Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines said on Sunday it will waive its usual penalty for changing reservations for anyone traveling to, from or through Mexico from Saturday through May 6. It applies to anyone who bought their ticket before on Saturday.

American spokesman Tim Smith wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press that the airline's medical department is 'closely monitoring the situation.' The airline has not canceled any flights because of swine flu, he said.

Mr Smith also wrote that American has received 'a few calls from customers ... but not huge numbers of them seeking changes or information so far.' In a statement on its website, Grupo Mexicana said that in light of statements by Mexican health authorities, international passengers traveling to Mexico City, or those who are required to catch connecting flights at the Mexico City airport, may reschedule their flights and/or travel dates at no extra charge.

Mexicana passengers must be scheduled to travel between April 24 and April 30.

Chicago-based United Airlines also issued a travel waiver due to the Mexico City swine flu outbreak. On its Web site, United said passengers who purchased tickets on or before Saturday, April 26 for travel through April 30 may change their plans without incurring a penalty.

Houston-based Continental Airlines Inc is offering to waive change fees for passengers traveling to, from or through Mexico City, Puebla and Toluca, Mexico between April 26 and April 28.

Tempe, Arizona-based US Airways Group Inc. and Air Canada are waiving change fees for customers with Mexico City travel plans through April 30.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport spokesman David Magana said the airport is experiencing normal operations. Airport officials are 'working closely with airlines and with local, state and federal health and emergency management agencies to monitor and assess the situation,' he wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Los Angeles World Airports officials also said on Sunday that 'reasonable' precautions are being taken at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to prevent swine flu infection. There are several airlines at LAX that operate a total of 45 daily flights to and from several destinations in Mexico. In an e-mailed statement, airport officials said custodians are paying special attention to sanitizing door knobs, handrails and faucets in restrooms in LAX s five terminals where incoming international flights are processed. Signs with tips on preventing the spread of illnesses are being re-posted.

But AeroMexico ticket counter agents at LAX said they were given no special instructions regarding the flu outbreak. -- AP