If you were to ask travelers what they’d like airlines to offer, you'd hear responses like:
- Free baggage
- Free Wi-Fi
- Compensation for delayed flights
- These days, a SAFE LANDING.
But most people wouldn't have anticipated this new offering…
JetBlue has announced an innovative partnership with a start-up called WeatherPromise to introduce a program that will reimburse travelers if it rains during their vacation. Yes, this is legit—though it’s not available for every flight.
Here’s how it works:
- Booking: The weather guarantee is available on “eligible flight and hotel packages” booked through JetBlue Vacations. It offers protection for all trip components, including car rentals and activities.
- Cost: You pay for this coverage. It’s similar to travel insurance, and the cost varies depending on the trip. "Travel and Leisure" tested it, finding that the weather guarantee for an 11-day trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, was about $111. This coverage could provide a reimbursement of up to $2,500—the trip’s total cost—if it rains for at least three days.
- Rain Criteria: A little rain doesn’t count. It must be “excessive rain,” a somewhat vague term. WeatherPromise uses A.I., satellite imagery, weather stations, and radars to set custom “excessive rain” thresholds for trips. For the Punta Cana example, it would need to rain at least three of the 11 days, with more than 0.04 inches of rain for over two hours between 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. to qualify.
- Automatic Reimbursement: If the criteria are met, the reimbursement is processed automatically—no paperwork required—and you still get to enjoy your trip.
This program isn't a free pass for a perfect vacation but aims to provide peace of mind, especially for those booking trips to Florida during hurricane season.
SOURCE: BusinessWire / Travel and Leisure / The Travel