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Singapore Airlines
today said it is to assist passengers wishing to avoid or defer travel to
or through the Middle East, or to destinations affected by the outbreak of the
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The relevant fees for re-routing
or changing travel plans will be waived in most cases.
This policy, which takes effect immediately, applies to passengers with
confirmed tickets and will remain in force until 31 May 2003. It is applicable to
SIA tickets starting with the code "618" and covers flights to and from
Europe, the Middle East and New York or Chicago, as well as areas that may
be affected by service disruptions arising from conflict in the Middle East.
The guidelines also apply to passengers seeking to adjust their travel plans
to destinations designated by the World Health Organization following the
recent outbreak of SARS, in particular Hong Kong, Hanoi and Guangzhou.
Passengers seeking to reroute or rebook their confirmed tickets may make
one change to their ticket, to allow travel not later than 30 November 2003.
Rerouting is permitted to any other SIA destination. Any fare, tax or fee
difference has to be borne by the passenger.
To be eligible, passengers must request any required changes prior to their
first confirmed flight departure. The name or names of passengers adjusting
their travel must be the same as on the original ticket.
If customers with confirmed tickets for journeys to or from any of the above
areas wish to cancel their travel plans, SIA has said it will provide a full ticket refund.
Partially used tickets will be eligible for a refund of the unused portion.
SIA
has noted that local variations to this policy may apply and in some markets, refunds may not
be allowed and penalties for changes to certain ticket types may be imposed. Customers
are being encouraged to contact their local SIA office or travel agent for
advice and clarification. |
