Grandfather passed away, mother needs to go to funeral, flights too expensive

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thahenchman

Member
Jun 9, 2004
148
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My grandfather passed away today and my mother would like to go to the funeral.

She lives in New Mexico and my grandfather's funeral will take place in Martinique (airport code FDF).

Right now all airline prices are outrageous, does anyone have any advice or suggestions on what to do? Is there any way she will be able to make it?
 
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NikPreviousAcct

No Lifer
Aug 15, 2000
52,763
1
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While I'm sorry to hear about your loss, you haven't been around here nearly long enough for me to even consider donating money. People try taking advantage of AT way too often. Good luck.
 
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thahenchman

Member
Jun 9, 2004
148
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I don't want any money from anyone, just suggestions on how my mom can get to her father's funeral or if anyone knows where to buy a cheap ticket. Has anyone ever dealt with a bereavement (international) before?
 
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thahenchman

Member
Jun 9, 2004
148
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Originally posted by: Nik
Swim. Seriously, Google's got plenty of resources for cheap flights and charters.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'm going through google right now but no luck, few offer flights on such short notice (leaving tomorrow, his burial is Tuesday) or to the airport in Martinique (FDF).

From here: " In addition, many airlines will not offer bereavement discounts on international flights, some will require a death certificate in addition funeral home information, others will require you to let them know a few days in advance of your travel."

:(
 
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BRObedoza

Diamond Member
Apr 16, 2004
4,133
0
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Originally posted by: thahenchman
Originally posted by: Nik
Swim. Seriously, Google's got plenty of resources for cheap flights and charters.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'm going through google right now but no luck, few offer flights on such short notice (leaving tomorrow, his burial is Tuesday) or to the airport in Martinique (FDF).

From here: " In addition, many airlines will not offer bereavement discounts on international flights, some will require a death certificate in addition funeral home information, others will require you to let them know a few days in advance of your travel."

:(
Click to expand...
was just about to post that. just call up the airline and see what they offer.
 
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luvya

Banned
Nov 19, 2001
3,161
2
0
No matter how hard you look, the flight price is going to be more expensive than it otherwise would have been, cause it's such a short notice. Try priceline or hotwire.....and good luck to you.
 
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iliopsoas

Golden Member
Jul 14, 2001
1,844
2
0
try priceline. bereavement fares aren't all that great, not offering much of a discount at all.
 
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JoeKing

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
10,641
1
81
Ask friends for the number of a good travel agent. You'd be amazed at the prices they can get. They can often undercut priceline by a few hundred dollars if you can find an agent that specalizes in the location you wish to go.

--edit--
just noticed the funeral is on Tues. So it's unlikley you'll find an agent. From what airports is she willing to leave from? Also does it have to be round trip? I'll tkae a look around
 
aircooled

aircooled

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
15,965
1
0
Call the airline, and speak with a real person. Let them know the situation. They sometimes give better rate's for these situations.
 
EagleKeeper

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
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More than likely you will have to connect through MIA. (Assumption that FDF is Carribean). If not look for the major connecting airport

Try to look at two seperate trips. Might come in shorter.

Very few airline offer cheap fares at the last minute.

Priceline might help, you can get the day only.
 
A

Armitage

Banned
Feb 23, 2001
8,086
0
0
Another vote for priceline - I got a really good deal fro a last minute flight when my grandmother passed away. But it was all domestic. That's the kicker with yours.

OT, but my ex has some sort of family crisis in S. America yesterday. I helped her get a ticket to fly out this morning for about $550 on American from travelocity. I was amazed - normal fares purchased months ahead of time ussually come in at $700-$800 on south american airlines. I expected her to be paying $1k-$2K on 24 hours notice.
 
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bernse

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2000
3,229
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0
I would have tried to fly to another island with cheaper rates (Peurto Rico maybe?) and then taken an island hopper airline from there.
 
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pulse8

Lifer
May 3, 2000
20,860
1
81
Originally posted by: Nik
While I'm sorry to hear about your loss, you haven't been around here nearly long enough for me to even consider donating money. People try taking advantage of AT way too often. Good luck.
Click to expand...

WTF?

Where the hell did that come from? The guy is looking for help in finding a cheap plane ticket and at no point asked for money.

Bereavement fares are still expensive. For my grandmother's funeral a few years ago the tickets from LAX to MIA were like $700 each and that was after a 50% discount.
 
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kami333

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2001
5,110
2
76
half off retail rates, rates that almost no one pays unless they are buying at the last minute.
 
GasX

GasX

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
29,033
6
81
note - bereavement fare discounts are taken off the full-fare price. A discount ticket will usually beat it. Considering that you are on such short notice, beareavement fare maybe a deal as there are few to no discount fares available.

Good Luck!
 
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thahenchman

Member
Jun 9, 2004
148
0
0
My mother won't be able to attend her father's funeral. :(

The only airline flying to Martinique (FDF) from New Mexico is Air France. They only offer flights from ABQ on Wednesdays apparently? It would take too long to get there since there is a connection in Paris (no direct flight).

:(

Thanks anyway, this sucks. I feel so bad. :(
 
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BHeemsoth

Platinum Member
Jul 30, 2002
2,738
0
76
Originally posted by: thahenchman
My mother won't be able to attend her father's funeral. :(

The only airline flying to Martinique (FDF) from New Mexico is Air France. They only offer flights from ABQ on Wednesdays apparently? It would take too long to get there since there is a connection in Paris (no direct flight).

:(

Thanks anyway, this sucks. I feel so bad. :(
Click to expand...

Did you take the above suggestion and look for flights from a different city that you can fly to?


Won't be a direct flight but you should be able to find something cheaper.
 
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