American Airlines is suspending the fees it charges to change or cancel a flight. Although American didn't mention the coronavirus in its change fee announcement Sunday, fears over the outbreak have probably dented bookings for the upcoming spring break and Easter travel season, as well as summer travel. Those are among the key periods of the year for US airlines. "[Waiving the change fee] is probably the only way I can get people to book," said Michael Boyd, an airline consultant. "There's just too much uncertainty right now among passengers. I think all the airlines are going to have to go to it at some point." American charges varying change fees, but they can be as high as $200 for a domestic flight or $750 for an international flight changed before the day of travel. Same-day change fees range from $75 to $150. For now, the fee waiver covers only tickets purchased between Sunday evening and March 16. To qualify, passengers must change or cancel travel plans at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. The flights can be moved to any future date for which American is taking reservations.<br/>
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British Airways Monday said it was cancelling some flights from London to the United States to match reduced demand for flying due to the impact of a new coronavirus on consumer sentiment. BA owner IAG last week said that the spread of the virus would hit earnings this year but it could not tell by how much as the outbreak forces airlines to reduce services. “To match reduced demand due to the continuing coronavirus issue, we are merging a number of flights between March 16 and March 28,” the airline said. “We will be contacting customers on cancelled flights so we can discuss their travel options, including rebooking onto other carriers where possible, full refunds or booking with BA for a later date of travel.” The cancellations effect twelve flights from Heathrow to New York’s JFK airport over the period.<br/>
LATAM Airlines Group said Monday it would cancel its daily flight from Sao Paulo to Milan, Italy, through April 16, citing the new coronavirus outbreak and weak demand. In the first cancellation of flights to or from South America, LATAM joins several other major carriers that in recent days have cancelled direct flights to Milan in light of the outbreak.<br/>
American Airlines is debuting new uniforms for 50,000 of its front-line employees, replacing its previous collection that some employees said triggered a variety of illnesses including rashes and headaches. There's a greater emphasis on safety and employee feedback on the new uniforms, which are rolling out Monday to its front-facing workers, including ticket agents and flight attendants. The clothes were developed with the "highest levels of safety, input and choice," the airline said. American severed ties in 2017 with Twin Hill because the previous clothes sparked more than 1,600 health complaints by cabin crews. Employees said those uniforms caused headaches, rashes and respiratory problems. The airline and Twin Hill, however, said they were safe. American for the first time is also letting employees choose the fabric they can wear — wool-blend or synthetic. Some employees said the illnesses were caused by the type of fabric they were wearing in the previous iteration and weren't given a fabric choice.<br/>