EMERGENCY TRAVEL
some airlines offer "bereavement" or "emergency" fares if you need to get to your family member quickly*. if the agent that answers the airline's 800 number does not help you with this, do ask for a supervisor.
magee and i flew home on united airlines. we needed to provide the name of the hospital, the phone number and the name of the admitting physician in order to qualify. the tickets were very reasonably priced and the return was set up so it could be changed without penalty (if used within 60 days.)
most major carriers will work with you.
jet blue and southwest, my usual carriers, were much more expensive and did not offer emergency fares.
*in case of the death of a loved one, you will need the name and contact information for the funeral home.