While we are on the topic, I will share my experiences with Continental and Northwest. When an immediate family member of mine passed away, I called CO and asked for an emergency fare. They claimed that they did not do that anymore (even though I was elite - no exceptions). I then called NW and not only did they give me an emergency rate, but they also called me the next morning to make sure that I would not miss the flight. When I arrived at the airport, I was upgraded to first.