FYI JetBlue policy change for credit vouchers

[Geemo]

8-12-14 I booked four, one-way tickets from PDX to LGB for our March 2015 trip. The fare was $77.10 each person. The cost for the return flight was $141, so I decided to wait for a better fare rate.

I was checking fares today and see our $77.10 flight has gone down to $68.10.

This evening I called to request the $9 credit. I figured I could use the $36 travel credit when I book the return flight.

Once the representative finished applying the four credits to my Travel Bank, she informed me of JetBlue's NEW POLICY.

Beginning August 14, 2014.....
Once a ticket is issued, you have 14 days to request a credit if the fare decreases, at no charge.
After 14days, all credit requests will be charged a $75 fee per person.

If you were issued a ticket before the 14th and request a credit voucher, JetBlue will not charge a fee. Once you are issued a credit your ticket has a new issue date.

In my case I purchased on 8-12, requested a change on 8-14, so all of my tickets now fall under the New Policy.

So beware of the NEW Policy.

If anyone hears differently please let me know.

Geemo

 

[jerseygal]

8-12-14 I booked four, one-way tickets from PDX to LGB for our March 2015 trip. The fare was $77.10 each person. The cost for the return flight was $141, so I decided to wait for a better fare rate.

I was checking fares today and see our $77.10 flight has gone down to $68.10.

This evening I called to request the $9 credit. I figured I could use the $36 travel credit when I book the return flight.

Once the representative finished applying the four credits to my Travel Bank, she informed me of JetBlue's NEW POLICY.



If you were issued a ticket before the 14th and request a credit voucher, JetBlue will not charge a fee. Once you are issued a credit your ticket has a new issue date.

In my case I purchased on 8-12, requested a change on 8-14, so all of my tickets now fall under the New Policy.

So beware of the NEW Policy.

If anyone hears differently please let me know.

Geemo

Wow...I really like Jet Blues Credit Policy when fares dropped!
After the 14th day, the likelihood of the fare decreasing enough to warrant a $75 "change fee" is very low! Disappointed!

 

[jerseygal]

Was VERY CURIOUS!

Just called Jet Blue and as of yesterday this is CORRECT!

Thanks for the Heads Up! Just another sign that the airline industry is trying to "gauge" the consumer!

 

[CassieF]

I unfortunately just found this out when I called for a $26 credit as priced for a non disney trip just changed. Pity, I loved this policy and it made rebooking with jetblue a no brainer. I guess now I'll be shopping around with other airlines.

I was hoping it was a fluke when I called, maybe a new rep or something, especially since I couldn't find anything online confirming it. Bummer.

 

[jerseygal]

I unfortunately just found this out when I called for a $26 credit as priced for a non disney trip just changed. Pity, I loved this policy and it made rebooking with jetblue a no brainer. I guess now I'll be shopping around with other airlines.

I was hoping it was a fluke when I called, maybe a new rep or something, especially since I couldn't find anything online confirming it. Bummer.

Don't love the fact that Southwest can't assign seats in advance..STRANGE, imo! Don't like knowing "where we will wind up:!

But, LOVE Southwest liberal change policy!

 

[Geemo]

jerseygal

Was VERY CURIOUS!

Just called Jet Blue and as of yesterday this is CORRECT!

Thanks for the Heads Up! Just another sign that the airline industry is trying to "gauge" the consumer!

When the representative read the NEW policy I was a little shocked. I asked her to explain it again. I didn't think I heard correctly. After a brief discussion with her, was when she told me about the 14 day portion of the policy.

I even called a couple hours later to double check too.

CassieF

I unfortunately just found this out when I called for a $26 credit as priced for a non disney trip just changed. Pity, I loved this policy and it made rebooking with jetblue a no brainer. I guess now I'll be shopping around with other airlines.

I was hoping it was a fluke when I called, maybe a new rep or something, especially since I couldn't find anything online confirming it. Bummer.

CassieF
What is the ISSUING DATE? This seemed to be key, the policy was effective for issuing dates beginning 8-13-2014. I booked and my issuing date was 8-12-2014, so I qualified for a credit without a fee.

If your issuing date is before 8-13-2014, you should call and speak with a supervisor. I looked everywhere in their website for this policy information and I could not find it.

I booked our return flights Online at 11:45pm last night. As I went though the process I kept looking for the new policy notification but found nothing.

Our return flight from LGB to PDX Saturday 3-7-15 is $114 per person, with the credit I had it came to $105. All I can do is hope if there is a decrease that it happens within 14 days.

One thing I am keeping in mind, is if I am able to get a credit in 14 days with no fee, that give me a new issuing date. And then the 14 day game starts over.

I wouldn't mind trying Southwest but their flights from PDX to Disneyland have too many stops or plane changes. I prefer a Non-stop flight.


Geemo

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

One of the biggest reasons I fly Southwest is because of the generous (i.e. free) rebooking policy.

 

[CassieF]

Oh, thanks for letting me know that it only effects those booked from the policy change. Mine was booked over two weeks ago, their reason for not issuing the difference, so I guess I should try again!

Yeah, not a fan of southwest and their lack of seat assignments and direct flights, but perhaps I'll need to broaden my horizons...

 

[bumbershoot]

Don't love the fact that Southwest can't assign seats in advance..STRANGE, imo! Don't like knowing "where we will wind up:!

It gets the plane filled faster (they've actually studied it) than with assigned seating.

And if you haven't had your seat moved by a "legacy" airline, you haven't flown them enough yet. Equipment changes, etc, can cause seat changes, and they don't always tell you.



For those that can use Alaska, they have the same policy as SW! They even have a form.

 

[jerseygal]

One of the biggest reasons I fly Southwest is because of the generous (i.e. free) rebooking policy.

