My nephew got in a terrible car accident and died. I have to go to CA next week and I can't afford the airfare I am finding. My husband isnt even going because there is no way we can afford all of us to go. The bearevement fares are outrageous because they are the most expensive tickets at 50% off which makes them still over $400 each. It will be my son and I going just for 3 days the end of next week. We need to fly into Southern Ca..any airport is fine..does anyone have any ideas? or know of agencys that help familys in situations like these. I can definately prove that we have no money. Thank you for an advice you have.
Well, I ended up finding the best deal at Lastminute.com they had a package deal that was $590 for two round trip tickets and a rent a car. I put an ad on craigs list for "house cleaning" and cleaned a house for some extra money,So it worked out and I was able to go. The service was beautiful and I am so happy I was able to make it.
I'm so sorry for your loss. The best fare that I could find flying from DFW to LAX is $278 (with taxes and fees, it comes out to about $322).
Also, do you have a credit card? Check and see if they have any deals with some of the airlines. With our credit card, we get a free companion ticket with the purchase of a ticket over $300. I know it's still pricey, but every little bit helps.
Amy - you have my sympathy and my prayers.
A friend of mine had a similar issue awhile back, and she ended up finding something on a site similar to craigslist (I don't think it was craigslist, I think it was a local site LIKE it.) She found listings for people selling rewards certs. & then she ended up posting a barter deal - something she had in exchange for rewards certs. (I believe they were Southwest Airlines certs.)
It worked for her - so worth looking into. I would be very, very cautious of jumping into this approach, though. Her deal worked out great, but she could have just as easily been scammed.
If that doesn't work out, and certainly understanding there's a time factor, have you tried borrowing from relatives? In times like these, families usually will bond together, so it is more acceptable to ask to borrow money than it would be at other times.
All else fails, you can take out a signature loan at your bank. They can process them very quickly.
Good luck - S.
www.sidestep.com compares all of the airlines rates out there. It is a one stop search and you still buy directly from the airlines. It actually puts you over to their site.
First off, I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. :(
Bereavement fares only work if you think you may have to change flight days/times. They are so expensive because they are flexible where regular flights are not. But when you have concrete dates set for going, they suck. I ran into this when flying home to NC when my Granddaddy died.
I'd check out Southwest. They have some of the cheapest rates. Also check on stand by rates. Usually they are cheaper, although you will have to wait to see if there's room on the flight, but if you get there early and get your name in the pot, usually there's a good chance you will get on. I had to do this when I missed my regular flight to NC going home to visit last month because I got stuck in a bad traffic jam on the way to the airport and I was 5 mins late for check in.
As for any places that help families in these situations, I've no idea. :( Good luck! I hope things work out so that you can go.
Try travelocity.com, they have a section that has last minute deals. We used them last year to fly to CA when my SIL passed away.
