Immediate Emergency Flight Home Experiences?

[Packer]

It is a sad fact for those that live far away from an ageing parent, that one day or night they may very well get a phone call telling them that they need to get back home IMMEDIATELY.

 

I am preparing for such an eventuality, so that if the time comes, I know exactly what to do while one's head could be all over the place. 

 

Clothes into a suitcase, passport etc into a backpack and off to the airport.

 

Not forgetting to get a re-entry permit while there. Counter located in the passport control zone 2, 4th floor of Suwannaphum, 1000 THB and copies of passport and visa.

 

But booking immediate flights. For me, it would be 3 flights. One to Suwannaphum, then one main to SFO, then one domestic.

 

What is the best way to book in a hurry?

 

Websites such as booking.com or agoda or skyscanner?

Wait until getting to Suwannaphum airport (one flight away) and just go to different airline counters and ask them?

 

What are your experiences of booking immediate flights (or as close as possible) in such an emergency? Was it around the normal price, or was it much higher? 

[bamnutsak]

Personally I'd start planning now, check out possible routings. Familiarize yourself with those routings, schedules. carriers.

 

 

I might opt for one single ticket for CNX-BKK-NNN-SFO-MMM as this gives you the most protection re: IRROPS. If you do book CNX-BKK and BKK-SFO-MMM separately give your self plenty of time for the connection at BKK.

 

And I might opt to buy directly from the issuing airline.

 

Some airlines offer slightly discounted bereavement fares - last minute can often be the MOST expensive.

 

Will you be able to pick return dates?

 

What is your final destination?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

Why not go and visit them before they are on their deathbed ?

[Packer]

7 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Personally I'd start planning now

 

That's exactly what I said I'm doing. Everybody should do it, if such a phone call is a possibility. 

 

[Packer]

2 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Why not go and visit them before they are on their deathbed ?

 

We do. Twice a year, usually. 🙂 

[BrandonJT]

6 hours ago, Packer said:

Websites such as booking.com or agoda or skyscanner?

Skyscanner is not a booking website.  They give you links to other booking websites.  But it's usually best to book directly with airlines, and not through third party websites.  If there are problems, missed connections, cancelled flights etc, you can only work with the company you used to book.  If you book directly with the airline you can go to the counter at the airport and talk to the airline staff or call the airline directly, or use their app to try and rebook etc. But if you use a third party website, the airline will not talk to you, and will tell you to talk to the company you used to book your flight.  Many of these companies will not assist you quickly.

[proton]

Last time I did it just turned up at the airport and booked a flight there leaving two hours later

[daveAustin]

You can get your re entry permit when you get annual extension. Should be valid for length of stay. One less thing to think about. 

[Cameroni]

6 hours ago, Packer said:

Was it around the normal price, or was it much higher? 

 

Much higher.

 

I only book direct with the airline. If I were to book via booking site, I'd use Agoda.

 

Good thinking to plan ahead.