Adoption travel question
 

I have a friend that is adopting (or hopefully, will be) from out of state. She knows the approximate dates of travel, but since it all depends on when her birthmom goes into labor, it's still up in the air. She and her husband will need to travel as soon as they get the call.

So...

Do any airlines offer last minute, adoption "special" fares?

Regardless, what would you recommend they do...just wait until they get the call and pay whatever they need to pay at the last minute? Or, is there a way to pre-purchase a cheaper, but "open" ticket?

Many, if not most, airlines offer international adoption fares. United & Lufthansa, for example, have some (limited) info on theirs here. No idea if they offer domestic ones, though I suspect not. (Even if they do, I couldn't say how much better the fares are than "off the rack" ones.) Still, it couldn't hurt to call and ask about adoption fares. Definitely don't wait until the last minute to inquire.

If you mention the place from which they're adopting, FTers may be able to suggest some of the better airlines to contact. It would also be good to post the specific date window they're considering, as undoubtedly open tickets would be a better or worse deal depending on exactly when they need to go.

And, last but certainly not least, congratulations to the happy (soon-to-be) parents!

Thanks! I'm going to forward your post to them...thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Lisa

I helped a friends recently with an international adoption. We found it best to ask friends if they had reward miles they could donate for travel. THis alloweed her to wait to the last minute to make the arrangments.

Just a thought...