OT Flying in for a friend's funeral

[LadyBeBop]

A good friend of my two DDs (my youngest DD's BFF) passed away this morning. My eldest daughter wants to fly home for the funeral. However airfare on such a short notice is outrageous....over $600 round trip. She does not qualify for bereivement rates since she is not a family member.

Am I missing something? Should she try Priceline? The earliest she can leave is tomorrow night, and she has to be in town no later than Tuesday by about 4:00. She would leave anytime Thursday.

However, if she goes with Priceline, isn't she commited to anytime Monday or anytime Tuesday? Meaning her flight could take off at noon on Monday if she chooses Monday (too soon)...or arrive here at 11 PM on Tuesday (too late)?

She would be flying from Shreveport LA to Cincinnati, OH...however she is open to flying out of Dallas and flying into several airports within about 100 miles of Cincinnati (Lexington, Louisville, Indianapolis, Columbus).

As always, many thanks.

 

[francie57]

Not sure, but airlines used to offer breavement fares. You would have to pay the more expensive price up front but once you provided the necessary info to them they refunded you half the price. Not sure of the requirements in this day and age - may be worth calling the airline directly and asking them what they can do for you.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Not sure, but airlines used to offer breavement fares. You would have to pay the more expensive price up front but once you provided the necessary info to them they refunded you half the price. Not sure of the requirements in this day and age - may be worth calling the airline directly and asking them what they can do for you.

I checked the airlines going from Shreveport to Cincinnati...you have to be a family member to get the special fares.

 

[bumbershoot]

Even 11 years ago you had to pay the full price and then show them a certified death certificate (and relationship to the deceased) to get a refund, with the major airlines...

Last minute travel is very expensive, most of the time. Check out kayak.com to see all (but Southwest) of the possibilities out there...

And yes, i think that priceline is a bit risky when flying in for an event that starts on a certain schedule.

 

[pr surfer]

The bereavement fares are IME usually more expensive than deep discount fares that can be obtained through wholesalers and directly through the airlines own website.

 

[tinka-belle]

Yes, in all my years as a TA, I've found bereavement fares to be higher than what's normally offered. The only benefit they have is being flexible on changing the return since family might have to stay longer unexpectedly.

Some airlines no longer them. You are not missing anything by not being able to get one.

Last minute fares can typically be high since the discounted advance purchase time hasn't been met.