I agree...Love VERY GENEROUS Southwest Rebooking Policy!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Thanks for the heads up. Sorry to see the new policy .

 

[larryz]

Don't love the fact that Southwest can't assign seats in advance..STRANGE, imo! Don't like knowing "where we will wind up:!

I take it you've never flown Southwest before.

One of their claims to fame is their open seating policy.

Seating priority is calculated by a couple of factors:
a) did you pay a business fare?
b) did you pay for priority check in?

Option A automatically moves you into Group A, who board the plane first. Option B gives you the best shot at Group A, as it's roughly the first 45 or 50 people who pay higher fares and/or check in early.

c) are you a connecting/through passenger?
d) what time did you check in?

If you're a through passenger, you get to keep your seat on the plane and I've seen people improve their seating during the offload/reload process.

If you're a connecting passenger, they assign your group when you check in for your first flight, meaning you'll beat out those passengers who didn't do advance check-in at the intermediate stop.

Here's how the groups play out:

Boarding groups are assigned by check in time. If you paid to check in extra early, you will likely wind up in Group A.

If you check in at the 24-hour-in-advance mark (which is the earliest you can check in online without paying extra), you quite possibly will be in Group A, but may be squeezed out if enough people (45 or 50) pay business fares or pay for early check in.

As boarding progresses, each group loads in turn. Group A usually gets their choice of seating. Group B gets what's left from Group A, meaning there's usually some windows and aisles left.

Group C might luck out to get a window or two, but depending on how many couples and families are traveling, can pretty much expect to wind up in a middle seat.

The moral of the story: check in as soon as possible, and if sitting together is a high priority to you, pay for the early check in.

DISCLAIMER: your mileage may vary.

 

[Geemo]

I take it you've never flown Southwest before.

One of their claims to fame is their open seating policy.

Seating priority is calculated by a couple of factors:
a) did you pay a business fare?
b) did you pay for priority check in?

Option A automatically moves you into Group A, who board the plane first. Option B gives you the best shot at Group A, as it's roughly the first 45 or 50 people who pay higher fares and/or check in early.

c) are you a connecting/through passenger?
d) what time did you check in?

If you're a through passenger, you get to keep your seat on the plane and I've seen people improve their seating during the offload/reload process.

If you're a connecting passenger, they assign your group when you check in for your first flight, meaning you'll beat out those passengers who didn't do advance check-in at the intermediate stop.

Here's how the groups play out:

Boarding groups are assigned by check in time. If you paid to check in extra early, you will likely wind up in Group A.

If you check in at the 24-hour-in-advance mark (which is the earliest you can check in online without paying extra), you quite possibly will be in Group A, but may be squeezed out if enough people (45 or 50) pay business fares or pay for early check in.

As boarding progresses, each group loads in turn. Group A usually gets their choice of seating. Group B gets what's left from Group A, meaning there's usually some windows and aisles left.

Group C might luck out to get a window or two, but depending on how many couples and families are traveling, can pretty much expect to wind up in a middle seat.

The moral of the story: check in as soon as possible, and if sitting together is a high priority to you, pay for the early check in.

DISCLAIMER: your mileage may vary.

That a lot of info.... All good to know. I'm not a frequent flier, so any info perks are always appreciated. Thankyou

But did you stay in a Holiday Inn last night?
(just my little joke from an old commerical. Not intended to offend anyone.)

Geemo

 

[jerseygal]

I take it you've never flown Southwest before.

One of their claims to fame is their open seating policy.

Seating priority is calculated by a couple of factors:
a) did you pay a business fare?
b) did you pay for priority check in?

Option A automatically moves you into Group A, who board the plane first. Option B gives you the best shot at Group A, as it's roughly the first 45 or 50 people who pay higher fares and/or check in early.

c) are you a connecting/through passenger?
d) what time did you check in?

If you're a through passenger, you get to keep your seat on the plane and I've seen people improve their seating during the offload/reload process.

If you're a connecting passenger, they assign your group when you check in for your first flight, meaning you'll beat out those passengers who didn't do advance check-in at the intermediate stop.

Here's how the groups play out:

Boarding groups are assigned by check in time. If you paid to check in extra early, you will likely wind up in Group A.

If you check in at the 24-hour-in-advance mark (which is the earliest you can check in online without paying extra), you quite possibly will be in Group A, but may be squeezed out if enough people (45 or 50) pay business fares or pay for early check in.

As boarding progresses, each group loads in turn. Group A usually gets their choice of seating. Group B gets what's left from Group A, meaning there's usually some windows and aisles left.

Group C might luck out to get a window or two, but depending on how many couples and families are traveling, can pretty much expect to wind up in a middle seat.

The moral of the story: check in as soon as possible, and if sitting together is a high priority to you, pay for the early check in.

DISCLAIMER: your mileage may vary.

Yes, not a first time SW flier! That doesn't meet I like the seating policy though! Still think the policy is ridiculous...line up like "cattle" imo....
Asssign a darn seat already! SW prices are not like a "bargain" by any means...when I fly, I fly SW because the prices are "competitive" and the schedule is nonstop! If the prices were significantly better than their competitors, I would be willing to stand in line like a "herd" of cattle! And No, for the price to be "competitive" to me, that doesn't mean paying extra for early boarding, group A...Just adds to the price of a "roundtrip" ticket...
Even if I were willing to pay the extra price for the early boarding, still means that I stand in line like a "herd of cattle"! Thanks for your detailed explanation trying to explain the rationale though!

 

[LizzyS]

I flew Southwest for the first time last year (and am getting ready to fly them again in October) and I was amazed at how much quicker the plane filled up and was ready to go. Yes, I like my assigned seat on other airlines, but I can see why they do it.