In view of recent growing concerns over spread of the Zika virus, airlines have now declared that they will give out refunds and trip cancellations to pregnant women and their companions, if they are scheduled to travel to a country which is known to have Zika virus activity.
It is reported by health officials that while Zika only displays mild symptoms if contracted by most people, the risk is substantially greater for pregnant women. Officials in Brazil have made a connected of the Zika virus borne from mosquito bites, with a birth defect that causes babies to be born with small or deformed heads.
Zika has been discovered mostly in the Caribbean and Latin America.
On Jan. 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control declared a travel alert that recommended pregnant women to avoid traveling to areas in which Zika had been detected as active, to avoid the risk of infection.
Among the airlines that have made announcements to offer these refunds or cancellations, are major US carriers as well as some cruise line companies. American Airlines will give out a full refund if the customer provides a doctor's note that states the customer's inability to fly. United and Delta will allow re-booking or a full refund for any concerned passengers who are scheduled to fly in to an area where Zika is reported active. Southwest already has a policy in place allowing customers to make changes to their booking without any charges. Spirit Airlines will let pregnant women or their companions refund and re-book while others concerned passengers can credit with their fees waived
Others small carriers and cruise lines have also joined in the initiative. Carnival Cruise Line will let pregnant women get credit, delay their trip, or re-book to places not on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list for Zika activity. Royal Caribbean Cruises is also set for pregnant women postpone their trips without penalty. Norwegian Cruise Line also claimed to be making an effort to either postpone pregnant women's trips or rescheduling them to areas not on the list of those affected by the outbreak.
Latest updates on the virus' situation and travel information can be found of the CDC's travel advisory page.
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