On the announcement that the World Health Organization raised the swine flu level alert to 5, government and travel companies are again adjusting their travel policies to and from Mexico.
Bottom line: Travel is safe and airlines continue to monitor the situation at home and abroad, but travelers do have options.
Airports, airlines and travel agencies are monitoring government alerts and the traveling public for signs and symptoms of swine flu. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of State requested that non-essential U.S. travel to Mexico be changed or canceled until more information about the swine flu is released.
We put together a quick list of the travel alerts in various countries, and also offered a look at the most recent airlines and cruise lines policies for Mexico travel plans. Cheapflights News will continue to monitor the situation and update the travel news blog when new information is available.
Countries:
— Cuba suspended all regular and charter flights from Mexico, but is allowing airlines to return travelers to Mexico.
— France will ask the European Union to suspend flights to Mexico, but says flights from Mexico can continue.
— Argentina announced a five-day ban on flights arriving from Mexico.
Airlines:
— Air Canada will suspend all flights to Cancun, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta until June 1, 2009. However, the carrier said it will continue flying into Mexico City. Air Canada is waiving its standard change fees so travelers can rebook their flights.
— American Airlines, Continental, United, US Airways, Delta, JetBlue and Aeromexico have posted notices on their Web sites waiving change fees for travelers with scheduled flights to or from Mexico for the next several days. Airlines are constantly making changes to their flight rules, so travelers should continue to check with the airline or travel agency for flight and rule changes.
Cruises:
— Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have suspended all port stops in Mexico.
— Carnival said on its Web site it has canceled all calls at Mexican ports through May 4, however, travelers can request an alternative port or rebook for another cruise destination.
— Royal Caribbean is indefinitely suspending port calls to Mexico.
— Norwegian is canceling stops in Mexico this week, and the cruise line is asking passengers about their health before boarding the ship.
Travelers should continue to monitor health information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Curious about what the swine flu alerts mean to you? NBC Chief Science and Health Correspondent Robert Bazell answers reader questions.
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
