Amidst Growing Coronavirus Concerns, JetBlue Suspends Change and Cancellation Fees

Streetart in Barcelona, Spain

The Coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the travel industry, and not just travel in China and Asia. Right now, there are a lot of unknowns about the spread of the illness, which has certainly (and justifiably) increased public concern, fear and even panic.

Since no one knows where the virus will spread next and to what extent, trepidation about travel has resulted. Two of the most common questions I’ve heard recently are “should I cancel this trip?” and “should I book this trip?”

JetBlue, always sensitive to travelers’ concerns, has announced that it will suspend change and cancel fees for new flight bookings starting today, February 27, through March 11, 2020, for travel completed by June 1, 2020. The details were announced in a PRESS RELEASE, issued yesterday:

The policy is designed to give customers confidence that they will not be charged any JetBlue fees for changes or cancellations later given evolving coronavirus concerns. The move will apply to all fares offered by JetBlue, including Blue Basic, which generally does not allow for any changes or cancellations. Flights booked through JetBlue Vacations will also be allowed changes or cancellations with no fees.

Note that eligible changes will not receive a full refund, but will instead 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.

In an email to members sent out yesterday, JetBlue said:

With coronavirus in the headlines, we understand that customers may feel some uncertainty about booking future travel.

To that end, we are waiving change and cancellation fees for all JetBlue fares—that includes Blue, Blue Basic, Blue Plus, Blue Extra and Mint—for customers who book over the next two weeks (2/27-3/11) for travel completed by 6/1/20. If you need to cancel your travel plans, we’ll credit the amount in the form of a travel credit that’s valid for one year.

Please check the JetBlue website for further details.

I think this is an excellent and sensitive move by JetBlue to give travelers confidence to book upcoming flights, knowing that if the situation worsens (or plans change regardless of the virus), you can cancel or change your flights.

What do you think?