JetBlue has announced that it now accepts Venmo as a payment option for flight bookings, marking a first for the airline industry.

As of Tuesday, travelers can use Venmo to purchase tickets on JetBlue’s website, with plans to extend this option to the airline’s mobile app in the coming months.

This move is part of JetBlue’s broader strategy to enhance customer experience and increase revenue. The low-cost airline has been seeking new financial opportunities amid rising competition from major carriers that have introduced budget-friendly options.

In September, JetBlue added new features to its mobile app, such as improved gate information access and a boarding countdown system.

While major U.S. airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, and United already accept PayPal, JetBlue is among the first to integrate Venmo—PayPal’s popular peer-to-peer payment app—as a direct booking option. Customers can pay using their Venmo balance, linked bank accounts, debit cards, or credit cards.

JetBlue has faced financial challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic, reporting a loss of $260 million in 2022, an adjusted loss of $151 million in 2023, and a $173 million loss in the first nine months of 2024. Additionally, its attempted acquisition of budget airline Spirit Airlines was blocked by a federal court last year, increasing its struggle to compete with larger carriers.

In response, JetBlue has taken several cost-cutting and expansion measures, including eliminating hot meals for economy passengers on transatlantic flights and announcing plans to open its first airport lounges at JFK and Boston Logan airports. This month, the airline also revealed new flight routes, including direct services to Canada and Honduras.

Following the Venmo announcement, JetBlue’s stock (JBLU) rose 6% in mid-day trading on Tuesday.