Update: I found another thread, "bereavement fares, thank you AC". However, some of the info in the thread is contradictory. I will post a summary of what seems to be current (according to AC website) there.

[MENTION=21818]Stranger[/MENTION]: thanks for the reminder about change fees. Important point. I don't normally buy travel insurance but it would be more expensive than the change fee in my experience. In my current situation (relative in palliative care), I don't think I'd be eligible for cancellation insurance. Not appropriate to post here about "how you stay away from change fee" but I would be most appreciative if you could PM the strategy in the event I need to change my tx. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.