Tips for the Unthinkable

Death.  You can’t schedule it; it’s hard to plan. When my mother-in-law passed away on October 2, we had to make quick arrangements to get to Dallas.  Airlines (some of them) have an active bereavement or compassion fare program.  Here’s what they will require:

• You must call and speak to an agent, this cannot be booked online_

• The name of the deceased;

• Your relation to the deceased; and

• The name, address and phone number of the funeral home, hospital or hospice.

Tickets under these programs are issued with no penalty for changes (although fare differences will apply) because you may not be sure how long you will stay.  While short notice travel is expensive, we received an approximate 40% discount from American.  That helps.

People will be coming in from out of town for the funeral.  Why force everyone to make their own arrangements?  I called sales manager Amy Kennedy at Hyatt House in Richardson, TX (a Dallas suburb, near the family home) who offered a great special rate.  This way, family can all stay together, plus it’s a convenient property with a hot breakfast included.  I called to make the arrangements and sent an email out to the family.  I can’t tell you how grateful everyone was both that arrangements were made.

When the unspeakable occurs, it’s good to have a plan.  You deserve it.