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Caitie Mae · 03-27-2011, 12:48 PM

I've made no secret that I'm having a lot of trouble lately. Everyone has been so great and so helpful throughout my difficulties. Things have been getting better. Until now.

Just got a text from a family member telling me that mom is in ICU and her prognosis is very grim. I need to get to her right away.

Does anyone know about getting cheaper airline tickets to fly to a dying parent?

I am trying to find out myself, but I've got so much to do to be ready to leave and I'm just not able to do it all.

thanks,

~sweetness~

Sweet N Little · 03-27-2011, 01:07 PM

Sorry about your Mom Caitie
this may help some
http://www.howtodothings.com/travel/...ial-situations

Caitie Mae · 03-27-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet N Little

Sorry about your Mom Caitie
this may help some
http://www.howtodothings.com/travel/...ial-situations

Thank you for the link. I'll check it out right away.

BigPurdy · 03-27-2011, 02:23 PM

That's pretty cool. I never knew services like that existed.

CM, another option is a friend or acquaintance that travels a lot. They would have an abundance of flier miles and would possibly consider giving you the required amount for the trip.

Sorry for your situation and good luck with your mom.

BP

VictoriaLyn · 03-27-2011, 02:38 PM

I have been able to get last minute tickect from price lines name your own price option..
I am so sorry to hear about your mom.....Wishing you the best

Sweet N Little · 03-27-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caitie Mae

Thank you for the link. I'll check it out right away.

Your welcome girl, My thoughts and prayers are with you.

TexTushHog · 03-27-2011, 10:12 PM

http://us.lastminute.com/

guest043013-2 · 03-28-2011, 10:34 AM

I am late to this party, but most airlines will give you a 'lowest fare available' that pretty much matches what the fare would be if you were booking with plenty of advance notice. Has helped me out a couple of times with deaths and serious illnesses.

In DFW area, I would just call the usual airlines (Delta, American) and see what they can offer.

I hope Caitie was able to get her situation resolved, I don't want to bother her with a telephone call at this point, but maybe this will help someone else out.

planojim · 03-28-2011, 06:06 PM

Tried that once with Delta. The Fare the Delta rep quoted me was much MORE than the internet rate. Watch yourself!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigercat

I am late to this party, but most airlines will give you a 'lowest fare available' that pretty much matches what the fare would be if you were booking with plenty of advance notice. Has helped me out a couple of times with deaths and serious illnesses.

In DFW area, I would just call the usual airlines (Delta, American) and see what they can offer.

I hope Caitie was able to get her situation resolved, I don't want to bother her with a telephone call at this point, but maybe this will help someone else out.

ElisabethWhispers · 03-28-2011, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by planojim

Tried that once with Delta. The Fare the Delta rep quoted me was much MORE than the internet rate. Watch yourself!

That has been my limited experience as well. No one was that much help with last minute arrangements. But for me, that was a long time ago.

Hopefully, things have gotten better. And I'm going to read those links!

Good luck, CM.

Elisabeth

Clouddancer · 03-28-2011, 07:09 PM

It might be a little late since you posted yesterday, but often the airlines will offer a decreased rate in an emergency, or family crises. No guarantees but you might just call the airline, explain the situation and see what happens.

I was able to do this a few years back when I was on a trip in BC and my kiddo was suddenly in the hospital.

Best wishes Catie

LazurusLong · 03-29-2011, 10:27 AM

Depending on where you're headed, be sure to check the smaller airports. For example, flying into Akron/Canton instead of Cleveland Hopkins is almost always much cheaper.

Regional airports cater to smaller airlines which translates to cheaper fares. If you don't know the regional airports, let me know what major city you need to hit and I'll post the ones I have had luck with in the past.

Caitie Mae · 03-30-2011, 06:22 PM

I have received a HUGE response to this post privately in addition to what is posted here. I can't thank all of you enough for your kindness and generosity. I am humbled.

Good news is that prognosis is improving daily and I may not be making the trip right away, although I will still be trying to get there soon.

Thank you again and again and again!

~sweetness~