JetBlue has come up with a novel way (pun intended) to drum up sales during these uncertain times due to scare of the COVID19 virus.
They are guising this as “Change & Cancel Fees Waived for New Bookings”. They go on to say “Due to evolving coronavirus concerns, we are suspending change and cancel fees for all new flight bookings made between February 27, 2020 and March 11, 2020 for travel through June 1, 2020.”
Here is the fineprint:
Change/cancel fee waiver applies to bookings made February 27 through March 11, 2020 (“Booking Window”) for travel on or before June 1, 2020. Fare differences may apply. Eligible changes made will receive a JetBlue Travel Bank Credit in the amount of the flight fare plus any applicable taxes and fees, valid for one year from date of issuance toward future JetBlue air travel only. Rebookings are permitted during the Booking Window; after the Booking Window, only the first rebooking will be eligible under this policy, and will be subject to the fare rules and Contract of Carriage in effect at time of this rebooking. This policy applies through all booking channels. Group Bookings must be handled through 1-800-JETBLUE. Only the flight component of a JetBlue Vacations package is eligible under this policy. We recommend customers contact JetBlue to understand the cancel and change policies applicable to rental cars, hotels, and other travel product components of their bookings. Changes/cancellations must be made prior to scheduled departure (otherwise fare is forfeited). All flight reservations made one week or more prior to a flight’s departure may be cancelled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made for full refund or Travel Bank Credit.
Note this does not apply to existing bookings. If JetBlue truly meant it when they say “…changes or cancellations will be allowed without penalty…” then it should have been applicable to all new and existing bookings.
Not impressed!!
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
Image courtesy of JetBlue.com