United, American Announce Refunds Due to Zika Virus

Maybe now isn't the best time for a trip to Guatemala
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 26, 2016 6:58 PM CST
United, American Announce Refunds Due to Zika Virus
A health worker sprays insecticide to combat the mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. United and American have announced refunds for travelers with tickets to areas affected by the virus.   (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Worried about the Zika virus currently linked to birth defects in Brazil but don't want to lose that $1,000 you plunked down for a trip to Rio? Good news. On Tuesday, United Airlines announced customers with tickets for areas currently affected by the Zika outbreak can get a full refund, Reuters reports. The offer is good for any areas currently listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to USA Today, that covers 20 countries and territories in South America and Central America at the moment. American Airlines is also offering refunds, though only for locations in Honduras, Panama, and Guatemala, and travelers need a doctor's note citing pregnancy. Zika is mostly spread by mosquitoes, and experts believe it will make its way to most of the Americas. (More Zika virus stories.)

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