Why Are More People Willing To Fly While Sick?

November 23, 2009 by trisha

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The H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu has everyone on edge this flu season. Any place where people congregate is a possible petri dish of germs and illness, with airplanes being on the top of the list of places you don’t want to share with a sick person. Unfortunately as we embark on the holidays which traditionally represent a busy travel season, more and more people are deciding to fly while sick.

The reason more people are choosing to take to the skies despite being ill is the fact that many airlines are unwilling to refund or reschedule flights for consumers who are sick. In a weakened economy where every penny is being stretched to its limits, many people simply cannot afford to lose hundreds of dollars in airfare. This results in more people boarding planes when they really would be better off at home in bed.

According to a recent poll on TripAdvisor.com, 51% of the people who responded would rather fly with the flu than pay the fee to rebook a flight. This means that the chances of being in an airplane with someone suffering from either the regular or swine flu virus is pretty likely this holiday season.

If you want to limit the chances of being seated next to a person who had to make the difficult decision to travel sick or pay a penalty for re-booking, consider the policy of the airline on which you are flying. Each carrier has their own policy regarding refunds for medical reasons. If the carrier you are flying with does not honor a medical waiver, than passengers on that airline are more likely to be flying while sick. American Airlines and US Airways, to date have stuck to their “change fees still apply” policy, while Delta, AirTran Airways and United have adopted policies which examine each situation on a case-by-case basis. When applicable, the latter carriers will reschedule a flight without charging additional fees if a doctor’s note is provided.

With more people suffering from the flu this holiday season, The Centers For Disease Control is asking people who have a fever or cough to stay home and avoid traveling whenever possible. People who are obviously too sick to fly can be removed from a flight if a flight attendant or gate agent brings the situation to the attention of the captain prior to takeoff.

Hopefully more airlines will consider waiving re-booking or cancellation fees to make the choice easier for people who are forced to decide between the health of others or the health of their finances.


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