Originally Posted by
JDiver
You must read the Detailed Fare Rules for the specific fare components; the most restricted fare governs the remaining components. Some allow unrestricted changes, others include restrictions but may lost exceptions for death, traveling companions, etc.
Whether the most restictive rule applies depends on what is stated in the fare rules. It may state that the conditions of changed components applies rather than the most restrictive rule being applicable
In the OP's case , potentially dying is unlikely to be a permissible reason for the change and is something where travel insurance ( if held ) may assist