Aug 8, 2022, 10:03 pm
Help with bereavement
Jul 2, 2018, 10:48 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 20
Help with bereavement
Hi,
was wondering if someone could give us a little ides please?
My brother lives in the USA. He was due to fly back to the UK on the 10th July.
Unfortunately our father passed away 2 days ago, and the funeral is arranged for the 9th.
Can anyone give us a rough idea how much it will cost to change his flights please?
If that is possible.
cheers,
karen
was wondering if someone could give us a little ides please?
My brother lives in the USA. He was due to fly back to the UK on the 10th July.
Unfortunately our father passed away 2 days ago, and the funeral is arranged for the 9th.
Can anyone give us a rough idea how much it will cost to change his flights please?
If that is possible.
cheers,
karen
Jul 2, 2018, 11:01 am
#3
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,772
First, our condolences on your loss.
Generally, for an economy TATL flight you are looking at a $300 change fee and potential a fare difference charge.
However, in cases like this, UA will post-flight refund the change fee with proper documentation.
Consolidated "Refunds/Cancellations Due to Illness/Death" Thread [Merged]
As for the fare difference, this is a change best done with an agent to see what magic they can do. If anyone in the family has UA status, have them call to make the change.
I'm sure this is the last thing anyone needs to deal with at this time but getting the family together is important.
Generally, for an economy TATL flight you are looking at a $300 change fee and potential a fare difference charge.
However, in cases like this, UA will post-flight refund the change fee with proper documentation.
Consolidated "Refunds/Cancellations Due to Illness/Death" Thread [Merged]
As for the fare difference, this is a change best done with an agent to see what magic they can do. If anyone in the family has UA status, have them call to make the change.
I'm sure this is the last thing anyone needs to deal with at this time but getting the family together is important.
Jul 2, 2018, 11:10 am
#4
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,016
Hi Karen - first of all, I'm sorry for your loss. My condolences.
As for fare change, it depends on the type of fare that was originally purchased, and it'll most likely be the difference in fare (if any) plus change fees. You can get an estimate by looking up what the new booking will cost, subtract the existing fare already paid, and add back in the change fee. Once you have the flight information, my personal opinion is to call to do the rebooking instead of via the web.
Per their unplanned event policy, you can request a refund of the change fee with proper documentation (e.g., death certificate) after paying the change fee.
As for fare change, it depends on the type of fare that was originally purchased, and it'll most likely be the difference in fare (if any) plus change fees. You can get an estimate by looking up what the new booking will cost, subtract the existing fare already paid, and add back in the change fee. Once you have the flight information, my personal opinion is to call to do the rebooking instead of via the web.
Per their unplanned event policy, you can request a refund of the change fee with proper documentation (e.g., death certificate) after paying the change fee.
Jul 2, 2018, 11:14 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 20
Hi,
thank you for the condolences and replies.
He did book via ua. Com
He has now spoken to a representative and it will cost several thousand dollars to change.
they make no accommodation for bereavement apparently.
Other airlines offer round trips for around one thousand so that is probably a better option unfortunately.
Thanks again.
thank you for the condolences and replies.
He did book via ua. Com
He has now spoken to a representative and it will cost several thousand dollars to change.
they make no accommodation for bereavement apparently.
Other airlines offer round trips for around one thousand so that is probably a better option unfortunately.
Thanks again.
Jul 2, 2018, 11:21 am
#6
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SLC
Programs: United Gold, Hilton Silver, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 768
Hi,
thank you for the condolences and replies.
He did book via ua. Com
He has now spoken to a representative and it will cost several thousand dollars to change.
they make no accommodation for bereavement apparently.
Other airlines offer round trips for around one thousand so that is probably a better option unfortunately.
Thanks again.
thank you for the condolences and replies.
He did book via ua. Com
He has now spoken to a representative and it will cost several thousand dollars to change.
they make no accommodation for bereavement apparently.
Other airlines offer round trips for around one thousand so that is probably a better option unfortunately.
Thanks again.
Jul 2, 2018, 11:25 am
#7
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,772
Unfortunately, this is peak travel time and space is very, very limited and you are under the 7 day Advance Purchase window, which are the most expensive tickets. The LCC pricing in this near term purchases does tend to be better.
Surprising. When my brother-in-law passed away earlier this year, I was able to call and make changes to a flight. They did charge the fees, but when I sent in the documentation, they refunded the fees (all of them). You may want to try again, and mention sending in documentation after the fact.
