Emergency Fares

Regarding “Coping With Sudden Death” (Travel Insider, Jan. 26): Our cruise tour of Alaska in June 1995 was interrupted by a death in the family, and we had to fly home from Sitka to Los Angeles.

The airline wouldn’t accept our return airline tickets from the tour (Anchorage to L.A.). since the cruise line’s name was on the tickets. We were told that we should pay the air fare (about $1,000 for two people) and ask the cruise line for a refund of the airline tickets after we returned.

We asked, and the cruise line said: Tough luck, no refund.

AL KROLIKOWSKI

Downey

In October 1996, I received a telegram to go to Molokai, Hawaii, because my sister was critically ill and was not unexpected to live.

After calling several of the airlines--TWA, United and Continental--I then called Delta. Delta gave me the best price of $586 round trip. The three other airlines wanted between $800 and $900!

From your column, I now realize that I was mighty fortunate to pay what I did. I agree that the bereavement/medical emergency fares are far too high. Special considerations should be made, not a sky-high rip-off.

JACKIE ROOSE

Fullerton