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United States
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Airline allows free ticket changes on all routes due to coronavirus
European regional airline AEGEAN is allowing all passengers booked on any flight to postpone their trip free of charge if they are concerned about coronavirus.
The airline said the offer was open to all passengers with tickets up to March 20.
"Also be advised that our company will continue its regular flight schedule to all destinations, including Italy, until further notice," it added.
"Naturally we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities for any further steps that may be required."
AEGEAN made the announcement after new outbreaks in Europe, including northern Italy and Switzerland, Asia and the Middle East renewed fears of a global pandemic.
However, most other airlines and travel companies in the UK are sticking to their terms and conditions and charging for ticket changes and cancellations unless the Foreign Office advises against travel.
Travel agents are reporting growing concern among clients who are worried not only that they will catch coronavirus (COVID-19) but that they will be trapped in a foreign country if there’s an outbreak while they’re away, or forced to self-isolate when they return home.
ABTA said agents should pass on the Foreign Office (FCO) advice to worried customers.
In its latest update, ABTA said: "Although the overall volume of reported cases is very low globally, with the majority in China, it is important that travellers follow the latest public health advice relating to the specific destination they are travelling to.
"UK health authorities are providing detailed advice for specific destinations and locations which is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public.
"Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice for the country they are travelling to, which includes entry requirements and a link through to the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) TravelHealthPro website that provides specific travel health advice for countries.
"ABTA also has updatedadvice and Q&A’s for travellers at abta.com/coronavirus.
"This is a rapidly evolving situation which ABTA will continue to monitor and provide updates asappropriate to its members and travellers."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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