Trying to get home urgently from the US

pow wow

A very close relative has become seriously ill and I need to get home a few weeks earlier than planned.

I have a return flight with Continental and when I called to move it forward, they said there will be a $200-$300 charge in addition to the $100 change fee because there are no seats of a similar fare available on any of the dates I asked for (I gave them a two week period to find the cheapest). They said if I opt to fly with another carrier I have a year to use the return flight I originally had with them, providing I give them an exact date I want to use it now and the $100 change fee.

I have a $250 flight coupon with another airline and the cheapest flight I can get home with that airline works out a lot cheaper than what Continental are offering, but involves me flying all the way to the west coast to double back over where I am now and fly into Shannon out of JFK ultimately. I am a student so if it saves money I'm up for it, but I also don't know if I can give Continental a specific date right now to use my return ticket and stick to it. Plus I have a years worth of luggage to try and manoeuvre.

Writing this I think I gave myself the answer, but I am really disappointed with how unhelpful Continental have been though I suspect most airlines would probably react the same way.

BuffyBot

Mmm, well TBH most airlines would be the same. In an emergency, you may just have to accept some losses and get home asap.

pow wow

I managed to get them to change it for 35 euro in the end.

gandalf

Well done and I hope all goes well with your relative as well.