Recession-Themed Deals Take Center Stage

For a while, it seemed like travel providers were trying to wish away the current economic crisis by not mentioning it. But an increasing number of airlines, hotels, and even destinations themselves are now throwing around the previously unutterable words and unveiling recession, layoff, and other rough-economy deals.

Here’s a sampling of what I’ve seen lately:

• JetBlue has launched the JetBlue Promise Program, which offers customers booking between February 1 and June 1 the assurance that if they lose their job they can request a full refund at least 14 days prior to the first travel date on their itinerary. The refund is good for up to nine passengers traveling on one reservation.
• Norwegian Cruise Line will fully reimburse passengers who need to cancel cruise bookings because of a job loss. To qualify, passengers must buy Norwegian’s BookSafe Travel Protection Plan, be sailing on or after May 1, and have been at the same job for at least a year.
• Renaissance Resorts in Aruba and Curacao have a tax “Write Off” promotion offering free daily breakfast for two on stays of four nights or more. Use booking code “S29” when making a reservation.
• SuperClubs, the company that owns the all-inclusive resort chains Grand Lido, Breezes, Hedonism, and others, is advertising “recession-friendly” spring and summer savings of up to $600. To take advantage of rates starting at $106 per day, you need to book by March 25 for travel April 13 through the end of August.
• Elite Island Resorts has a “Vacation Stimulus Package” at its Antigua resorts during spring and fall, offering savings up to 60 percent. All-inclusive double occupancy rates start at $229 per night with the sale. I don’t see a mention of the deal on the website yet, so you may have to call or email to price the offer.
• The Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont is giving away six two-night getaways to unemployed workers during its Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway. To qualify, you or your spouse must have been unemployed for more than six months. Send your story to the folks at Rabbit Hill Inn by June 1 to enter.

I’ll add to this list in the comments section below as I see more deals. You can do the same if you’d like to share recession-themed travel deals with other readers.