I need to make a trip to Norway for a family emergency--leaving Apr.22. Is it too late to bid on Priceline? Any other ideas on how to save money on tickets?

-<BR>NOPE. Do it. Best way to get a reasonable fare on such short notice.<BR><BR>FIRST, go into the Smarter Living website (www.smarterliving.com) as they often have a $$$ offer which will be added to your Priceline bid.<BR>

Don't most airlines offer discounted fares for family emergencies?

The emergency fares are often just a slight discount off a full unrestricted coach fare - meaning, much more expensive than a regular discounted restricted coach fare. Its better than nothing when buying a ticket with only 1 days notice - but if you have a few days you can often do better buying a 'regular' ticket.<BR><BR>Linda - some of the airlines have European flights for April/early May on sale right now. Try checking fares at Orbitz. I think Northwest has a sale right now (only for April/early May). You might check the NW website for deals. Otherwise, call the airlines directly and ask - they should be able to tell you if a regular or emergency ticket is cheaper.

Yes, there are emergency fares, and while they offer savings over full fares, they are still quite expensive. Check out your options. Priceline should definitely be one of them. This is a great site that teaches you how to bid on priceline and offers bidding advice. Research is always recommended regarding going rates. <BR>http://pub109.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding <BR>I would call a couple of consolidators, then if your bid is not accepted, you will other less expensive options. Frommers.com has a good listing of consolidators. Good luck.<BR>

What would be your "gateway" city in the US?<BR><BR>Going with the big-name airlines may well get you nothing more than 60% of the regular FULL fare ticket IF you have documentation of the emergency (doctor or funeral director's note). They can be very sticky about that. <BR><BR>But perhaps you can try something by flying Icelandic, Virgin, etc. and (if you have to connect to certain cities to get that flight) try to get a reduced fare from one of the bigs on the domestic leg.<BR><BR>I never thought I'd say this, but you might also try a ---- (hold your breath) -- a travel agent!!!

What would be your "gateway" city in the US?<BR><BR>Going with the big-name airlines may well get you nothing more than 60% of the regular FULL fare ticket IF you have documentation of the emergency (doctor or funeral director's note). They can be very sticky about that. <BR><BR>But perhaps you can try something by flying Icelandic, Virgin, etc. and (if you have to connect to certain cities to get that flight) try to get a reduced fare from one of the bigs on the domestic leg.<BR><BR>I never thought I'd say this, but you might also try a ---- (hold your breath) -- a travel agent!!! who might have access to consolidator or other blocks of tickets, or some incomplete group package.

Thank you for the great advice. I don't think I will qualify for an emegency with the airlines, as it is not a death or medical emer. It is more of a personal matter, which I doubt will be covered (in other words, am emergency within our family but not necessarily to anyone else).<BR><BR>I've checked with a travel agent and came up with about the same price as thru Expedia. So I will check some of these alternatives, such as Orbitz, etc.<BR><BR>Thank you everyone!