Hey y'all. My dad has been really sick for a while. Long story short, the next few days may be up in the air. If I get word that I need to head home at the last minute, what's the best way to get a flight? Price wouldn't be an issue. Would just want the quickest flight, minimal stops.

Do I just go to the airport and find an open desk? Or try an online site like Expedia/Priceline?

Thank you

google.com/flights

Go now. Don't cut it too close and miss an opportunity forever.

Picard said:

---

Go now. Don't cut it too close and miss an opportunity forever.

---

I want to, and this is going back and forth in my head. I just spent 5 days with him and got back yesterday. Problem is my work, and requesting leave. If he pulls through and nothing happens, then will my work grant me emergency leave again next time something really does happen? He was looking like he had at least a few weeks left when I last saw him, so this could be transient.

I just don't know.

The same way you book a normal flight

Dates and airports?

I like to use Kayak over the other flight aggregators. Sorry to hear about your dad. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

bigtruckguy3500 said:

---

Picard said:

---

Go now. Don't cut it too close and miss an opportunity forever.

---

I want to, and this is going back and forth in my head. I just spent 5 days with him and got back yesterday. Problem is my work, and requesting leave. If he pulls through and nothing happens, then will my work grant me emergency leave again next time something really does happen? He was looking like he had at least a few weeks left when I last saw him, so this could be transient.

I just don't know.

---

Go now. Work will understand. Or they won't. In which case eff them

Dan 07 said:

---

Dates and airports?

---

Pensacola international - Houston (any)

Some other family is heading over now, they'll let me know if I need to go now or when.

Hell that's only, what, an 8 hour drive?

You might consider Mobile and Fort Walton as other airport options to add some flexibility. About an hour drive.

And to Dan's point, yeah, I'd consider driving. Pack a bag and just get ready to roll at a moment's notice.

bigtruckguy3500 said:

---

Dan 07 said:

---

Dates and airports?

---

Pensacola international - Houston (any)

Some other family is heading over now, they'll let me know if I need to go now or when.

---

Good that other family is heading there now. Trust what they say if you know they will be honest with you.

However, I agree with Picard. Go. Take FMLA if you have to. Speaking from experience, go. It was scary how almost identical your post a few above was to my thoughts when my mom wa reaching her end. Talk to your boss if you have to and tell them what's going on. Your job, if it's worth a damn, will understand.

Also - and this is the most important. If you feel your GUT telling you something, I.e, "I think I need to leave and go be with my dad"....

LISTEN TO IT.

Praying for you friend.

Southwest has a nonstop into Hobby every morning.

Dan 07 said:

---

Hell that's only, what, an 8 hour drive?

---

Yes, I made the drive Sunday night. It's something I'm considering.

Can't remember but do some airlines provide discounts for immediate members of the family?

I'm with the others that say to go now if there is any question in your mind. There are other jobs. You have one dad. My wife lost her dad about 20 years ago. He was in Russia. She went to see him after his injury, but came home after a week or so because of work. She never saw him again.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. A tough place to be.

spud1910 said:

---

I'm with the others that say to go now if there is any question in your mind. There are other jobs. You have one dad. My wife lost her dad about 20 years ago. He was in Russia. She went to see him after his injury, but came home after a week or so because of work. She never saw him again.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. A tough place to be.

---

So sorry to hear about your wife's dad.

But this sentiment is something to think about, OP.

Losing a parent is the hardest thing in the world. I don't have kids so can't comment on that.

I was fortunate enough to be there when my mom died. By that, I mean I was there, sitting next to her and holding her hand. She had spoke to me just a few hours prior. I held her hand and talked to her the entire time before she passed. I saw her lose voice and everything. Watched her breathing slowly depress. Held her hand the entire time before she died. Kissed her forehead when it was all over.

There was something about that that comforted me, at least. Here was the woman who brought me into this world, and here I was holding her hand as she passed onto the next. Cried a ton after. Be ready for that.

This is all something you don't want to miss. It's your dad.

No no no. Google has not mastered online travel yet like a site like Expedia.

I find all the best deals on Expedia. You just got to know how to search multiple lengths of stay or different packages that include hotel and flight and you'll find the best deal. I've saved so much.

Absolutely go now. If money is a problem, a case of Red Bull and a few tanks of gas are in order.

When my dad went, no one had any clue. He was healthy as a horse, fit, and doing great. Then one day out of the blue, I got a call from the Chicago police that my dad collapsed and died from a massive heart attack. He was in a hotel lobby steps away from a defibrillator and a few more steps from an ER nurse. No luck. He was just gone.

So get on the road, buy your tickets, whatever you need to do and be there. Even if nothing happens, it's time you still got that you might not have had otherwise.

Thanks y'all. He perked up a bit and I was able to facetime with him. I feel a little more comfortable waiting. Unfortunately I am military, in the middle of something, even emergency leave is a little difficult, though not impossible. And there's only so much you get. I've made my chain of command aware.

Just please keep him in your prayers.

Praying for your dad.

And I book hundreds of flights a year and highly recommend booking directly through the airline. Maybe use Expedia to find which airline and specific flight you want, but go through the airlibe's website. In my experience, if there is any trouble with your flight (delay/cancellation), they won't help you if you booked any other way.

Doesnt this qualify under FMLA? Depending on your companies policy you shouldnt have to take time off. Worth the conversation with HR.

Just read you are military...I have no clue what that policy looks like.

Delta was AMAZING to me last Fall when my dad was really bad. They changed my flight twice after my dad had a stroke and flat lined, didn't charge me and were so nice.
I think if you called (should it come to that) they would help you

Go now. Don't wait! Just go visit him.

bigtruckguy3500 said:

---

Picard said:

---

Go now. Don't cut it too close and miss an opportunity forever.

---

I want to, and this is going back and forth in my head. I just spent 5 days with him and got back yesterday. Problem is my work, and requesting leave. If he pulls through and nothing happens, then will my work grant me emergency leave again next time something really does happen? He was looking like he had at least a few weeks left when I last saw him, so this could be transient.

I just don't know.

---

Sorry to hear about your father's health.

Go. You'll appreciate the time with your dad and you'll regret missing time with him if this is the end.

A company that makes this situation difficult for you is not worth working for. This is a good time to find out about your company and your manager.

Praying for you.

I use hopper app but I have never used it for last minute. Also you may wanna ask someone else that has done standby tickets at the last minute.

A few months ago I had just left a job site after being there for an extra 2 weeks. When I left I went straight to the St Louis Airport to get hope. Had no reservations, didn't care it was a business trip. Walked up to the Southwest counter and asked to get a ticket for the next flight out.....the SW lady responded if I bought the ticket through the app I would save money on a number of different fees that the app avoids. So I stepped away and bought the ticket on the online app and save a little over $100 bucks.