SARS - Airline policies and flight reductions

Here are more of the current changes invoked by airlines in response to the problem of SARS:

• British Airways - Has reduced its flight schedule through May by 4 percent. British Airways is operating its current Hong Kong flights via Bangkok until further notice, with crew layovers in Bangkok instead of Hong Kong. Hong Kong destined passengers may be able to make changes to their tickets with British Airways.
• Lufthansa - Has reduced its flight schedule for flights within Europe, to the U.S., Asia and the Middle East.
• KLM - Has reduced service to the United States, the Middle East and within Europe between 5 and 20 percent. KLM has introduced a flexible change policy to address 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.
• Air France - Has reduced its entire flight schedule by 7 percent, citing SARS as a contributor to the reductions.
• Austrian Airlines - Provides face masks on for its international flights.
• Virgin Atlantic - Has a flexible change policy (change your booking for free) for bookings made prior to April 15th, 2003. Changes must be made by May 31st and travel must be completed by December 31st, 2003. Changes in destination are permitted with the understanding that the passenger will pay the difference in fare. However, Virgin will refund the difference if your changes result in a lower airfare.