[MHH]

We are a. parents who are planning on what to do when the bmom we're matched with has the baby. We live in NY and she lives in Dallas, we've heard that it is difficult to get a flight that's not very expensive due to last minute. Any advice on how to not pay big bucks for last minute flights to go get the baby? The airlines seem to not even care about the special situation, etc. Thanks!

[Jennifer]

Why can't you make arrangements to be there a couple of days before the birth?? Is she delivering natural without being induced?? Can you discuss with her the possiblity of her dr. setting a date and inducing so you can be there without trying to find a flight when you get "the" call?

Just some ideas..... good luck

Jennifer

[MHH]

Thanks Jennifer,
I felt kind of bad asking if she can be induced..but I will, I need to. You see, this isn't a normal travel situation, my husband is in a wheelchair, we can't just hop on flights...so the inducing sounds good. Sadly, the airlines just don't care to help.
I appreciate your ideas, we'll be talking to her to make these arrangements soon!
THANK YOU!

[Sparks]

We are planning on using frequent flyer miles for our "call", this may be an option for you. You may also try calling Northwest and see if they would extend their adoption pricing options to you.
There are some other "creative" booking options. Maybe try "lurking" (looking) on a site such as "flyertalk" and post your situation...perhaps someone will give you some specific and helpful advice (or coupons to apply to a ticket). I have some coupons you could have, but they wouldnt add up to enough to offset the expensive-ness of the tickets, but they are yours for the asking if you would like them. You may email me privately if you would like.
Good luck!

[MHH]

Thanks so much for the offer to use your coupons. That's very, very nice of you!! I tried emailing you but it wouldn't link me to your email.
Thanks for the great ideas, I'll try them now.

[Sparks]

Sorry, I was in the process of editing my profile.
Try: sarahharold@myownemail.com
Hope that helps!

[mckenna]

sorry, i am probably jumping in here where i don't belong, but i would think twice before asking for the p-bmom to be induced. i have several friends who were induced (i guess when their bodies were not quite ready to deliver) and they said it was a much longer, harder labor than when they gave birth without being induced. also if i were a p-bmom i think i might be taken back by this request. this is just my opinion, i am not actually a bmom, so i may be way off base.

[MHH]

Thanks, I appreciate your input very much. I wouldn't want it to be any harder on her or for her to go through any aggravation on our part and she's scared enough as it is. I appreciate your thoguhts on this. Thanks.

[ISW]

what about priceline.com?

You can indicate what you want to pay for a flight to Dallas. If you don't care what time of the day you will fly, then this might also be an option.

Congrats!!

[rebeccasusan]

We were in the exact situation...I called and wrote to Northwest, asking them the exact thing, if they could due the special pricing on last minute domestic flights also, for adoptions.
I explained how the interstate adoption process worked, and the costs involved.

They thanked me for the "wonderful idea" but said it would not be available at this time.

Maybe a lot of us should write them tho, eventually it might help them change their minds!

Good Luck! Have you thought about a train? Generally, they dont have different rates for last minute.

[mom2j&d]

We used a travel agent called FloraTours. They have an adoption department. You call them in advance and give them all your information. They take care of everything for you. They find you a hotel near the hospital, rent you a car, the works. They have special adoption rates. They were wonderful with us. My sons bmom called on her way to the hospital both times and both times we made it for their births. When interstate approves you to come home with the baby you call them and they get you home!!

I have nothing but praise for them and reccommend them all the time. Here is there information:

FloraTours Travel
425 Old York Road
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office:215-887-7433
Fax: 215-887-7706
Good luck and let us know how it turns out!!

[qs mom]

Check out Northwest. They now have an Adoption program. They give you the best rate without the early booking and they also offer an upgrade to bring your bundle home.

I don't know all the details, but you do have a website with details on it.

[MHH]

Thank you everybody!! I was excited before but am even more excited now!! Thanks for all the input, all you wonderful people have helped me through the process more than I can say. I will keep you posted! We just found out it's a boy and are thrilled beyond belief...we've waited so long for this I'm just praying it all works out.
THANKS AGAIN!!!

[tobeafamily]

We used them for the flight out - very economical for last-minute travel. Also, we were able to get a discount on Delta for adoptive travel.

Hope this helps.

Regina AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas 4/24/02