Any tips for obtaining a less expensive last minute airfare ?

[sun starved Gayle]

We need to go to a funeral this Saturday in Boise, Idaho. Flying RT from Portland, Oregon is $400.00 X 2. I have seen advanced fares for $49.00 one way. Unfortunately funerals are usually not planned way ahead of time. Looks like we may be driving unless someone has any tips on lowering the airfare.

 

[Family_travel]

You can call the airline to ask for bereavement fares

 

[Ilovemykidsmore]

I used to get cheap last minute airfare on Hotwire.com. I haven’t used them in a number of years, though. It’d be worth a shot to take a look.


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[DaveNV]

You can call the airline to ask for bereavement fares

My experience with a bereavement fare was a reduction of around 10%. Not all that great.

Gayle, try booking two one-way trips, or book two roundtrip reservations for one person each. That may give you something. Do you by chance have an Alaska Airlines Companion fare you can use? I know it's not a lot of bang for the travel buck, but it may help get you through this one. What about regional carriers, like Allegiant or Southwest? They aren't usually matched in searches from airfare sites, so might have something.

Push comes to shove, call the airlines and ask what they can do. Maybe they have some sort of magical backroom coupon an agent can use for you?

Dave

 

[Passepartout]

Allegiant won't help you get to Boise, but Southwest might. Their route may be roundabout, and the major search vehicles (like Kayak) don't show SW rates.

ETA: It looked like SW has some 'Wanna Get Away' rates for Fri-Mon for about $200 to $250 per seat/way. I'd probably still drive 'cause you'll need a car anyway, and it's really only a little over a 6 your drive. The weather looks favorable this weekend for driving as well. Sorry you're traveling for a funeral. Condolences.

 

[sun starved Gayle]

Thanks for the replies.

Apparently bereavement fares are for immediate family members funerals only, and that is not the case for us.

I am wary of Hotwire as you cannot choose the time or how many legs of a flight you might get. My daughter made this mistake once and ended up with such a crazy itinerary, 4 flight legs taking her way out of her way, and leaving a little before midnight. They also will not allow you to book same day RT flights.

Southwest is the same price as Alaska and would take me through Salt Lake or L.A. taking almost as much time as driving.

I do an have Alaska companion fare, but plan to use it for Hawaii next winter.

I think I am going to fly my husband alone, using miles one way and paying cash the other, flying RT the same day. Costco is showing a car rental for $16.00.

 

[Talent312]

When I needed to fly quickly to my Aunt's funeral (she was 95)...
I rented a car 1-way to the airport with the lowest fares I could find.

Getting on the small regional jet required an uncovered walk from the gate. There was a rainstorm, and although they gave us umbrellas, we got soaked. Rain was coming sideways through the door, drenching my backside as I boarded. When we landed, I met up with my cousins looking a bit like a drowned rat.

.

 

[jehb2]

My experience with a bereavement fare was a reduction of around 10%. Not all that great.

Yes. Often my mom has had to go from Texas to Philadelphia for a funeral. Bereavement fares are like a discount off the most expensive ticket and thus always expensive. I don't use Priceline but is that a possibility.

We were on vacation in Vancouver when my husband had to fly to North Carolina immediately for a funeral. I knew before we left that this might happen. I was able to find a reasonable fare on Expedia. I hope something works out for you.