Oregon Public Broadcasting

The swine flu scare is creating turbulence in the travel industry, including Seattle-based Alaska Airlines.  Correspondent Tom Banse reports.

Alaska Airlines is maintaining its full schedule of 17 daily flights from the West Coast to Mexico.  The planes are still close to filled.  But airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan says Alaska has joined other major airlines in allowing passengers to postpone trips to Mexico without penalty.

Bobbie Egan: “We are seeing an increase in call volumes from passengers who are just not comfortable traveling down to Mexico.  We are working with them to reaccommodate them as best we can.”

The acting head of the CDC, Dr. Richard Besser, is recommending "nonessential travel to Mexico be avoided,” in his words, “out of an abundance of caution." 

In that same vein, Alaska Airlines has issued facemasks and gloves to flight crews and ground personnel in Mexico City. 

On Wall Street on Monday, travel-related businesses took a beating.  Alaska Air Group shed 7 percent of its value.  That was actually tame compared with the double–digit losses suffered by other companies such as Delta Airlines, United, US Air, and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Online:

Centers for Disease Control Travel Advisories

Alaska Airlines – Mexico Travel Advisory