British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Block Passengers with Flu Symptoms

In an attempt to halt the spread of Mexican Flu airlines are now implementing policies to train employees on how to observe passengers at the check-in point to look out for any flu like symptoms and to not allow them to board the flight.

From Avionews Security Report Monday July 20, 2009:
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic block passengers with A/H1N1 virus
London, UK – Employees have been trained to check the symptoms

Alarm grows in the UK concerning A/H1N1 virus, the so called swine flu, or Mexican flu. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic airlines have in fact taken measures in order to control, and if necessary block, at the check-in those passengers who might show this disease’s symptoms.

A British Airways spokeswoman, quoted by the “Reuters” press agency, explained: “We’ve given our staff advice in terms of the symptoms to look out for. If they have any concerns about a passenger when they present for check-in, they have a 24 hour medical number to call and the passenger can then be checked. Obviously -she added- with swine flu spreading, we have to be responsible and make sure we do what we can to prevent the disease spreading”.

Similar measures have also been taken by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic, according to the “Sunday Times”, even if at the moment Virgin Atlantic has not issued any official communication on this matter. (Avionews)

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Tagged as: block passengers, british airways, flu symptoms, h1n1, mexican flu, mexican flu 2009, swine flu, virgin atlantic