Mileage Trip with Family to Israel with sick mother back at home

[kivabb]

I have a situation and was hoping I can get some feedback. I miraculously got 8 mileage tickets (thanks to this site of course) for my family this summer to Israel with United miles for 2 weeks. The Outbound with United and the return with Air Canada (also booked through United). The trip would be for myself and my wife along with 7 kids (aged 1-14).

My mother unfortunately is in hospice with advanced cancer but is stable at the moment.  Assuming she's stable a day or 2 before the trip, I would probably make the journey and hope for the best.

My question is, if C"V things take a quick turn for the worse while I'm there, what are my options? Will the airline give us any more slack because of a death in the family on a mileage ticket? If yes, would my wife and kids also be considered immediate family? Would I call United or Air Canada (or both)?

Even if I manage get out on a one way to catch a levaya, the idea of leaving my wife and 7 little ones behind in peak season to make it back on their own is kind of scary for me. It the flights were direct, she can maybe split them up, but going through Canada, etc...

What would you do (besides not go)? Any input anyone has would be very much appreciated.

[sky121]

You can change a mileage ticket for $75 I believe but you'd need to have availability for all of you.

[kivabb]

You can change a mileage ticket for $75 I believe but you'd need to have availability for all of you.

I assume that would be impossible during peak season to get 8 seats with mileage availability

[damaxer91]

You would need to be quite lucky to find an agent (or supervisor) who has mercy and rebooks you because there is very little chance that so many seats open

You should only hear Besuros Tovos!

[Dan]

I assume that would be impossible during peak season to get 8 seats with mileage availability

You know what assume stands for

Decipher key:
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=20512.msg310239#msg310239

[Yaalili]

You know what assume stands for

lol

[kivabb]

Decipher key:
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=20512.msg310239#msg310239

Point well taken. Thanks.

I would then call the United Call back number to switch be from AC back to United. Any chance of them waiving the $75 fee?

[Dan]

I would then call the United Call back number to switch be from AC back to United. Any chance of them waiving the $75 fee?

Yes.
Yes.

[kivabb]

Yes.
Yes.

Thanks again

[Yitz]

Thanks again

I ha a similar experience with American Airlines. The airlines are very helpful when it comes to a death in the family. They asked some questions to verify that it was true and they made the change.

[Centurion]

yeshuas hashem kheref ayin
enjoy your trip!
whats the name we can daven for?

[kivabb]

Still undecided if I'm going or not. The local place that has cell phone rentals says that I can get travelers insurance that would cover flights back in case of death, but not change in medical condition (since preexisting). For $200-250 total, it would pay for $2500-3000 per ticket for all of us. Thinking of spending another $50 and making coverage up to $3700 to cover for biz class seat.

But still in same pickle, if I'm there and things take a turn for the worse (but she's still alive), and there's no award availabilty, then I'm stuck.

If it came down to it, would pleading to phone rep about my situation help to open up more award seats? Or would I be better off going to Air Canada (where my return is on) and begging them to put us on earlier flight? Or....?

[chuchem]

I dont think insurance will cover it, as you booked it mid trip. They aint stupid

[Ergel]

I dont think insurance will cover it, as you booked it mid trip. They aint stupid

+1

[kivabb]

My trip hasn't started yet. Broker told me death didn't fall into same category as change of medical condition and would be covered even if pre-existing.

Make no sense?