a non-refundable refundable ticket

I was on the Cape in July, having made my flight reservations months ago in May.

During the summer, Jet Blue has a direct flight from JFK to Hyannis. Aside from getting to and from the airports, it's an hour or so flight (vs. a seven hour-30 minute two-bus rides epic journey). But in July, I had to leave a couple of days earlier than planned.

I figured my non-refundable inexpensive  $160 round trip flight was a sunk cost.

When I have to leave a few days early, my  mom suggests calling, as in, "It can't hurt to ask." So I do. And miraculously, I am charged no change fees and am told, "You can use this same flight on your return trip in August." 

So now it's August. The last four days have been dreary and drizzly, and thunderstorms are predicted for Wednesday, the day I am scheduled to fly home. So yesterday I decide to leave. I don't want to fly in a thunderstorm and I don't want to risk not being able to get home. Plus, it's sad to be near a beautiful beach with no hope of the sun.

My mom drives me to Bourne to the bus station there. We arrive, of course, 35 minutes early. But it makes my mom feel good. And besides, her weakness for needing-to-leave-in-plenty-of-time, is tolerable, given that she's so great about everything else. The bus to Boston is an hour; the bus from Boston to NYC is four and a half (and costs $5 less).

Today my mom suggests calling Jet Blue again. "Maybe they can do something?"

I doubt it.

I mean, it's a non-refundable ticket. And, they've already let me change to another flight once. What are the chances they'll do it again? But hey, I have the time. So I call.

The very accommodating supervisor agrees to waive the $75 change fee, and adds a credit to my account (good for a year) for $79. I'll use it next summer.


So Jet Blue, I love you. And I especially love the flexibility you offer on your non-refundable tickets. Thank you.