Mike FriedmanJetBlue, Frontier and Spirit Cancel and Change Policy
Today, we look at JetBlue, Frontier and Spirit Cancel and Change Policy. Last week, I wrote an article about Southwest’s coronavirus policy, so I wanted to take a look at what the rest of the discounters are doing.
JetBlue has always been somewhat liberal with its policies, but it’s a real sign of just how serious things are that even the ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) like Spirit and Frontier voiding their normal “You’ll get nothing and like it” attitude toward changes and making allowances for COVID-19. Here’s where we stand:
JetBlue Loosens the Remaining Restrictions
JetBlue used to have a policy similar to Southwest’s: If you needed to make a change, you could, no fees involved. They tightened it up when they instituted fare classes, but still gave you options, depending on which type of ticket you bought.
The COVID-19 policy offers more options, although getting a full refund is still not one of them unless you bought a “Blue Extra” ticket originally. Likewise, it is unnecessarily confusing at times. Here’s where they stand:
- For flights booked before February 27, JetBlue is offering a better calendar than its competitors, offering refunds for flights through May 31. The refund comes in the form of an airline credit to your “travel bank.” The credit will be good for 18 months instead of the usual 12.
- For trips booked between February 27 and April 30,, which the airline considers “new bookings,” JetBlue will honor the suspension of the cancel/change fees. The dates of travel are based on when you bought the ticket during that period.
- Got a travel bank credit that expires before May 31? It has been extended to December 31.
Spirit Airlines COVID-19 Cancellation Policy
One nice thing about Spirit: There isn’t a lot of confusion around their policies. Usually, it’s “You bought the ticket, you need to fly it. We’re not giving you your money back.” For COVID-19, they’re actually being somewhat generous.
- If you cancel a trip, Spirit will give you a travel credit. The travel credit needs to be used within six months, and you must travel within six to nine months after the credit’s expiration date. So, in theory, you’ve got as much as 15 months before you need to travel.
There are a few other details, but they are generally in the customer’s favorite. Well done, Spirit.
Frontier’s Policy is Tougher
Frontier is offering the strictest of the three airlines, particularly with its calendar. And since they’ve changed it multiple times, it’s hard to know what the most current rules are. Here’s what I can tell from their policy, although it may be different an hour from now.
- If you booked before March 10 for travel through April 30, you’ll get a one-time change fee waiver. If you change to a flight with a lower ticket value, you do not get the difference back. Ouch. You can cancel a ticket and the value will be retained for 90 days, during which you can make another booking for travel through November 9.
- According to the current information, tickets purchased prior to March 10 for travel in May had to be changed by March 30, so your window is gone.
- If you booked between March 10 and April 15, you can change or cancel for free. You have up to 90 days after cancellation to use the value of the ticket. Once again, if the new ticket is lower, you do not get the difference back.
JetBlue, Frontier and Spirit Cancel and Change Policy
Note that every policy is changing constantly, so keep your eyes on the above links for the most recent information.
