Santiago-based Latam Airlines Group SA, the largest carrier in Latin America, is allowing destination changes, cancellations and refunds for clients traveling to countries affected by the virus, as long as they present a medical certificate, according to an e-mailed statement. Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA, Brazil’s biggest airline, is offering similar options, allowing pregnant clients to book earlier returns for no extra charge, it said in an e-mail.
Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras SA, Brazil’s third-largest carrier, has increased flights by 30 percent to and from Recife, the capital of Pernambuco. More than a quarter of the 4,180 babies Brazil’s Health Ministry is investigating for symptoms of microcephaly are in this Brazilian state, according to the ministry’s website.
Best Solution
Azul hasn’t received many requests so far to cancel or change tickets because of the Zika virus, but it is analyzing each case individually, “always looking for the best solution for the client,” it said in an e-mail.
Delta Air Lines Inc., United Continental Holdings Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. also have said they will accommodate some customers booked on flights to and from the affected countries.
Aslesen, who managed to sell her original trip to two friends, still lost $600 in the trade-off.
“At first I was pretty sad to have to switch our trip last minute, and the stress of trying to get it sold was crazy,” she said. “But it all worked out in the end and we are having a great time.”