Mother booking flight to be at my baby's birth

My mom needs to fly from Newark (EWR) to Oakland or San Fran to be at my birth in August. However, it's very hard to say exactly when the birth will occur.

My ultrasound (at 25 weeks) says August 6th. That's the middle of my fortieth week. However, I know - and this is a first baby for me - that the date could fall before or after that.

We've researched JetBlue, United, American, and Continental...so far, everyone wants $100 plus cost differences to change a flight.

I'm advising her to book August 2-15th for her visit,but a change will probably be needed, and those flex tickets are insanely expensive.

All the airlines have lovely policies about death, but not birth! Any advice on which airlines have been the kindest to you in this situation? Thanks!

I recently purchased another ticket for my mother from New York state to San Francisco on Northwest on their web page, needing some flexibility about a return date. Not only were they the cheapest flight by far, but there was an opition for insurance that was about $13 (can't remember exactly) for insurance to avoid a change fee if we needed to change the flight. Good luck! Anon

For my first child's birth, my Mom planned on coming 2 weeks after my due date as we were kind of assuming I'd deliver late like she did - it worked out that she came when my daughter was a week old.

For my second daughter, she waited until the due date neared before booking anything. I had an induction date that she scheduled a flight around shortly before. That might not work so easily in the summer months, though (booking short notice). michelle

My mom planned to come one week before my due date to hang out with me, and then stay for a total three week so she'd be there for the birth and time afterwards to hang out. When my water broke 10 days before my due date, my mom paid the change fee and got a flight at 6 am the next morning.

If you or she doesn't have miles, try looking on Craigslist. I've bought miles this way in the past and it's worked out well. I met the person at the airport to make the payment and have them book the ticket in my name. Sarah

Pontificating aside, if I were you...I would look for an airline (JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, etc) that is not too big to care, has their res agents working domestically, etc.). You may get lucky with a Res agent who feels your Mom's pain and has been empowered to make decisions re: waving fees. -anon

Last-minute flight for friend's birth?

I have to be out of town (in Long Beach) during the week that my friend is likely to deliver her babies. I would like to try to come back for the birth. I obviously can't plan this ahead of time and will need to leave immediately in order to make it back. Does anyone know the best way to get inexpensive last minute flights? I would need a direct flight from either Long Beach or LAX to San Francisco or Oakland (the ideal would be Long Beach to SF). If possible, please email me directly with advice, as time is of the essence! Thanks! martha