What is the best way to go about getting a flight back to the US from Europe (Paris) when an emergency ocurrs?
Hello,
I am from the Boston area and I will be spending my summer in Paris doing an internship. My grandmother is very sick and unfortunately, it is likely that she will pass away while I am in France. I am wondering how to best go about planning for a situation like this, where it is possible that I may need to get back to the US abruptly. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry to hear about your grandmother, I know how tough it having to be abroad at these kind of times.
Most airlines offer refundable/exchangeable tickets. They docost more than standard tickets, but you should be able to change to almost any flight with the same destination with that kind of ticket. I had to go back to the US once early because my mom was having health issues and had a non-refundable ticket, and they let me change the day for a $200 fee. I would just read the terms and conditions of your ticket before you get it and make sure there is a condition where you can change the day. You’ll have to call to tell them ahead of the flight you want to switch to in order to make sure there are spaces available and to change the booking. They will probably ask some more questions at the airport, but they tend to be very sympathetic when it comes to a family thing like that.
Sorry for your Gran.
Only one answer here though – you pay whatever the flight costs.
do u have a travel agent? if u do ask them…. i guess u could always go to the US embassy, if u need help there.. i dont kno though…
AirsoftDude
I would call your airline that you flew over there with..Then talk to them.. Generally they’ll buy back your ticket and apply it to your new one.. When I was in Serbia last year, I flew Lufthansa.. I had an emergency and had to fly back within a 3 day stretch, two weeks early.. I only paid $50 more to do it.. They were awesome.. I flew from Belgrade, Serbia to Portland, Oregon too
Often ebookers is the place to find cheapest flights when you have to fly fast from Europe to US.
Also check Air France, British Airways, KLM, and Aer Lingus. It may be cheaper that you get your normal return flights for returning when you originally plan to, and then if needed look at the emergency flights from France. Sometimes the flexible return flights can be very expensive.
But absolutely – if you don’t have your flight tickets to France yet, ask your travel agent how much a ticket that you can change the return date if needed will cost more. They can hopefully find you a good deal. And hopefully your grandma will get better so that you don’t have to reschedule.
Take care