Singapore Airlines to allow changes to certain travel plans without penalty

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.