Just found out that my father (88) is in the hospital. I plan to be in BArcelona a week from today. Has anyone encountered problems like this? How do airlines (AF) re-act to emergency situations that force you to leave early.
BS

A little confusing. You need to delay your departure to go TO Barcelona? Or you anticipate the possibility that you may seek to return early FROM there?

In either case, my experience (of one) is that you will benefit from a letter faxed to you (somewhere you can receive it, if you are traveling) stating what the exact mature of the need is. Showing this to the airline can make a difference.

If it is a sudden life-threatening emergency, you may find that the nursing supervisor of the hospital is well accustomed to preparing such a letter (it can be very short). Or his attending physician (who may or may not be as responsive to _your_ need, especially if it's a physician that you don't know personally).

Or... and I don't mean to mention a scenario which you are unprepared to contemplate... directors of funeral homes are also quite accustomed to preparing such a letter, in the event that he dies, and this leads to a need for you to reschedule your travel.

You may or may not be permitted to reschedule a flight (especially a flight back home) for a modest "add collect", or none at all.

Best wishes,

Rex

Bob, I have had to both cancel one and return early from another, both via Air France. The first I postponed due to a sudden illness of my father, for which we used a doctor's letter and Air France let us rebook once he recovered. The other time we had to come home early due to a death in the family while we were in Italy, and Air France had no seats for a few days so we came home on another airline, but with a copy of the death certificate, Air France refunded us half the cost of our flight for the unused portion.

I found dealing with them directly at the airport, and not via email or phone, is the best bet. If you mail them anything, send it certified, return receipt, and keep copies for yourself.

I had to fly home suddenly from England a few years ago. We were on FF award tickets. Without any form of documentation or any charge, British Air rebooked us on a flight in a couple days (first available?)and upgraded us to Business class.

Maybe they didn't need documentation because they didn't think we'd willingly cancel a 4 week trip after a week or so. Also we're BA Executive Club members.

Thanks to all.
BS

US Airways was very gracious to me when
my mom had emergency surgery for cancer. They allowed me to reschedule
without a fee for a later date. Good thoughts and prayers to you.

Another vote for USAirways who were very kind to me when I cancelled a trip to Rome due to my father's passing. They did not keep a penny, I receive credit in less than a week, and their service rep was very kind to deal with. They may not have the most comfortable seats, but when it really mattered they truly were the best.