Jul 2, 2018, 11:46 am
#8
Join Date: May 2001
Location: HNL
Posts: 1,013
Hi,
thank you for the condolences and replies.
He did book via ua. Com
He has now spoken to a representative and it will cost several thousand dollars to change.
they make no accommodation for bereavement apparently.
Other airlines offer round trips for around one thousand so that is probably a better option unfortunately.
Thanks again.
thank you for the condolences and replies.
He did book via ua. Com
He has now spoken to a representative and it will cost several thousand dollars to change.
they make no accommodation for bereavement apparently.
Other airlines offer round trips for around one thousand so that is probably a better option unfortunately.
Thanks again.
Jul 2, 2018, 12:15 pm
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
This is almost certainly a fare difference and not a penalty. UA has substantially reduced its front line agents' discretion, along with AA. I would call back and, if need be, ask for a supervisor.
Otherwise, the $1,000 new ticket makes sense. Be sure to check the fare rules on the UA ticket to be sure, but if cancelled prior to departure, it will likely retain its value as a credit, subject to a penalty when used. That penalty would likely be waived.
Otherwise, the $1,000 new ticket makes sense. Be sure to check the fare rules on the UA ticket to be sure, but if cancelled prior to departure, it will likely retain its value as a credit, subject to a penalty when used. That penalty would likely be waived.
Jul 2, 2018, 12:51 pm
#10
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 556
My condolences!
I would try again. My cousin did something similar when our Grandma passed away. He was flying anyway, and had a layover in the city near where my Grandma's funeral was to be held. American Airlines allowed him to take the connecting flight the following day. So, instead of a 2 hour layover, he had a 26 hour layover. They did not charge him, but he did have to talk to a couple different agents (the HUCA method) until they agreed to do it.
I would try again. My cousin did something similar when our Grandma passed away. He was flying anyway, and had a layover in the city near where my Grandma's funeral was to be held. American Airlines allowed him to take the connecting flight the following day. So, instead of a 2 hour layover, he had a 26 hour layover. They did not charge him, but he did have to talk to a couple different agents (the HUCA method) until they agreed to do it.
Jul 2, 2018, 1:13 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
Perhaps try phoning the airline again?
Something similar happened to me in Rome this past October. My travel companion died two days in to our trip. We were scheduled to fly home from Switzerland via AA frequent flyer miles on Iberia-non refundable of course.
I called AA and got a sympathetic agent who was able to change my flight to departing from Rome-he could only get me as far a Philly so I had to pay to continue on to Boston; however, the alternative last minute flights were quite pricy for one way.
Good luck and I'sorry for your loss,
Karen
Something similar happened to me in Rome this past October. My travel companion died two days in to our trip. We were scheduled to fly home from Switzerland via AA frequent flyer miles on Iberia-non refundable of course.
I called AA and got a sympathetic agent who was able to change my flight to departing from Rome-he could only get me as far a Philly so I had to pay to continue on to Boston; however, the alternative last minute flights were quite pricy for one way.
Good luck and I'sorry for your loss,
Karen
Jul 2, 2018, 1:22 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 677
Firstly, may I also add my condolences.
I do not know anything about UA's policies in this situation but since your brother was due to travel anyway might he have some travel insurance (even the type that comes free with a credit card) that could cover this situation?
Secondly, if your brother is intending to buy a one-way ticket and travel back to the US on his originally booked ticket there may be a risk that his return flight is cancelled if he does not travel on the outbound flight. Those with more knowledge of how UA operates will be able to advise on this.
I do not know anything about UA's policies in this situation but since your brother was due to travel anyway might he have some travel insurance (even the type that comes free with a credit card) that could cover this situation?
Secondly, if your brother is intending to buy a one-way ticket and travel back to the US on his originally booked ticket there may be a risk that his return flight is cancelled if he does not travel on the outbound flight. Those with more knowledge of how UA operates will be able to advise on this.
Jul 2, 2018, 1:29 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium.;UA 1.5MM; UA Lifetime Gold (whoppee); DL Plat
Posts: 2,124
And if the first agent is not sympathetic, hang up and call again to see if you get a sensitive person.
Jul 2, 2018, 2:24 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
The fact they will waive change fees with documentation is generous.
Jul 2, 2018, 2:29 pm
#15
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,772
While understanding unscrupulous folks may try anything
A fare difference refund could be handled in the same manner.
In the past most airlines had bereavement fares with generous change policies but did not require documentation and suspect they were abused.
In the past most airlines had bereavement fares with generous change policies but did not require documentation and suspect they were abused.