines’ post-9/11 ad campaign

You’re probably surprised I’m including an American Airlines ad on this list, but the company’s post 9/11 ad campaign was phenomenal, with the following inspirational tagline that rang true at the time:

“We are an airline. But it’s become clear we are more.”

With the industry having in the past several years faced its biggest challenge since 9/11, this ad sure seems relevant again. But goodness, how far American has fallen when it comes to its mission…

British Airways’ “To Fly, To Serve” campaign

One aspect of British Airways that I’ve long loved is the advertising. Of British Airways’ ads, the below one that recounts the advancements in aviation is one of my favorites.

Also, while the below doesn’t qualify as a traditional advertisement, British Airways’ “Visit Mum” campaign is one of the most touching five minute videos I’ve ever seen. If it doesn’t make you cry, I question whether you’re human.

KLM’s “100 Years Of Progress” campaign

To celebrate its 100th birthday, KLM released an incredible ad showcasing the progress of aviation since the company’s founding. Not only do I love the message in general, but the production quality is flawless, given the extent to which uniforms and aircraft over the years are featured.

Air France’s “France Is In The Air” campaign

Back in 2014, Air France unveiled its “France Is In The Air” campaign, which is just so catchy and captivating and French. I really think Air France is due for another ad campaign that captures the magic of France, and ties that in to the airline, especially with how much the carrier has evolved in recent years.

Singapore Airlines’ “The Lengths We Go” campaign

Singapore Airlines is such an iconic brand, and the airline has had so many memorable ad campaigns over the years. My favorite is the 2013 “The Lengths We Go” campaign. The music, the imagery… wow!

I’ve gotta say, though, the carrier’s 2023 “Welcome to World Class” campaign is pretty extraordinary as well.

Turkish Airlines’ “Widen Your World” campaign

Let’s be honest — Morgan Freeman could read the ingredients list of a Fiber One bar and I’d be into it. When you combine Turkish Airlines with Morgan Freeman, you get magic.

While not as widely relatable, avgeeks will appreciate the below Turkish Airlines ad, featuring kids that are as excited about airplanes as I am. These kids are basically me in Miami (since I live under the approach path for MIA), except I don’t have to build a runway.

Qantas’ “Feels Like Home” campaign

While this ad is from before the pandemic, I imagine that for many people this felt especially relevant again during the pandemic, especially with Australia’s border policies at the time. I know many Australians feel like they’re at home the second they step on a Qantas flight in another country, and this ad captures that perfectly, along with the joy of reuniting with loved ones.

Emirates’ Jennifer Aniston campaign

There’s not a more fun way to fly than in Emirates’ A380 first class. Emirates’ ad from several years ago that stars Jennifer Aniston sums up what makes it so incredible.

While objectively pretty cringeworthy, I also love how catchy Emirates’ “I Want To Fly The World” ad is, which debuted during the pandemic.

And let’s not forget the unbelievable stunt that Emirates pulled off, where a stuntwoman dressed as a flight attendant climbed to the top of the Burj Khalifa to hold some signs.

Lufthansa’s “Fanhansa” campaign

While not as sentimental as some of the other ads, you have to give Lufthansa credit for its humorous “Fanhansa” ads. In this particular ad, you have two Brits who end up being booked on Lufthansa, and it’s funny to see the difference between what they’re expecting from the Germans and what they actually experience.

Lufthansa had an ad with a similar message for the India market, which was also hilarious.

Alaska Airlines’ “Safety Dance” campaign

Alaska Airlines deserves credit for making pandemic restrictions interesting, with its incredibly catchy safety dance. I can’t think of any other airline that made mask wearing and threatening to ban someone from flying with the airline so fun to watch, but Alaska pulled it off.

And for those of us industry geeks, arguably the oneworld alliance’s version of the safety dance was even more fun, with leaders from several airlines participating. However, I’m not sure some people (including the CEO of Alaska Airlines!) got the memo about the whole point of the video, which was to wear a mask.

WestJet’s “Christmas Miracle” campaign

WestJet does an amazing job with its marketing, as the airline has both amazing April Fools’ and Christmas Miracle videos. Nothing can compete with WestJet’s real-time giving Christmas Miracle video, where the airline quite literally bought gifts for passengers while they were on the flight, and the gifts showed up at baggage claim. If this doesn’t cheer you up, I don’t know what will.

SWISS’ “The People Behind SWISS” campaign

While this is more of a brand movie than a traditional ad, fellow avgeeks will appreciate the below video from SWISS, which showcases just how much goes into airline operations. The music is pretty great as well.

Bottom line

I think the above is a pretty good sampling of some of my favorite airline ads. From inspirational post-9/11 ads, to ads showcasing the wonder of aviation, to ads focused on specific aspects of airline products, there are quite a few to choose from.

What are your favorite airline ads?