JetBlue to Test Refundable Fares for Biz Travelers

JetBlue plans to begin a test in the second quarter where business travelers would be able to book refundable fares that would guarantee an aisle or window seat.

Tim Luceno, the airline’s manager of national sales, said the low cost carrier intends to test the concept through CompanyBlue, its online booking tool for travel managers, and if successful would try to roll it out through other channels, too.

That could include bringing these more flexible fares to the GDSs also, but they would need to resolve technical issues, Mr. Luceno said. The airline, too, is resolving some kinks “and working on the technology now” before starting the trial, he noted.

Mr. Luceno said the airline became “more relevant to corporations” when it began adding business destinations like Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.; Columbus, Ohio; and Richmond, Va., to its staple of leisure destinations in Florida and California.

JetBlue established a corporate travel advisory board in November to discuss how it might better serve corporations. JetBlue observed that many business travelers booked their flights within three days before departure and often got middle seat assignments as a result, Luceno said.