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That call
Topic Started: May 21 2009, 07:42:09 AM (613 Views)
ohippy
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Original Opulent Optimist

Just had an early wake up to say that my step dad has dies whilst on holiday in Germany. He has to have an autopsy on Friday and then be flown back to the UK for the funeral which I have to go back for. Does anyone know how long these things take as I have lots booked in over the next couple of weeks so need to know what I need to be putting off etc , which airlines are the best (cheapest) for last minute flights ?
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Melibeam
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Most Exceptional Lady

Really sorry to hear that, hope you get things sorted out and find a cheap flight back, probably best thing to do is phone the airlines directly and ask for their best price :hug:
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Anne
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Wonderful Winsome Wench

Oh Heather I'm sorry. I'm also shocked as I thought he was fit as a fiddle. On a practical note the autopsy should be carried out within the next day or two, once repatriation of the body is arranged and your mum back in England I would hazard a guess that the funeral would be the week after next :dunno:

Big hugs to you and the girls and hold close the memories that you've had recently with their visits to you.
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ohippy
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Original Opulent Optimist

that's the week I was thinking of, price up flights online and am looking at $3100 each and both girls want to go :omg: even the credit card won't stretch that far
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Anne
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Wonderful Winsome Wench

That's shocking! Sounds like the airlines are taking advantage of the main reason why people fly at such short notice :nono: Go into your local travel agent and let them do the leg work to find cheaper flights. Oh oh oh, when I went back with Alex I flew with Royal Brunei Airlines, not the most luxurious of flights but the main factor was that children still get a kids fare up to 16 years old. This didn't show up on their website. I flew to Brunei then on to Dubai then into Heathrow, just a two hour change over at each. And the advantage with Brunei not being a popular airline was that it was half empty and we each got a whole row to lie down on.
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Hevs
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Miraculous Mamma Mod

Tell them its for a bereavement and you will get it cheaper. I think you have to have a copy of the death cert though.

Big :hug: to you and yours sweetie xxx
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Keith&Lol
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Emerald (Special Member)
So sorry to hear your sad news. I was asked for a copy of death cert for my mum, but I only had 3-4 days to book the flights, so could'nt produce them, I had to pay $3,000 12 mths ago. Hope you find something cheaper.
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catgirl
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Courageous Cuddly Kitty

sorry to hear this Heather, I'll call you later

xx
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Lynnj
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Heather sorry to hear your news, must be a huge shock to your Mum.

Re the flights.... cheaper airfares usually have a 7, 14,21 or 28 day advance purchase on them and a minimum stay of one saturday night or 14 days, these rules are all fairly rigid and booking at shorter notice than that doesn't give you much wriggle room, have a check for something 14 days from today and see what you find, maybe if you told your mum thats the earliest you can get then the funeral could be scheduled around your flight.
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Anastasia Beaverhausen
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Good luck finding a flight Heather.
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Lynnj
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Flying 2 weeks today with Emirates would be $1747 inc of taxes, flying one week today with malaysia would be just over $2000
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Lynnj
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Or with thai on may 28th for $1621 through this lot http://airfaresflights.bestflights.com.au/
Edited by Lynnj, May 21 2009, 04:55:36 PM.
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moneypen20
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Bond's Beaut Bombshell

They don't do 'bereavement' flights anymore but will try and get you on a flight asap. You may get a slightly cheaper flight with the likes of QANTAS but as Hevs said you would need the death certificate. Your best bet is to go to your local travel agent and let them do the legwork.

So sorry about the news. Hope your mum is ok.
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gobbyjock
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Sorry to hera your news Heather, hope you manage to sort a flight outx
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Snappy
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Sexy Sizzling Schmoozer

I'm so sorry Heather sending you my love :flowers: :hug:
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rjs
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Richly Joyful Sylph

Been thinking of you today Heather :flowers: :flowers:
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Tiredwithtwins
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Admin

sorry to hear your sad news :hug: :flowers:
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ohippy
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Original Opulent Optimist

Thanks guys, looks like I need to fly back now next Friday, shame as I found some good flights for the Saturday with Emirates, so today will be ringing, surfing the net and off to travel agents !
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Lynnj
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Heather, make sure you book it today as if you don't you'll miss out on the 7 day advance purchase for the cheaper fares.

