Tech & Biz

JetBlue to refund clients who lose jobs after paying for fare

by Yuliya Talmazan | February 19, 2009 at 02:35 pm

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JetBlue Airways are being recession-savvy and using economic downturn as their latest marketing trick. The airline is promising to refund airfare for customers who are unfortunate enough to lose their jobs after purchasing their tickets. Flyers have to notify the company of their job loss two weeks in advance of their flight date to be eligible for this offer.

JetBlue Airways Corp. said Tuesday it will issue full refunds to eligible customers who lose their jobs after purchasing tickets.

Customers who book flights between Feb. 1 and June 1 and lose their jobs on or after Feb. 17 may be eligible for the JetBlue Promise Program. JetBlue fares are generally nonrefundable.

Customers must notify JetBlue and request a full refund at least two weeks before the first day of travel. The customer who purchased the flight can request a refund for up to nine customers traveling on one reservation.

The program is part of an effort to spur early bookings as consumers pull back on travel amid a gloomy economy.

In an e-mail to the Associated Press, Calyon Securities analyst Ray Neidl said he does not think the deal is unusual, noting some car rental companies already offer similar programs.

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dfndr13

at 15:03 on February 19th, 2009

You know, I already liked jetBlue for their extra leg room. This is a nice touch in this economy. I think there is a car company making the same pledge if you buy one of their cars, which is a little more impressive. But don't get me wrong, I think this is a great thing for an airline to do. Maybe United will wave your bag fee if you lose your job. Sarcasm? Yes.