Is there any feasible way to change flight plans due to illness?

March 29, 2024 2:54 PM

Partner is overseas and due to fly back tomorrow morning. This evening they came down with what is almost certainly norovirus. What's the best way to handle this?

They will almost certainly be fulminantly infectious tomorrow (not to mention suffering from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea). Is there any feasible way to delay/reschedule their return flight without spending literally thousands of dollars? I don't believe they purchased insurance of any sort, but if there's something that might apply here, let me know what I should ask them about.

Of course, they would also need to arrange an extension on their current lodging (may not be possible) or another place to stay, but I figure changing the return flight is the real Hail Mary here.

Bonus points if there's anything I can do on their behalf as they are fairly seriously incapacitated (from the US, I am not with them).

posted by pullayup to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

Call the airline, see what they can offer you.
posted by shock muppet at 3:01 PM on March 29 [3 favorites]

How was this ticket purchased? Directly from the airline? From another airline on a code share? Through Expedia, Capital One Travel, or a similar booking agency? The answer to this question matters.

If the ticket was purchased through the airline directly, there's a good chance it's at least changeable.

Feel free to DM if you'd like more personalized assistance.
posted by Hatashran at 3:06 PM on March 29 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I believe the ticket was purchased directly from the airline.
posted by pullayup at 3:13 PM on March 29

Best answer: If that's the case, you should be able to go to the airline's website with the six-character ticket record locator, go to "Manage My Booking" or something similar, and see your change options.

This is why you never post pictures of your boarding pass on social media. With the record locator and the name of the passenger, anyone can change the booking online.
posted by Hatashran at 3:21 PM on March 29 [2 favorites]

If they booked their flight using a credit card, also check whether the card has any sort of built-in “trip cancellation” insurance as well.
posted by btfreek at 3:28 PM on March 29 [6 favorites]

When I had to change flights because of a sick 6 year old, I noted that the propect of a puking child might be unpleasant for others. This was successful.
posted by theora55 at 10:12 AM on March 30 [1 favorite]

My home insurance has a travel rider that covers sickness. My credit card also includes travel insurance.
posted by Iteki at 10:38 AM on March 30