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Cathay Pacific - Has temporarily reduced its flight schedule by 14 percent including 17 destinations in Asia. Cathay cautioned that it may have to reduce its schedule by up to one third of its flights. Temporary, unpaid leaves will affect some of their employees. A flexible change policy has been introduced in light of SARS, permitting a one-time change without change penalties. Tickets must be rebooked by May 31st, 2003 and travel must be completed by December 31st.
- HEPA filters are used on flights to reduce bacteria and viral contaminants in the cabin. Flight crew will provide a face mask for passengers exhibiting signs of SARS, and will isolate them in an area at the back of the plane. Doctors can be contacted on the ground through Medlink. Face masks are issued to all staff and are available to all passengers and crew. - Singapore Airlines - Has cut approximately 4 percent of its flights, with further flight reductions expected. Singapore Airlines will be providing face masks for all passengers and crew on flights departing from a number of Asian airports.
- Japan Airlines (JAL) - Has temporarily reduced its international flight schedule by 8 percent. Change fees are being waived and refunds are permitted for tickets purchased prior to April 3rd involving Hong Kong or Guangzhou. Other changes to tickets may also be permitted for international tickets, but must be for future travel, with travel completed by December 31st, 2003. Face masks are available to employees serving areas where SARS has been diagnosed.
- Thai Airways - Flight reductions for numerous destinations within Asia as well as reductions in service to some international destinations. Flights from areas affected by SARS are thoroughly sprayed. Thai Airways have arranged for medical doctors and nurses to be on board flights to/from countries considered affected by SARS.
- China Airlines - All flight attendants are provided with germ-proof respirators which may be used as required. More of these germ-proof respirators will be kept on flights for passengers that exhibit symptoms of SARS. Such passengers will be quarantined from others when possible, if not, passengers seated nearby will also be provided with germ-proof respirators.
- Malaysian Airlines Flight reductions to Hong Kong and Singapore until the end of May 2003. Face masks will be provided to passengers with flu-like symptoms.
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SARS - Airline policies and flight reductions
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By Arlene Fleming, About.com
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