Jaunted

Priceline was also the 2009 Cavalcade sponsor, but this new deal has their famous William Shatner Priceline Negotiator making appearances in pre-video animated commercials. The first one is already out, providing the intro to an HD version of the old Cavalcade cartoon "Die, Sweet Roadrunner, Die." Without giving away too many details, it involves two hippie campers, a Shatner avatar, and what we're pretty sure is a character from Where The Wild Things Are.

Now the new offer. We've all had our issues with Priceline protection guarantees in general, and their normal best-rate promise isn't exactly mind blowing. If you use Name Your Own Price and then find a better rate, they'll refund 100% of the difference, getting you back to where you would have been if you just booked normally. Plus the lower rate has to be on the web, exclude taxes and fees, be publicly listed, and have nothing to do with any promotions. And you have to find and report it within 24 hours of booking.

The temporary best-rate promotion is a significant improvement. Instead of a mere refund Priceline will give you that plus a $25 credit plus a $50 coupon for a Priceline vacation package. They've even changed how long you have to find the better deal, extending the deadline to the day before check-in. The promo page has the full terms and emphasizes that the promotion is running "for a limited time only." Upgrade Travel Better is reporting the final date as March 31, establishing a time window we like to refer to as "just long enough for Priceline to reap the coverage from their new commercials and cartoons."

Speaking of the new commercial and the Seth MacFarlane cartoon, you've been patient. We'll deny you no longer:

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· Big Deal Guarantee Terms [Priceline]
· Priceline [Jaunted]
· Budget Travel [Jaunted]