Ask about a Bereavement rate on airlines.
Miles are your best friend.
For us, we immediately went for our miles to fly down to Medford. We fly Alaska down there and always keep a stash of Alaska miles in our accounts which worked out really well for this last minute trip. We ended up still having to pay some for the trip, but it was way cheaper than having to pay for the entire last minute fare which was really high.
Check back is availability is scarce.
We originally looked at our fares on a Monday evening and the flight we needed to be on coming home (as we had another previous commitment that night back here in Portland) wasn’t even showing up with any available seats. However, when I checked back the following morning, 4 seats had opened up. Whether this is due to cancelations or seats maybe being on hold and then opened up, sometimes checking back the following day can make a big difference on availability.
Be flexible.
Traveling in case of a family emergency can be stressful enough, so being flexible with flights and planning for the unexpected can be helpful. Know that things might go wrong, flights may be delayed, connections missed, so just be ready to be flexible. Especially booking last minute, you might not get the perfect times or connections, so be ready to just go with it.
Be honest about why you’re traveling.
Because traveling in case of an emergency can be hard emotionally, don’t worry about hiding that. In fact, you may just find that people around you will help pick up the slack if you need. Be honest with airlines or airport security about why you’re flying if it’s going to make things easier. They might be more prone to help you or let you board early for example, if you’re honest about the reason for your trip.
Alex Butts says
I had no idea about Bereavement rates – such great advice Casey! I’m sorry to hear the news, but glad you guys are able to make it there.
Love your new header btw!
Casey Martin says
Thank you! Yes, sometimes the bereavement rates can be really helpful!
andrea says
We have never found bereavement fares cheaper than fares online, so generally they aren’t super helpful unless you really need the flexibility!
Casey Martin says
Yea, I’ve heard both ways, sometimes they are cheaper, sometimes not depending on the routes. Worth a shop looking into though!
Amanda says
United sorted me out with incredible bereavement fare when my grandparents were killed in a car accident. The flight from Atlanta to rural Texas cost me next to nothing thanks to the wonderful representatives that I spoke to on the phone.
Casey Martin says
Wow, that’s great to hear! It’s good to know that when we really need help, the airlines will be there!
Erica says
Sorry to hear about your family emergency! Awesome advise, though. I don’t think that many people talk about this, just because it’s not quite the glamorous side of travel that people want to show.
Casey Martin says
Thank you. I agree, it’s not something I’ve ever really had to do before but something I think is worth knowing for the future.
Erin Vaughn says
Great tips! Making travel arrangements can be stressful on it’s own, add in an emergency situation to the mix and the stress levels sky rocket.
XOXO,
Erin
http://www.thevaughnlife.us
Casey Martin says
Totally! It just adds that much more stress to travel!