Airlines Suspending Flights To China On Coronavirus Worries; What Travelers Need To Know 

(HARTFORD, CT) – With the list growing of the number of airlines suspending flights to and from China on coronavirus worries, AAA Travel recommends travelers check with their airline or travel agent for the latest updates and state of affairs.

AAA Travel is actively monitoring the impact of the coronavirus on many airlines and several cruise lines have been impacted as well.  

“With news and travel restrictions changing daily, AAA recommends all international travelers consult with a knowledgeable agent to understand their options for change,” advises AAA Director of Travel Suzanne Aresco. “As always, planning is key”.

This is what travelers need to know:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the People’s Republic of China a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC).

The U.S. Department of State has increased its China Travel Advisory to a Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Commercial airlines are suspending or reducing routes to and from China.

In the wake of the growing concern regarding coronavirus, Delta’s last China-bound flight departing the U.S. will leave today, with the last return flight back to the U.S. departing China on Wednesday, February 5.

Due to continued worries over the coronavirus outbreak, American Airlines has suspended its operations to and from the Chinese mainland through March 27.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers from China to watch their health for 14 days and seek medical care if they develop a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing. Do not travel while you are sick. 

 AAA TRAVEL TIPS

• Travelers should heed all government warnings; U.S. State Department has issued a DO NOT TRAVEL WARNING.
• That said, the decision to travel is a very personal one that must be made by the individual.
• Consult your airline/travel providers or a travel agent for any changes to travel plans, government issued travel warnings, waived change and/or cancellation fees, etc.
• Review travel insurance policy/contact travel insurance provider for policy details.
• Travel with all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.
• FOR FUTURE TRAVEL: Consider purchasing “cancel for any reason” travel insurance, which may include medical coverage among other options. Check with a travel agent and carefully review insurance policies before purchasing.
• Travel with all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.
• Know the nearest location of and contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact them in case of an emergency. Also, enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

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