Just a point in fact. I can't speak for any other airline but I know that at AA if the circumstances can be proved and you speak to the supervisors or someone who has the authority they can waive advance purchase among other things. But they will ask for and verify names of doctors, hospitals, funeral homes, etc. Believe it or not AA is a
very generous corporation and just because it doesn't all get publicized doesn't mean it isn't done..things like free transportation for rescue workers going to natural disasters, free planes for the airline ambassadors program (which is an org of aa employees that help other people in other countries on their vacations and off time. I think you get the idea. But we are a business and I sure don't see funeral homes, hospitals, grocery stores etc., giving discounts just because someone asks..
In all fairness, I had a personal emergency with a family member that was ongoing and I had beaucoup help from churches and private citizens for a long time until my family member died..there are a lot of good corporations and churches, organizations, hospitals and such out there if there is genuine need.