Changing flight with Qantas due to bereavement

DesperateScousewife

My sil is in Australia visiting family. Sadly my mum passed away unexpectedly at the weekend. Sil has flight booked to return to UK on 23rd. But now needs to get back for the funeral on 20th.

She’s flying with Qantas. Do they allow you to change flights without penalties in these circumstances?

TIA for any replies.

bagand96

Sorry for your loss.

The only way to get a definite answer on this is to contact Qantas. Non refundable/non changeable airfares usually mean exactly that. Some airlines have a compassionate policy. Others don’t but may assist anyway on an individual basis. However it is peak travel time so availability may be an issue - so get in touch with them ASAP.

If Qantas can’t or won’t help, then your SIL’s travel insurance might well cover this.

jackieblack

Sorry for your loss.

Of course it’s worth making enquires, however, assuming sil means Sister-In-Law, and you say it’s your mum that’s passed (rather than her mother - your Mother-In-Law), meaning that your sil isn’t actually a close relative of the deceased, she may find that she isn’t eligible for either the ‘compassionate’ accommodations some airlines will make nor covered by insurance (although this will, of course, depend on the policy).

Nothing to lose by asking, of course, there’s a small chance she might get an exceptionally sympathetic customer service rep.

spiro

jackieblack wrote: »

Sorry for your loss.

Of course it’s worth making enquires, however, assuming sil means Sister-In-Law, and you say it’s your mum that’s passed (rather than your Mother-In-Law), meaning that your sil isn’t actually a close relative of the deceased, she may find that she isn’t eligible for either the ‘compassionate’ accommodations some airlines will make nor covered by insurance (although this will, of course, depend on the policy).

Same can apply to travel insurance.

leylandsunaddict

Sorry for your loss.

Some airlines used to do compassionate/bereavement fares, but they're few and far between and sil may not have been a close enough relative for them to apply anyway. I think Qantas do them but only for travel within Australia.

Your sil will have to talk to whoever she booked through about changing her ticket, providing of course it allows changes. They may forego the change fee and just charge the difference in cost. She should also contact her travel insurance provider to see if they can help.

DesperateScousewife

Thanks for all your replies. Sil has now sorted another flight with Qantas. Haven’t heard if they give her any concessions.