Airlines may waive cancellation and reschedulling fees for ill customers to contain flu

On May 4, I announced that to help contain the flu, I am asking airlines to waive cancellation and rescheduling fees for customers who miss flights because they are

ill.

Under my proposal, consumers may be required to present a doctor's note to have their fees waived.

My office also urged consumers considering canceling or postponing trips to Mexico to immediately contact their airline and travel company and to call the office if they have problems or questions.

During a federally declared public health emergency, travelers should be encouraged -- not penalized - for avoiding flying and potentially infecting countless other passengers when they are suffering from flu symptoms.

I urge airlines to waive their often hefty cancellation and rescheduling fees - up to hundreds of dollars -- for customers who miss flights because of sickness in this public health emergency. Airline travel is a powerful conduit for contagion, a potentially fast and furious flu spreader.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is urging the airlines to take responsibility and discourage passengers possibly ill with the flu from traveling and spreading the virus Airlines have a responsibility -- indeed a duty -- to discourage passengers ill with the flu from traveling and spreading the virus. Airlines need to put public health ahead of profit by discarding disincentives -- sometimes crushing cancellation and rescheduling fees -- for sick people that wisely choose to stay home. In the interest of public health, consumers presenting a doctor's note verifying illness should have their cancellation and rescheduling fees forgiven and forgotten.

I am asking that the airlines do the right thing voluntarily, but I am investigating action that can be taken by state or federal authorities if they refuse.

I am contacting the Department of Homeland Security, which has declared a public emergency, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The expense to airlines will be minimal compared to the enormous cost of treating thousands of passengers infected by sick fellow travelers.

I urge consumers wishing to cancel travel to Mexico to immediately check travel insurance they may have and contact their airline and travel company. Most airlines are offering to reschedule flights or offering trips to other destinations, he said.

Anyone with questions or needing assistance regarding Mexico travel arrangements should contact my office at (860) 808-5420.