Here are some of the current changes invoked by airlines in response to the problem of SARS:
- American Airlines - Has reduced the number of international flights by 13 per cent through May.
- Continental Airlines - Is temporarily canceling its five weekly flights between Newark, New Jersey and Hong Kong until June 2nd, citing SARS as causing poor demand. Continental continues to operate two flights weekly between Hong Kong and Guam.
- Northwest Airlines - 12 percent of flights have been cut due to reduced bookings. Nearly 4,900 jobs will also be affected. Northwest is offering a flexible change policy due to SARS applicable for tickets purchased through April 19th, 2003. One change will be permitted without fees for domestic and/or international travel. Travel must be completed by December 15th, 2003.
- United Airlines - Has reduced its entire schedule by approximately 8 percent. In order to reduce costs, a number of workers have been put on temporary, unpaid leave.
- Air Canada - Recently filed for bankruptcy citing SARS as one of the contributing factors to the downturn in air travel. Air Canada is offering a flexible change policy due to SARS. One change will be permitted without fees for domestic and/or international travel. Travel must be completed by December 31st, 2003.
