Attention Europe Travelers: Don’t Fly with Swine Flu

July 20, 2009 | Posted in: Airline News,Europe,Passengers,Travel Safety

Yes, I know it’s properly called H1N1, but I think most people know it better as “swine flu”.

Whatever you call it – do not be suffering from it – if you intend to fly on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. The two UK-based carriers say, passengers with the virus will be stopped from boarding.

British Airways says those demonstrating the virus’ symptoms – headache, sore throat, runny nose – will be questioned and assessed. And Virgin Atlantic says, anyone who had swine flu should bring a note from a doctor proclaiming themselves “fit to fly”.

Don’t take a chance. If you have a big trip coming up – one you can’t afford to change – get reliable trip insurance (and don’t believe everything a salesman tells you – read the fine print for yourself).

Don’t fly when you’re sick. That’s just common sense.

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6 Responses to “Attention Europe Travelers: Don’t Fly with Swine Flu”

1. Alexis says:

   July 20, 2009 at 2:18 pm

   I love that this is posted right after the post encouraging travelers to go to the Bahamas to swim with the pigs.
2. Rick Seaney says:

   July 20, 2009 at 3:55 pm

   For those of you who don’t know what Alexis is talking about, check this out: http://standarduprightposition.com/2009/07/20/fly-to-bahamas-swim-with-pigs/
   I have to admit, this “porcine pairing” slipped right past by me!
   Rick
3. Denise G says:

   July 21, 2009 at 6:34 pm

   are there any “reliable trip insurance” carriers you recommend?
4. Rick Seaney says:

   July 22, 2009 at 5:33 pm

   Denise,
   It’s my policy not to recommend any particular insurance company. Besides, the best reviews come via word-of-mouth: talk to people you trust who’ve used trip insurance and see what they liked (or didn’t like).
   Also, there are numerous insurance “ratings” sites on the internet: try searching for some using “trip”, “insurance” and “reviews”.
   Hope this helps, and good luck.
   Rick
5. Irma B says:

   July 30, 2009 at 3:48 pm

   Hi, I have a trip planned to go visit my parents and siblings in Sweden and am a bit concerned as am taking my 23 months old daughter with me.
   What’s your wiev point on flying from the US to Sweden, a long flight, with the swine flu risk?

   Are we in a big risk in a plane?

   Thanks for asnwers.
6. Rick Seaney says:

   August 5, 2009 at 9:01 am

   Irma,
   I think the only person truly qualified to answer this is your own pediatrician, and I would direct this question to him or her. Meantime, here is a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on travel and the H1N1 virus (what we called “swine flu”) which has a lot of information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx
   Hope this helps,
   Rick