A more than 40 percent discount is offered on the route between Beijing and Kunming, with the largest discount up to 60 percent.

According to the reform plan issued on April 16, airlines are allowed to raise prices by 25 percent or lower them by as much as 40 percent.

"We broke the rules by offering more than 40 percent discounts in order to attract more passengers as SARS has greatly hurt our business," said an air-ticket seller in Kunming.

Many people don't dare take a plane because of the deadly disease, the seller said.

Starting April 21, all passengers on domestic flights must fill out a health declaration form before going through boarding procedures, and disinfection is ensured in the airport and on the plane, according to the regulation.

In some airports in Beijing and Shanghai, all passengers must have their temperatures taken and be isolated if suspected of being infected with SARS, the regulation indicates.

(eastday.com April 28, 2003)