Site for airfare for last minute emergency travel?
May 19th, 2011, 03:28 AM
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Site for airfare for last minute emergency travel?
I've found out yesterday that one of my best friends has died.
Her funeral is Tuesday in Tobago, and I would really like to be able to attend, however because I am not a relative, I don't qualify for bereavement fares, and what I am finding is fares from $950-1400 RT pp.
I would be going from either RDU or GSO (Raleigh or Greensboro) to (ideally) Tobago, but I have also been looking at flying into Trinidad, Grenada or Barbados, and then on to Tobago from there. But fares are still ranging from close to $1,000 and on up, without factoring in the flight(s) on from those locations.
I know that the closer you are to trip date, the higher fares are, but does anyone know of a consolidator who sells last minute availability - especially Caribbean travel? I don't care if it is a red eye or overnight flight, I would just like to be able to get there and back.
Thank you.
Her funeral is Tuesday in Tobago, and I would really like to be able to attend, however because I am not a relative, I don't qualify for bereavement fares, and what I am finding is fares from $950-1400 RT pp.
I would be going from either RDU or GSO (Raleigh or Greensboro) to (ideally) Tobago, but I have also been looking at flying into Trinidad, Grenada or Barbados, and then on to Tobago from there. But fares are still ranging from close to $1,000 and on up, without factoring in the flight(s) on from those locations.
I know that the closer you are to trip date, the higher fares are, but does anyone know of a consolidator who sells last minute availability - especially Caribbean travel? I don't care if it is a red eye or overnight flight, I would just like to be able to get there and back.
Thank you.
May 19th, 2011, 03:39 AM
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might also check flights to Port of Spain (POS)
copaair.com goes there cheaply sometimes
via MIA and PTY.
farecompare.com kayak.com/buzz cheapoair.com other options
cheapcaribbean.com packages very cheap sometimes.
Sorry for your loss and happy hunting not much last minute ..
copaair.com goes there cheaply sometimes
via MIA and PTY.
farecompare.com kayak.com/buzz cheapoair.com other options
cheapcaribbean.com packages very cheap sometimes.
Sorry for your loss and happy hunting not much last minute ..
May 19th, 2011, 04:29 AM
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I have been checking POS also since it is so close. I've got AA miles, so was going to try to use them, but am having a hard time with the dates. I may be able to use miles one way and pay for the return.
I'd looked at kayak and cheapo, but will check the ones you suggested. Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
I'd looked at kayak and cheapo, but will check the ones you suggested. Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
May 21st, 2011, 10:47 AM
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Diana, did you ask the airline about bereavement fares for friends? It never hurts to ask, but be sure and have the funeral info handy, such as the name and address of the funeral home. Good luck and I am truly sorry for your loss. I just lost a dear friend unexpectedly on May 5 and I know how hard it is.
May 21st, 2011, 06:19 PM
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Is Pipeline or Hotwire an option?
Quite a few years ago, I used Priceline w/ option to submit a bid and obtain a very reasonable airfare ..... of course in that instance it was for domestic travel .... never tried for an international fare.
The downside of Priceline (should you try it) is that the 'bidding' option does not allow you to select a particular flight/time. AND do need to be aware that your 'bid' price may not include add'l taxes and/or fuel surcharges ..... do read all the rules - guidelines so you fully understand how Priceline works.
Additionally there are a couple websites that discuss how to effectively submit a bid ...... www.betterbidding.com -- and, and (okay, I'm forgetting the other URL).
Bottom line, you'll need to rally quickly, as window of time for travel when using Priceline bidding system is short ...... don't know precisely the lead time (guestimate it's betwn 12 - 24 hrs.
Quite a few years ago, I used Priceline w/ option to submit a bid and obtain a very reasonable airfare ..... of course in that instance it was for domestic travel .... never tried for an international fare.
The downside of Priceline (should you try it) is that the 'bidding' option does not allow you to select a particular flight/time. AND do need to be aware that your 'bid' price may not include add'l taxes and/or fuel surcharges ..... do read all the rules - guidelines so you fully understand how Priceline works.
Additionally there are a couple websites that discuss how to effectively submit a bid ...... www.betterbidding.com -- and, and (okay, I'm forgetting the other URL).
Bottom line, you'll need to rally quickly, as window of time for travel when using Priceline bidding system is short ...... don't know precisely the lead time (guestimate it's betwn 12 - 24 hrs.
