Airlines Offering Refunds for Job Loss

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

It was only recently that one automaker announced a program to allow customers to return purchased vehicles if they lose their job in the future.  Now the airlines are getting in on the act.  JetBlue has announced a program that will allow travelers to get refunds on tickets that have been purchased if they are laid off. 

The goal of the companies is to get consumers that are leery of spending money during these shaky economic times to start spending again.  JetBlue is hoping that the offer to give refunds to eligible customers will get those same consumers booking once again.  The JetBlue Promise Program covers those consumers that have involuntarily lost their full time job on or after February 17, 2009.  The tickets must have been purchased before June 1, 2009.

The travel industry is facing tough times during the economic struggles.  Many consumers are cutting budgets and the items that seem to be cut are those dealing with entertainment and travel.  Not only are consumers cutting the travel budgets, but corporate spending is predicted to be down a significant amount in the upcoming months.

JetBlue is not the first airline company to introduce the refund program.  Blybe, the British carrier, began a similar program called the Book with Confidence program.  It covers flights, car rentals and hotels that were booked.  The company offered to refund everything that had been prepaid if the customer was laid off - this included taxes and fees.

Innovation is a great way for the travel industry to not just endure the tough economy but to actually thrive through it.  Putting the customer first is always a strong tactic for driving more business to your services.  Refunds are just the first step.  Offering great prices and great customer service will also give the travel industry the boost it needs to pull through these hard times.

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