trip may have to be cancelled less than 40 days out

[Dimples1973ca]

My DD, DH, my awesome inlaws and I, had planned a great ten day stay at the Poly CL for July2-12. The package is paid in full. Flights are booked through Expedia. Well, three days ago my father in law was rushed to emergency. He has confirmed congestive heart failure. With the condition, he shouldn't fly and the high temperatures isn't recommended. My mother in law doesn't think that they should join us. We would drive but she is afraid that the condition may worsen. I suggested we cancel and do a driving trip maybe to Maine towards end of summer. She said that we should go to Disney anyways. We would feel like crap because she gave us the $13000 to cover our entire trip. We are at 37 days from the trip so we have to make some decisions soon. Any one have experience cancelling at this point. Our credit card will have a huge credit. So how does that even work.

So confused and worried and sad all rolled into one stressed out package.
__________________

 

[kymom99]

I have a question. I am not a medical professional, but I am wondering what the cause is of the heart failure. My father had it because he had a prolapsed heart valve, but there are many things that cause heart failure. It is a condition brought on by many different things. If the primary condition can be corrected, the heart failure could go away. The reason I ask is because if this is a temporary situation, you could postpone your trip.

I'm sure all of this came out of the blue. Take a deep breath and wait a few days to see how things progress. I don't know the terms of your trip, and I have gone on room only reseravtions which allow cancellation up to a few days before, so I don't know what your options are. Hopefully you will get some good information that will help with your decision.

Sending prayers your way.

 

[joanchris]

Is there any way to reschedule the trip to a cooler season, so they would still be able to go with you? I would question why they suggest no flying, I have known adults with the condition who flew, not sure if there is some other reason the doctors are recommending not to fly. Plus, if the trip were rescheduled to a later date there would be more time to ensure that he is stable, the condition is treated appropriately and everyone has time to adjust to new meds, lifestyle etc.

 

[MSSANDRA]

The term "congestive heart failure" can mean so many different things and many people do live fairly normal lives with it. Now, what you may have planned may not be possible, but you may can salvage your trip. Ask why he can not fly. My mom and MIL have had CHF and we have never been told they can not fly. They can not be afraid to never travel again. Driving may be an option if flying is not. They would have you guys with them and hospitals in Florida seem to be good. Maybe your parents can spent lots of time at the resort, pool with some early and late day touring.

If they decide they can not go, and you feel comfortable that your FIL is healthy enough to leave, and if your money is not refundable or at least a large part of it.....I would try to go on. I am sure they would feel WORSE knowing that money is wasted than you were enjoying it.

Prayers for your FIL

 

[Eliza32]

No trip insurance?

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

Sorry about your FIL.

 

[BridgetR3]

Could you postpone it? We have had to move a trip before and Disney was VERY willing to work with us. I don't know about the airlines but Disney would rather see you spend that same money in November/December rather than back out all together.

 

[calmpets]

Your best bet is to file a claim with your trip insurance and just reschedule when his health is stable.

 

[nkereina]

I am so sorry about your FIL. If you don't have trip insurance, you can cancel your trip with a $200 cancellation fee at this point. If you want to postpone it, you can change your trip to future dates with a $50 change fee plus or minus the difference in price... for example, if you postpone to January which is value season, you'd get the difference in price. If you postpone to Christmas week, you'd have to pay the difference in price.

As for the airline, every airline's policy is different and the fact that you booked through Expedia won't make a difference. You'd still be subject to your airline's cancellation policy. Many airlines will charge you a cancellation fee and the difference will be issued to each of you in the form of an airline credit that you will need to use within one year from the original flight booking date. This is why it might be best to postpone and then if things don't pan out at that point, consider cancelling all together.

Hope it all works out

 

[amccu18007]

No sage words of advice but I am sorry to hear about your FIL. I really hope that his health improves.

 

[disd55]

Sorry about your FIL. He'll get better. Many people live a normal life with CHF. I don't see why he can't fly in 37 days. That's a pretty long period for him to stabilize. See how he is by the end of this upcoming workweek. If he's gotten better, ask the doctors if he can go. He's got time to heal. If not, reschedule. Make it some time in November, which is a very nice time to go. Good luck.