Also, just had a thought..... you guys do have Aussie passports don't you?
Edited by Lynnj, May 22 2009, 12:29:26 PM.
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rjs
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Richly Joyful Sylph

ohippy
May 22 2009, 09:51:53 AM
Thanks guys, looks like I need to fly back now next Friday, shame as I found some good flights for the Saturday with Emirates, so today will be ringing, surfing the net and off to travel agents !
Im going to miss you :flowers:
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Hevs
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Miraculous Mamma Mod

Any luck H??

And yeah, what Lynn said re the passports?
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ohippy
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Original Opulent Optimist

we got aus passports, luckily, with the last stimulus cheque, phew !

Ended up booking flights with Emirates for $5400 for the three of us, it was the cheapest unless I wanted to fly into Gatwick. Unfortunately that has maxed the credit card so I now need to sort out how to pay for the rest :crazy:

Am off next Friday for just over two weeks, no idea where we're staying, what we're eating or anything really. First autopsy done today showing cause of death as total failure of organs secondary to meningitus, second one is now being done and then he has to be embalmed before they can fly him back. So I should be back in time. Mum is flying back on her own tomorrow (what she wanted) so will know more then when I can be in contact with her.

Thanks guys.

BTW - Anyone what the risks are of us contracting meningitis ? Probabl a stupid question but my head is all over the place at the minute.
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catgirl
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Courageous Cuddly Kitty

I've no idea about meningitis to be honest - you hear alot about children getting it and what to look for but in adults??? Sorry that is no help at all so will be interested to see the response on this.

Hope your mum is ok Heather, must have been a huge shock xxx
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Anne
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Wonderful Winsome Wench

ohippy
May 23 2009, 12:52:30 AM


BTW - Anyone what the risks are of us contracting meningitis ? Probabl a stupid question but my head is all over the place at the minute.
You will be fine and at minimal risk. Your mum should have been given Rifamprocin (sp?) as soon as meningitis was suspected. You need to be in close direct contact with someone to contract it. But just as a safeguard I'll put some early warning signs for you. FWIW UK hospitals and doctors are very clued up on meningitis now. And I think the best advice I can give is mother's instinct. Somehow you just KNOW when your child is seriously ill.


"Don't ignore the symptoms - meningitis can kill within hours. Seek immediate medical attention. Prompt action saves lives.

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days but it can also develop very rapidly, sometimes in a matter of hours. Most cases of meningitis start with a high fever, severe headache and neck stiffness (however neck stiffness is an uncommon symptom in young children). Vomiting and drowisness often follow. The person may complain of discomfort when looking at bright lights* (*however this is also an uncommon symptom in young children). In some cases a rash may appear.

If you suspect meningitis, seek urgent medical attention. Do not wait for a rash to appear.
Children and Adults
Signs and symptoms of meningitis in children and adults may include:

headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and/or joint pain, drowsiness or confusion, discomfort when looking at bright lights or light sensitivity, fitting or convulsions, a rash- may vary in appearance and can start anywhere on the body.

[In some cases the rash may start as a pink rash, a pink, purple or red spot. It can also appear as pink, red, purple or brownish coloured pin prick spots which may develop into a bruise like rash. The rash can start anywhere on the body and is due to blood poisoning (septicaemia), which sometimes occurs together with meningitis. The rash does not usually fade when pressed (however this is not always a dependable test). The rash is caused by bleeding into the skin. The rash should be taken seriously. Seek urgent medical attention.]
Infants
Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies and infants may include:

fever, possibly with cold hands and feet, refusing feeds or vomiting, dislike of being handled and /or cries when moved, fretful or irritable behaviour, child is difficult to wake / lethargic or limp, high pitched moaning cry or whimpering, pale or blotchy complexion, neck retraction with arching of back, blank staring expression, convulsions or fitting or jerking body movements, rash - may vary in appearance and can start anywhere on the body.

