Last minute travel for imminent death/funeral of grandparent.

[Samskin]

So, here we are in Australia awaiting news on my nan in the UK who has days or weeks, maybe a month or two to go. When the time comes I need to take my mum back to england in a hurry so that not only can she see her mum "in time" if possible, but also so that we can assist. With funeral arrangements etc. any tips on organizing such last minute, and indefinite, arrangements would be appreciated.

 

[Boris spatsky]

There is not alot you can do other than wait, unfortunately. You will be paying premium dollar to travel 'tomorrow'. Can she go now, a few weeks out?

 

[richie9x]

A lot of airlines do have special bereavement or compassionate fares. Although they don't make the fares public. Best to ring up several airlines explain your circumstances and see what they will offer. You will likely have to prove that the person is very ill or deceased and that you are closely related to them.

 

[Simo]

Try the airline call centre and see what they come up with.

Make sure the passport is all valid as well, That could also make a bit of a delay.

My Nan passed away in January and the cost of everything was expensive as it was all booked at the last minute.

One flight was booked about 8 hours before departure and that was the next flight that was leaving.

 

[Boris spatsky]

You may be fighting the Olympic high fares though

 

[simongr]

I was very lucky when my Gran (not so luckily) was killed a couple of years ago. QF were able to get me award flights at short notice, hold the flights until I had moved points across from Amex. I certainly would advocate calling around - especially airlines where you have status.

 

[nlagalle]

Qantas helped me out last year when i booked a ticket for my ex to attend her grandmothers funeral. They discounted the fares quite a bit to Geraldton and back. All i needed to supply was the name and the funeral house.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

depending on availability you may not have an issue getting a flight at reasonable prices. As a TA I have booked many last minute fares for deaths in the family, usually with TG who often have W class (the cheapest) available on the same day as departure. Often still on sale fares too. However during school holidays you may find only business class is available but most people are willing to pay.

 

[chirnpar]

So, here we are in Australia awaiting news on my nan in the UK who has days or weeks, maybe a month or two to go. When the time comes I need to take my mum back to england in a hurry so that not only can she see her mum "in time" if possible, but also so that we can assist. With funeral arrangements etc. any tips on organizing such last minute, and indefinite, arrangements would be appreciated.

Not often that Qantas gets big praise but I have to say they couldn't do enough for me when I called and needed a flight that day, due to a death in the UK. They were even prepared to waive the required arrival time if I could get to the airport asap for a flight leaving within a couple of hours. Well done Qantas on this occassion.

 

[RescuePilot]

Chirnpar - I agree
In March we had a crewman whose son was seriously injured in an MVA in the UK and at the time believed he had 48-72hours to live - if that
One of our secretaries called the QF call centre - explained the situation and was immediately put through to a supervisor and then the Platinum desk (he was Bronze QF)
I was extremely surprised at the response
Within 1 hour a seat on a flight had been located, he was allowed to use points even though he was short (and in the end was never deducted!!!) and whilst en route was upgraded by the CSM for the last leg so that he could rest before he got to LHR so that he could spend maximum time with his son.
Apparently Flight Ops sent messages and also called Capt/FO via Satphone to ensure that CSM was aware of seriousness of situation. I stress at no time was his role as a rescue crewman/flight paramedic ever mentioned - this was the QF response.Samskin - i can only stress that you at least call QF and others and see what they can do

Cheers
RP

 

[Chicken]

A lot of airlines do have special bereavement or compassionate fares.

Air Canada
United
Virgin Atlantic
Lufthansa
Delta

 

[zoomaloid2000]

Definitely try talking to Qantas and make them aware of what is happening. When I had to travel because my mother was in intensive care (luckily she recovered), they found m the next available seat to UK via Hong Kong, and let me use points even though I didn't have enough. Qantas get a lot of stick, but they won me over totally for their help when I needed it. I would imagine other airlines would also do their best to help too.

 

[Hvr]

I guess the other thing is to make sure you have the finances available to pay for the ticket.

Nothing worse that waiting for a credit card payment etc to go through before you can book the ticket.