What would A Flyer Talker do??
Jun 19, 2019, 4:18 pm
#31
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SAN
Programs: AA CK, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 839
I’m very sorry for your friend - there but for the grace of God, go you are I. It’s wonderful that you’re helping him.
As as for the flights, I’d schedule a week after treatment and if things go sideways, DL would probably waive the change fee but just be prepared to cover it in case they don’t (and keep it a secret from your friend).
As as for the flights, I’d schedule a week after treatment and if things go sideways, DL would probably waive the change fee but just be prepared to cover it in case they don’t (and keep it a secret from your friend).
Jun 19, 2019, 4:40 pm
#32
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: DL
Posts: 196
I would highly suggest your friend talking with his oncologist about what he can expect after the chemo on a day by day basis. If it was just to be a short trip, I would strongly advocate for going first, then coming back to start chemo. It is unlikely to make a difference in his overall life-span to wait another week (although that can't be guaranteed), but it would almost certainly make a difference in his energy levels for the trip.
Jun 19, 2019, 7:48 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GRR
Programs: Delta Plat & Million Miler
Posts: 1,375
Jun 20, 2019, 5:51 am
#34
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: Delta TDK(or care)WIA, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,869
Sorry to hear about your friend. Since he has a legitimate medical reason, he should be able to get a refund if it turns out he can’t fly. But he will have to submit supporting documentation and wait for the refund to get approved, which could be a hassle compared to having a refundable ticket.
That approach might make it possible for OP to get the thing done whether or not Delta ultimately assented to the refund. OP could get friend to assent to being advanced the money if it turned out that there had to be a change or cancellation and then they could go forward with their plans.
Jun 20, 2019, 6:17 am
#35
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,642
I am guessing there is some significance to the choice of the Dominican Republic, but if the desire was just to get away to a warm beach place, you could possibly consider Southwest to Cancun (for example) and take advantage of easier cancellation/change. This requires you are departing from someplace WN serves. The suggestion of use of miles (if you have them) sounded like the best alternative for DL flight to DR though.
Jun 20, 2019, 6:52 am
#36
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Boston Suburbrs
Programs: AA ExPlat, IHG Spire Amb
Posts: 1,205
It might make sense to talk to his oncologist about his plans to take the trip, as it seems more important to him to have a little quality of life rather than trying to extend his quantity of life through chemo. What are the chances that the chemo will help with this terminal cancer at all? A friend's father just got a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He said he's seen enough people go through chemo and radiation and be miserable for weeks or months, only to die anyway. So he decided to spend his money on an RV and took his wife on a road trip across the USA before dying. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Thanks for being such a great friend!