Going home for a bedside vigil/possible funeral

I'm living in Ireland now, but I figured some people here might have some helpful information.  I've just received a call saying my grandmother is dying, and probably won't survive the week, so I am looking into booking a last minute flight so I can be with her before she goes.  I know there is free travel between U.S. states for people in these situations, but I'm wondering if international travel is covered at all?  I don't know if I can afford to go otherwise, especially at this time of year.

Thanks.

My condolences for your distress.  I've been there.

I haven't heard of free transatlantic travel in such circumstances.  "Compassionate fare" is a category by which you can purchase a ticket at the lowest price which would have been available if you could have purchased it in advance.  It is usually for immediate family only, but no harm in asking the airline.

The search engine on the Aer Lingus site says nothing about a compassionate fare, but they may have one nonetheless.

The airline is entitled to ask for proof.  Normally that is a fax from a funeral home, but in your situation, I don't know what you could offer.

With sympathy,
Jim H

So sorry to hear about your situation.
Just a note about conpassion fares.... They are usually a lot higher than super saver fares as they are completely refundable and changeable. Also (this is terrible) you will probably have to have funeral home information for the airline. When I worked at American Airlines we used to have to call the funeral directors and verify! So pathetic. I hated putting people through that.
Try lastminute.com or tele text. You may get a decent deal.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family
Ricki

Thank you for your replies and your thoughts. 

Just after posting this I found the world's cheapest flight on aerlingus.com - 324 euro round trip!  Unbelievable.