Hmmmm........if Nicci cannot help then this is a case for Special Services. My thoughts would be that this is a special fare and that special conditions apply as someone said that is why no one at agent level can touch the booking. That said anything can get altered in extremis - so firstly I would stop worrying. I suggest that you check in and get a Special Service agent over to assist. As you are all F passengers that should not be a problem. Explain that problem to them and I am certain that they can authorise it as a IRR. There again if the connection misses she would be put on the later flight without question or cost.

If all else fails I would buy one of your children the cheapest ticket going and have them on the aircraft to attend to Granny at Madrid. They wait for you - you all meet.

I have to say that this whole worry and upset has been generated in order to go in a Lounge? I hope it's worth it.