Travelers protect themselves from H1N1

Are you jittery about traveling because of the H1N1 pandemic?

There are ways to protect yourself.

News 4 spoke to AAA about the latest precautions for the wary traveler.

In the hustle, bustle world of travel, where passengers share common ground, there is a major concern for protection, against the virus that knows no geographic boundaries.

Katie Klehn and Richard Kabel are planning to fly to Virginia, wary of possible exposure to H1N1, but not overly concerned.

"We'll just be very cautious and take the necessary precautions, washing our hands, be careful what you touch," said Klehn.

Small bottles of hand sanitizing gel can be a passenger's first line of defense.

The Renzi family just flew back from Disney World in Orlando, and all those rides.

"I gotta admit we thought about it every once in awhile. We brought the hand sanitizer everywhere we went," said Alex Renzi.

Some airlines allow crew members to determine if a passenger who appears sick, should be allowed to fly.

Mitra Mostoufi was kicked off her United flight at Tampa on her way to Honolulu. The crew thought she had swine flu. She says she had an upset stomach.

"The crew does not feel good about you flying because you might be sick. I didn't know they were all physicians," said Mostoufi.

Cruise lines are trying as hard as ever to attract vacationers and according to AAA, trying even harder to keep germs from spreading.

"You'll see the crew members constantly washing the railings, you know, the buttons on the elevators," said Cheryl Smith, AAA Master Cruise Consultant.

"When we were at port we actually had to fill out a form that said that we were in good health, that we didn't have any type of flu symptoms, as we boarded the ship," said Shaun Seufert, AAA Public Affairs Specialist.

AAA recommends that you take out travel insurance for any travel within or outside the U.S. It runs about 5. 5 % of the cost of your trip.

"We always recommend you purchase your insurance when you book the trip. That way, if there's any pre existing condition, you're covered at that time," said Angela Wawrzynek, AAA Travel Manager.

Some travel insurance is free for children 17 and under. But, these policies also base the rates on the ages of the adults. Other policies are based on the total cost of the trip. See what is best for you and your family. Many policies also cover emergency medical transportation and baggage delay.

If you have to cancel, how much does insurance pay for?

It pays for the entire cost of the trip, minus what you paid for the insurance.

AAA tells News 4 you can cancel even if it is your grandparents, aunts or uncles who become ill and you need to be there for them.

What does United Airlines say about that woman who was escorted off the flight to Hawaii?

A spokesman told News 4, crew members reserve the right to determine if someone is not fit to fly.

She said the woman was physically ill in the bathroom of the plane, before takeoff. As it turns out, she did not have the fly and was put on a flight to Hawaii the next day.

United says it will also provide small bottles of hand sanitizer, to passengers who request it.

It wouldn't hurt to wipe down the fold-out trays or even the arm rest, as an extra precaution.