More Airlines Offer Refunds Over Zika Fears

Lufthansa, British Airways and JetBlue are the latest international carriers to offer rebooking or refunds for tickets to areas affected by the Zika virus, as concerns mount about the swift spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

The virus, which has been linked to birth defects in babies in Brazil, has provoked concern about travel to affected destinations. The virus is present in more than 20 countries and territories in the Americas, including Mexico, Puerto Rico and Caribbean countries that are popular for winter breaks.

Lufthansa and British Airways both said they would offer pregnant women the opportunity to change their reservations to another destination or delay travel, although they stopped short of offering complete refunds as several US airlines have.

JetBlue, which is offering refunds, so far has seen "no measurable impact" on advance bookings or customer refunds, Marty St. George, JetBlue's executive vice president for commercial and planning, said on Thursday.

Cruise lines and resorts have so far reported little impact from increasing fears about the disease.

"We believe there could be a slowdown in bookings during this time of heightened media coverage and general fear until more information is known," airline analyst Helane Becker of Cowen and Co said in a research note.

Several carriers - from United Airlines to Latam - have already offered to refund people planning to travel to regions affected by the virus.

American Airlines, the US carrier with the largest network of flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, said ticket-holders to any Zika-hit area could request a refund, broadening its previous list of eligible destinations.

Delta Air Lines announced a similar refund policy on Wednesday.

Brazil's Gol said it would let pregnant women reschedule flights or receive credit, but would not offer refunds.

The World Health Organization warned that Zika is spreading "explosively" and could affect four million people in the Americas.

The virus causes rash, mild fever and red eyes. Some 80 percent of those infected typically do not have symptoms, making it difficult for pregnant women to determine if they have the virus. No vaccine or treatment is available.