Airlines, Cruise Ships Offer Refunds due to Zika Virus

Airlines and cruise ships have responded to the increased fear surrounding the Zika virus by offering pregnant women a refund for trips planned in regions where the mosquito-born virus has been reported, the Washington Post reported.

The typically mild virus, which has been "spreading explosively," according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has been linked to microcephaly, a birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head. Due to the link between an infection and the condition, authorities from some countries, particularly Brazil, have advised women to delay pregnancy plans. Women who are already pregnant are advised to be extra cautious.

Now, four major U.S. airlines, which include American Airlines, United, Delta and Southwest, have announced their own policies that will allow pregnant women to delay or cancel their trips.

American Airlines said that its refund policy will be enforced for pregnant women who have purchased tickets to five specific countries. The company added that it has plans to expand the country list.

"If you are pregnant and scheduled to travel to a destination outside the U.S. that is affected by Zika virus, you and your travel companions can request a refund. To qualify, you must provide a doctor's note confirming your pregnancy and stating your inability to travel due to Zika virus," the airline said.

United and Delta's policies are broader than American Airlines. Both companies will allow customers traveling to any of the countries listed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to rebook at no extra cost or cancel their trips for a full refund. Southwest stated that their policy will not change for customers concerned about Zika since their current policy already allows people to change their traveling plans without a fee.

Aside from major airlines, some cruise ships and companies are also allowing pregnant customers to rebook or cancel their trip at no extra costs. These companies include LATAM and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Carnival Corp.

The countries that are on CDC's list include Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.

The WHO expects the virus to reach all but two countries - Canada and Chile - in the Americas with as many as four million people at risk of being affected.