Southy_SWFC

...but are there "my Dad is sick and I need to get back ASAP just in case" flights?

I've tried SkyScanner and Kayak but they both show up prices of around $1600 for next day flights.

Jerseygirl

I am very sorry to hear your father is sick. Flights at very short notice are extremely expensive...some airlines will give you a discount...check directly with the airline. Good luck.

civilservant

You can call and ask - but I doubt it. Not at Christmas time!

Ulsterman in Texas

Sorry about that, I think I may be in a similar situation in the near future if my own Dad's health get's much worse.

Tegwyn

Unfortunately not a good time for this type of thing now. We know because my MIL is dying of cancer and we understand from family that it is going to be any day now which is right in the middle of the high season.

Michael

From my understanding, even for bereavement, the airlines aren't giving much of a discount these days.

Southy_SWFC

Oh ok. Thanks for your help everyone

robin1234

I flew back Christmas Day when my mother died, having booked just hours in advance, and the flight was VERY cheap. Flight was half empty. So at this time of year, prices vary wildly day by day, in that there is a premium on flights a few days before and after the holiday, but if you can fly Christmas Eve or Christmas Day those days are traditionally not popular days.

Sorry to hear your father is sick.

Jerseygirl

I agree. We flew to the UK one year on the Christmas Eve overnight flight...I was surprised how low the prices were.

robin1234

Yes, when we lived in England and the children were young, we flew to Florida on Christmas Day several years, as it was the best price. (We don't celebrate Christmas so it made no difference to us.)

Cardienscarf

Sorry to hear this. I had to get back quickly when my father was ill and I called the airlines. I went with American in the end because the fare was slightly cheaper and they let me change the return flight without any fees or extra costs. I had to book a return but when I knew I wasn't going to be on that flight they held an open ticket for me until I called and said I was ready to go. That was 7 years ago and I know airlines change all the time so I'd suggest ringing around.

Southy_SWFC

Thanks, I'll bare that in mind if/when the time comes

Tegwyn

I remember they did that for me when my Mum passed away, but that is 13 years ago. I think it was Delta.

tonrob

For those with air miles, it's worth checking last minute availability as airlines often open up additional award space a few days before a flight if it's not selling too well. Admittedly less likely near Christmas, but it can happen. I have successfully booked award tickets for the following day a few times with different airlines (albeit in happier circumstances).

Jerseygirl

Since 9/11 I've always found the prices hit the roof if you book within 7 days of flying. In fact when I booked recently the prices went up at the 14th day mark too. So annoying as I was looking at prices late on the 15th day...thought I'd book the following morning and found the prices had increased significantly. As you say you can sometimes get around this by using reward miles.