Update: DoT has issued an enforcement notice that airlines must provide a refund.
JetBlue has made a huge change to its schedule change policy. Previously you were eligible for a full cash refund if your schedule was changed by more than two hours. For flights departing on or before May 31st the schedule change needs to be more than 24 hours and 1 minute otherwise no refund will be given, this new policy is in effect until April 15th.
If this seems familiar it’s because it is, United made this exact same change. Quickly followed by four more changes on advice from their legal team that it wouldn’t hold up:
- On March 8th United made it so that a schedule change of 25 hours was required for a refund. Previously 2 hours was required. United also decided it was a good idea to apply this to existing tickets
- United then said that schedule changes of 2-25 hours would result in a travel credit
- United then said it would be determining who was eligible for a refund on a ‘case by case basis’.
- United then said that flights changed by more than 6 hours would receive a credit and flights changed by 2 – 6 hours would receive a travel credit
- United Changes Schedule Change Policy For The 5th Time (Keeping Your Money For 1 Year)
If this new policy from jetBlue affects you I’d recommend doing the following:
- Asking them to honor the original terms listed
- File a complaint with the DoT
- File a chargeback with your credit card issuer
It’s extremely disappointing to see jetBlue following United’s lead here, especially when relief for airlines is already being funded by tax payers. Forget extra conditions on receiving those bailouts, at this stage I’d settle for them being forced to follow existing laws.
Hat tip to @scottsflights via OMaaT
View Comments (11)
I don't believe airlines relief are funded by tax payer monies. Correct me if I am wrong, they are only getting a loan and not a bail out by the government, unlike banks in 2008..
Totally get they have to survive - but it appears they are trying to outfox United Airlines. Dead to me.
Its collusion. Like the credit card companies removing all the ancillary benefits from their cards like extended warranty, purchase protection etc. Once one did it, the rest followed suit.
And no, I wouldn't "settle for them being forced to follow existing laws". They're at the public trough begging for taxpayer money, they should be making concessions, not promising to do things that they've already agreed to. Nobody is giving me money to continue following the law.
I obtained a JetBlue refund today. They cancelled the original flight and moved me to the next one, claiming it was just a schedule change. Yesterday they said no dice, I hadn't gotten around to taking further action. Today I DM'd on Twitter, replying to where they said no yesterday and mentioning the new DOT statement. They confirmed a refund within 25 minutes.
yo @will https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-03/airlines-ordered-to-pay-refunds-for-flights-canceled-by-virus
Yup, posted now.
Unfortunately, clawing back my money from all the airlines is now one of my daily activities. SMH
Airlines gotta do what they gotta do, to survive
They already getting a bailout funded by us the tax payers, what more else can they want?
Fantastic. Have a June 17-24 trip JFK- DEN booked back in January flying JetBlue. Both P2 and I are essential workers, her job being in healthcare. Nothing like a punch in the nose on top of these last few weeks from hell.
Shame on you JetBlue! You are DEAD to me!