Several tour operators are offering clients booked for Mexico the option to rebook free of penalty, if they are concerned about the swine flu outbreak.
Apple Vacations will allow people to change their Mexico vacation without penalty through May 6. Customers will get a full credit for another Apple destination, as long as the airline of their choice can re-accommodate them.
"We got an onslaught of calls this morning of people asking for more information about the incidents in Mexico City," said Tim Mullen, senior vice president at Apple Vacations.
He added that Apple has had fewer than 100 cancellations, limited to departures within the next five days.
"As it relates to the swine flu, the indications are that it's limited to very few Americans and Mexico City. We don’t want to overreact and cut off sales to the beach destinations," Mullen said.
As for those rebooking elsewhere, the two destinations of choice have been Jamaica and Punta Cana, said Mullen.
Funjet Vacations said that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not recommend avoiding travel to Mexico, Funjet penalties will be waived for customers who choose to cancel and rebook their Mexico vacation by May 6 for travel completed by April 30, 2010. The operator also offered rebooking options for those who wish to change the destination.
Travel Impressions has set up a toll-free number, (866) 789-5384, for people who want to change their travel plans to Mexico due to the swine flu outbreak. The tour operator is also waiving any internal fees for changes made now through May 12, 2009.
MLT Vacations customers with trips to Mexico between April 27 and May 6 can cancel their trip up to the moment of departure if they have travel protection. Customers without travel protection can opt for a refund but must pay cancellation fees.
MLT customers also can rebook without penalty to another destination for departure within seven days of the original departure date. Or, they can cancel and receive a refund in the form of a gift card that can be applied to another destination within 60 days (a service fee of $50 per person applies).
MLT's policy does not apply to groups.
