JetBlue passengers who receive a pink slip before they fly can get a refund.
The New York-based carrier, which runs its West Coast hub at Long Beach Airport, will provide refunds to customers who lose their jobs before they travel.
The airline extended its "Promise Program" on flights through Dec. 31 to encourage summer travel. Guarantees apply only to tickets purchased by 11:59 p.m. May 21.
"JetBlue is committed to helping customers make stress-free travel plans," said Robin Hayes, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for JetBlue. "And based on their feedback we made adjustments to our refund policy to allow them to book with assurance for the remainder of 2009, including the busy summer and holiday travel periods."
Customers cannot tell their boss to shove it and get a refund. The Promise Program applies only in cases of involuntary job loss between Feb. 17 and Dec. 31.
Also, the job termination must apply to the person who bought the ticket, not a spouse, domestic partner or friend. The person who bought the ticket can apply the rebate for up to nine passengers traveling on the same reservation.
Summertime rates are low, particularly within California. JetBlue on Tuesday advertised one-way rates from Long Beach to Oakland, San Francisco or San Jose at $29. JetBlue is the main commercial tenant at Long Beach Airport.
JetBlue is one of several companies offering sign-of-the-times assurances to customers who are delaying purchases due to job-loss fears. Hyundai, for example, allows customers to return recently purchased cars when they are laid off.
For more information on the job-loss program, visit www.jetblue.com/promiseprogram.
