Cover Story: New Savings From JetBlue For Your Autumn Travel

Anyone who has traveled cross country knows that autumn is prime time, especially in the northern regions. The leaves of the trees turn red, orange, and yellow, the warm golden rays of the autumn sun stream down through their branches, and the land takes on a rustic beauty.

For travelers on JetBlue Airways, which has a major presence in the Northeast, it’s the perfect time for a getaway and now, there’s better savings than ever!

Last week, Veterans Advantage and JetBlue announced an expansion of their partnership to include two free bags on discounted bookings made by Veterans Advantage members using their VetRewards Card. That represents a savings of $120 for every round trip traveler ($240 if you’re a party of two), even before applying the Veterans Advantage 5% discount on the airfare.

For nearly three years, VetRewards Card members have been awarded exclusive JetBlue benefits of 5% OFF fares on JetBlue, and can earn TrueBlue points on travel booked with the discounted fares.

"We are excited to expand our benefits with Veterans Advantage," said Carleen Ybarra, manager, values relations at JetBlue, and a former Army First Sergeant. "This discount is available to all US veterans, active duty military and their families and is a small token of our appreciation and gratitude for those who have served."

Redeeming JetBlue savings benefits is simple, and there are no blackout dates. To book the 5% discount on JetBlue travel, Veterans Advantage members can call JetBlue reservations at 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) and identify themselves as a Veterans Advantage member by providing their unique Member ID from the face of their VetRewards Card.

"This is a is a real thank you from JetBlue for our members, and we appreciate their recognition of the value of service to our country, said Scott Higgins, Co-Founder & CEO of Veterans Advantage and a Vietnam Veteran. "Adding this valuable benefit to our popular JetBlue 5% OFF discount clearly demonstrates JetBlue's leadership in thanking those who serve with exclusive savings.”

Starting with its first partner Amtrak in 2001, Veterans Advantage has built a partner coalition of over 150 leaders in travel and retail who offer exclusive savings for Veterans Advantage members.

JetBlue is Veterans Advantage's first partner to include airline baggage cost savings in combination with its everyday travel discount. VetRewards Card members are also eligible for the 5% JetBlue discount with a two bags cost waiver on Mint, the airline's premium travel experience.

The autumn landscape across most of America serves as a dramatic backdrop for outdoor festivals, apple & pumpkin picking, romantic drives along winding roads, and family fun on hayrides. For those looking for their fall travel to capitalize on enjoying fall foliage, Veterans Advantage also recommends its car rental discounts, recognized by all the major providers, including Avis and Budget -- a great way to enjoy fall from the ground.

Travel Tips for All “Leaf Peepers”:

• If you are traveling a long distance to your final destination or you plan on making a weekend out of your trip, be sure to make hotel reservations in advance.
• Try to plan your trip during mid-week; you will find that roads are quieter, giving you more opportunity to enjoy the views.
• Make an adventure out of your trip; explore the State's back roads. Some of the best sights are off the beaten path.
• Don't worry about missing "peak" color. You will still be able to enjoy a full array of colors that can be found before "peak".
• Make time to explore some areas on foot. Hiking allows you to more fully experience the foliage you have come to enjoy.
• Wherever one resides, there are accessible regions that showcase the change of seasons. The Forest Service’s Fall Color Hotline can guide you to good foliage spots as the autumn color display progresses across the country. Call the toll-free number (800-354-4595), or check the Forest Service Web site.