[In some cases the rash may start as a pink rash, a pink, purple or red spot. It can also appear as pink, red, purple or brownish coloured pin prick spots which may develop into a bruise like rash. The rash can start anywhere on the body and is due to blood poisoning (septicaemia), which sometimes occurs together with meningitis. The rash does not usually fade when pressed (however this is not always a dependable test). The rash is caused by bleeding into the skin. The rash should be taken seriously. Seek urgent medical attention]

Babies become ill very quickly. If you think a baby is ill or you are concerned about their health seek medical attention and advice urgently.
Septicaemia

Septicaemia can also affect adults, children and infants. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause blood poisioning or septicaemia.

Septicemia can develop quickly. For signs and symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia; see the Septicaemia - signs and symptoms section of this website and visit:- http://www.meningococcal.org/symptoms.html

For further information please contact HealthDirect (if you live in Western Australia) on 1800 022 222.

If you are concerned about someone’s health, or suspect they may have meningitis and/or septicaemia seek urgent medical attention. If you GP or hospital has reassured you, do not hesitate to return to your GP or hospital immediately if the symptoms worsen or you are still concerned."


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ohippy
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Original Opulent Optimist

Thanks for that Anne, mum said she was given three tablets to take so I presume that's what it was. I never knew adults could get it, no idea where he got it from.

Some of those pics made me smile though - bet they had fun drawing the vomiting one !!
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ohippy
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Original Opulent Optimist

Just had more news, the virus was very rare so the second autopsy couldn't be done. Instead two more autopsies have to be done at two different hospitals and all three must match before the coroner will even consider releasing the body. Now mum doesn't even know if the funeral will be able to take place when I'm there - argh !!!! What do I do ? Book flights anyway and hope ?
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Anne
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Wonderful Winsome Wench

The tablets she will have been given make your wee turn orange/red!

It is usually people with a lower immune system who are susceptible ie children, teenagers (because they burn the candle at both ends, get run down and snog a lot), the elderly, those with immu suppressant illnesses etc. Had you FIL been ill prior to his trip? He may have been very run down and then picked something up on the plane :dunno: In an average class of 30 children, 2 children will be carrying the meningococcal disease at the back of their throats at any one time. If your body is in one of the susceptible groups or you have the defective gene (new study shows that it is a mutant gene that can predispose you to the disease), and you are exposed then your body has a lesser chance of fighting the disease off. Having said that it does need to be very close exposure to the disease carrier.
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Anne
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Wonderful Winsome Wench

ohippy
May 23 2009, 11:59:04 AM
Just had more news, the virus was very rare so the second autopsy couldn't be done. Instead two more autopsies have to be done at two different hospitals and all three must match before the coroner will even consider releasing the body. Now mum doesn't even know if the funeral will be able to take place when I'm there - argh !!!! What do I do ? Book flights anyway and hope ?
Hmm, that's a tough one. I wonder if you book the flights then possibly need to tweek the dates later when you know what's happening, if it will have any effect on the costing?
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Lynnj
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Check the rules on the air tickets, you should be able to change your inbound flight for a fee possibly the outbound for a higher fee but thats more rare. If you can change the inbound then you're ok as if you do have to stay longer you can call the airline and change the flights. Remember though that seats have to be available at the fare you have paid to be able to change, just because there are seats on the flight doesn't mean you can get them, so it's worth getting the agent to check dates after the 15th just so you know you shouldn't have any problems. Change fee is around $50-$150 per ticket typically, more money I know but at least it gives you peace of mind that you can stay on if need be.

You do need to check the rules on the ticket though as some fares don't permit changes of any kind, for any reason.
Edited by Lynnj, May 23 2009, 01:52:05 PM.
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moneypen20
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Bond's Beaut Bombshell

Go as planned and if you have to extend the return, you'll have detailed proof (if required) as to why you need to extend. They may (if in a good mood) waive the change fee because of circumstances. Certainly wouldn't change the outgoing, you and your mum need each other's support regardless of the funeral. (Does that sound horrible, does to me but I think you know where I'm coming from).
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