In response to the recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announcement warning pregnant women not to travel to destinations experiencing a Zika outbreak, airlines are coming to the aid of travelers. All three of the biggest airlines in the U.S. will refunded passengers who must cancel trips due to the warnings.
United and Delta airlines have announced the will allow customers to cancel or postpone trips to infected areas with no additional fees. American Airlines will also allow cancelations or postponed trips if pregnant women produce a note from their doctor. JetBlue has also joined the big three in offering cancelations to its passengers. The changes can be made for the traveling companions of pregnancy women, as well. However, Delta requires all changes to be made by Feb. 29 in order to avoid fees and receive full refunds.
The mosquito-born virus has been found to have effects on fetuses, resulting in miscarriages or babies born with a rare condition that leads to death. The CDC issued the warning earlier this month, with the World Health Organization echoing the warning this week.
As of press time, the virus outbreak has spread and can be found in the Americas and Caribbean, including: Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.
–Lissa Poirot
Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.
