tjcxx

Beware that NYC/LON returns are typically a fair bit more expensive than LON/NYC.

PAL62V

Once again, this forum has been nothing short of remarkable. I never thought of even checking the Avios availability at this late stage. As Mrs PAL62V is a US citizen, I was able to grab her one of the reward seats for a one way flight for 20,000 + £251 tax. Possibly the best use of Avios I have ever had and a huge saving. Plus she now has the flexibility of coming back when she likes as we have no idea of what is going to happen once she's there.

Thanks to all of you who offered suggestions, especially @strickers and @flatlander for their inspiration. You are all a great community.

madfish

Gadot

Delta and Luftansa have bereavement fairs - but has to be for deceased person

MSPeconomist

Gadot

When I last used it about 10 years ago, it was 50% less than internet rate

scottishpoet

for Lufthansa you need to book a week in advance.

Globaliser

However, what if there is no award availability for the actual desired return date? By that stage, the inbound half of the award ticket can no longer be refunded. Then the OP would either have manufacture another trip around the notional return date or some other time when there is availability, or throw away the return half. It may be that in present circumstances, there would be a good chance that the "spare" inbound half can be used at some other future date. But this would be worth thinking about before jumping into buying a round-trip ticket now, because it's not worth the "saving" on TFC if half the ticket ends up being thrown away.

Often1

While UA does not offer a bereavement fare, it will, with proper documentation, waive change fees to shift the return without regard to fare bucket availability. In situations such as this, the ability to have some flexibility can be worth a lot more than a smallish discount.

PAL62V

....which is precisely what happened this week. Mrs PAL62V was stateside and had to alter her UA return flight on a non-flex ticket, again due to her mother's precarious state. UA made the change, charged a $300 fee and advised what she needed to do to get the fee refunded. With the correct paperwork she submitted the claim on Tuesday and it was approved on Friday. I know this is the BA forum but I have to say we were overawed with UA's service.

I was looking to book them again this evening until the suggestion upthread of using Avios, which has been amazing value.

Just looking at some possible return dates, I can get her on a o/way flight (probably UA or codeshare) for well under £300. Even if it's £400, that plus the £250 taxes we just paid makes the whole trip still cheaper than having to have booked a return with the hassle of maybe having to change the return flight.

madfish

brunos

Just a somewhat-related data point. My wife was on a BA award visiting her sick mother and due to return from Europe to Asia on Monday midday. Her mother passed away Sunday night. In theory, no possibility to postpone the award as it was well within the 24h window.
I called HK call center (Monday morning HK time) and the agent was very understanding, did not ask for supporting document (it would have been impossible to get an official death certificate at that time) and moved the award by a week. Even no mention of change fee.