www.iata.org

After the World Health Organization rose the level of alert for the swine flu to Phase 5, The International Air Transport Association said that airlines are prepared.

The International Air Transport Association says that they are working with the World Health Organization to prepare guidance materials for front line staff at airports. This includes information for cabin crew, cleaners, passengers, maintenance workers, passenger agents, and even cargo and baggage handlers. They went on to say that they are prepared and willing to follow all the advice that was given by the World Health Organization. The association also noted that passenger and crew safety is top priority over all else.

For passengers getting on plans anywhere, The International Air Transport Association wants people to remember two things. First all, airlines, even under normal circumstances, are all equipment with ways to keep the cabin a safe environment. For example, most aircrafts of today have an air filtration system which is found in most hospitals. All airlines are also disinfected as part of their normal cleaning routines. Thus, some airlines say the safest place you can be right now is on a plane. Second, the airline industry has spent years planning for the possibility of an avian influenza to help keep situations like this one from spreading.

The World Health Organization said that no restrictions on travel should be made. On that same note, they also pointed out that borders should not be closed. Right now it is most important for people who are ill not to travel and to seek medical attention. The International Air Transport Association is urging governments from around the world to listen to the World Health Organization, who are the experts on these types of situations.

For more information visit: wwwiata.org