The truth behind Priceline’s “Sunshine Guaranteed” vacation package

Priceline recently announced the details of their “Sunshine Guaranteed” vacation package which offers vacationers a “refund if their vacation is rained out.”

As expected, to actually receive a refund from Priceline, the forces of nature must properly align in order to meet the rigid conditions set by the fine print. For example,

  • You must book between June 2 and July 17, 2008 and travel between July 1 and September 7, 2008.
  • Qualifying vacation packages must be 3-8 days in length.
  • Travel must commence at least 12 days after a package is purchased.
  • It must rain more than .5 inches for more than half of your total stay (including travel days).
  • Rainfall amounts are measured at the destination airport of the vacation package.
  • Rainfall will also be audited by a private independent provider of weather information.
  • Rainfall samples must be collected by consumer in quart-sized Ziploc® bags.

Okay, so I made that last one up. But seriously — I can assure you there’s going to be some ticked off people this Summer who book this “Sunshine Guaranteed” package from Priceline and fail to read the fine print.

On the other hand, hurricane chasers might be well off booking a package through Priceline this season.

[Via The Cranky Flier]