Air New Zealand and ticketing issues due to a medical problem...

[munitalP]

Hi all

I had some sad news that my dad was diagnosed with quite progressed Alzheimer’s the other day and has since after numerous specialist appointments and tests, had his drivers license revoked and needs constant care. This came as a shock to us all at how it progressed from being absent minded and forgetful to where it is now.


Mum, who lives in New Zealand, has NZ flights booked for the end of this month ROT/AKL/MEL/AKL/ROT and at this stage will not be able to use them. They will be bottom of the bucket fares, a use them or loose them type fare.


What is the chance of NZ actually allowing her to push the flights out by a couple of months on compassionate grounds, and if so, what does she need to provide to NZ to get this done?
Any info would be handy thanks!


munitalP

 

[serfty]

Changes to "Tasman Smart Saver" fares cost NZD100 + "service" charges: ( https://flightbookings.airnewzealan...Class=ECONOMY&journeyLeg=0&hasCodeShare=false )

Changes permitted with payment of $100 change fee per adult fare plus service fee

Up until day prior to departure fare upgrade may also apply OR on day of departure fare upgrade will apply

You can only ask.

I find there is good knowledge of Air NZ on the Flyertalk Airpoints Forum.

Other than that, you might like to make a request of the "Airpoints Fairy" if you mother or father are airpoint members.

 

[drron]

You will need a letter from one of the docs stating diagnosis and that your mum needs to be a carer.Still up to the generosity of the airline but they are quite often considerate.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi all

I had some sad news that my dad was diagnosed with quite progressed Alzheimer’s the other day and has since after numerous specialist appointments and tests, had his drivers license revoked and needs constant care. This came as a shock to us all at how it progressed from being absent minded and forgetful to where it is now.


Mum, who lives in New Zealand, has NZ flights booked for the end of this month ROT/AKL/MEL/AKL/ROT and at this stage will not be able to use them. They will be bottom of the bucket fares, a use them or loose them type fare.


What is the chance of NZ actually allowing her to push the flights out by a couple of months on compassionate grounds, and if so, what does she need to provide to NZ to get this done?
Any info would be handy thanks!


munitalP

Also give the travel insurance company a call. This might at least give the money back on the fare if ANZ dont want to change the dates. If the diagnosis was recent then it may not be considered pre-existing (in the sense that you knew about it).

 

[kpc]

Also give the travel insurance company a call. This might at least give the money back on the fare if ANZ dont want to change the dates. If the diagnosis was recent then it may not be considered pre-existing (in the sense that you knew about it).

Unfortuantely, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease eg memory loss would have been present for quite some time (even years) even if the formal diagnosis has only just been made, and most travel insurances, I suspect, would not accept the claim under the "pre-existing" clause.

 

[oz_mark]

Unfortuantely, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease eg memory loss would have been present for quite some time (even years) even if the formal diagnosis has only just been made, and most travel insurances, I suspect, would not accept the claim under the "pre-existing" clause.

You would nee to check the wording, but the definition of pre-existing is normally worded to indicate a condition you were aware of, should have been aware etc.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You would nee to check the wording, but the definition of pre-existing is normally worded to indicate a condition you were aware of, should have been aware etc.

That would be my understanding. Anyway - worthwhile checking with the insurance company.

 

[munitalP]

FWIW

Mum has a letter from Dad's GP and one from the specialists at AKL hospital stating the facts regarding the illness.

Air NZ has been contacted and mail sent - awaiting the reply. I have told Mum to prepare for the worst in regards to loosing the flights, but construct an emotionless letter to the media stating the facts if Air NZ do turn her down.

Time will tell and I'll update this thread

 

[trooper]

I think everyone sympathises with these situations.. I know I do.

So please don't be offended by the following.....

If NZ doesn't "come to the party" it will presumably be due to them merely sticking to the (restrictive?) rules under which the ticket was purchased, right?.

As a result I find it...Hmmmm... passingly strange perhaps.... that one might suggest preparing a letter in advance for the media in case of such a justified , if less than sympathetic, response. A letter that may well be "emotionless" but will still (no doubt) be inherently critical of the airline for .. what? ... insisting on the agreed ticket T's & C's being upheld?

Why do that?

I note no suggestion of a second letter being prepared in case NZ DOES go "above and beyond" which is fairly clearly what they would be doing if the consideration you are after is granted. Is that significant?

I hope the situation IS resolved in your Mums favour... but I have to say I find your approach interesting to say the least.

 

[straitman]

I think everyone sympathises with these situations.. I know I do.

So please don't be offended by the following.....

If NZ doesn't "come to the party" it will presumably be due to them merely sticking to the (restrictive?) rules under which the ticket was purchased, right?.

As a result I find it...Hmmmm... passingly strange perhaps.... that one might suggest preparing a letter in advance for the media in case of such a justified , if less than sympathetic, response. A letter that may well be "emotionless" but will still (no doubt) be inherently critical of the airline for .. what? ... insisting on the agreed ticket T's & C's being upheld?

Why do that?

I note no suggestion of a second letter being prepared in case NZ DOES go "above and beyond" which is fairly clearly what they would be doing if the consideration you are after is granted. Is that significant?

I hope the situation IS resolved in your Mums favour... but I have to say I find your approach interesting to say the least.

trooper,

A very good and well thought out answer IMHO.