JetBlue, in an attempt to boost their declining numbers of business travelers, announced this week that they would be offering a $599 thirty one day pass from September 8 to October 8. It seems like it would be a great idea for business travelers but there are restrictions that may make it a better option for vacationers, particularly domestic travelers who want to do a few long weekends in September, maybe trips to the Grand Canyon Skywalk one weekend and Yellowstone National Park the next, perhaps even that East Coast vacation you’ve put off for a while with a New York Washington tour tossed in for good measure.

The JetBlue pass requires that you book a flight three days in advance, a stipulation that could put a damper on business travel that is often booked right after a meeting. Changes cannot be made in your itinerary because they charge fees for that and cancellations will also be charged at $100 a piece.  The flexibility which is required for business travelers is not there so unless routes are standard and set ahead of time the JetBlue pass may not be a good option. Regular commuters with set schedules will benefit and JetBlue is counting on bringing in new business from those currently using other carriers.

For those going on a European vacation tour the JetBlue pass may offer some relief, but only if you’re doing other traveling either domestic or back to Europe a second time. Airfares are fairly cheap right now and when you book a European tour package they are included in the price. JetBlue can’t beat the prices currently being offered by your travel agent. Other airlines have been offering incentive pricing for a couple of years now.

This attempt to entice more people to fly is another indicator of the airline industry being in deep trouble right now. Their problems are proving to be your gain. A monthly pass may or may not benefit you as a business traveler but as a tourist you can use it to plan weekend trips for yourself and your family that might not otherwise be affordable. There are four Saturdays and four Sundays in that thirty one day period. You could visit the Grand Canyon West Rim, Yosemite, tour Yellowstone, Olympia, Washington DC, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles if you’re not already here. Is that worth $599 to you?