Job Discussion Forums

rebecca432 · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Osaka, Japan

My mother is sick and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience buying plane tickets and leaving Japan quickly to get home. It's not that bad yet but I'm really afraid I'm going to get a phone call saying she's on her death bed and I won't be able to go home due to money, cost of tickets, etc. I know because I am in Japan bad things might happen at home and there's nothing I can do but I am a bit worried about it. If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

The only thing I can say is: yes, it will be expensive if you have an unplanned trip home.

I would: a) keep a contingency fund on-hand of no less than 100,000 yen, but preferably double that.
b) keep ab-road.net bookmarked on my computer so as to be able to find the lowest flight ticket price in a hurry. (website is Japanese only. Sorry.)

Otherwise, (not to sound grim or anything) and this is only if you are "too late".... but some airlines do offer a discount if a family member has passed away -- bit in order to collect on that, you need to produce a copy of an official document (like a certificate of death) proving that you are indeed traveling to a funeral. I don't know the exact terms, and I'm sure policies vary from airline to airline, but it's nothing that a couple of quick phone calls wouldn't be able to resolve.

I really hope that your mother gets better soon though. Smile

bornslippy1981 · Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Posts: 271

http://www.iace.co.jp/english/

This company isn't too expensive, and you can book everything over the phone.

Maybe give them a call and ask if prices go up the day before your sudden departure.

I do hope you're mother gets better, and you don't need to go through with all this.

Take care.

Grasshopper · Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 62 Location: Japan

I`ve been in the same position. With a call to the travel agency Wednesday morning, they got me out on a Friday morning departure. It was about 280000 yen, but it was also the high travel time in the summer.

I was lucky in that I had a couple of weeks to spend with my sick relative before they passed away. I was also lucky to find my way back to Japan.

I would say if you have any doubt, pack up & head home as soon as possible.

You can always come back. One of my friends says that meetings and classes will likely be forgotten, but times with family will always be remembered.

Good Luck, and PM me if you need any further advice.

G

J. · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 327

heartbreaking things that can happen when you are so far away. I know because my father died when I was here and I couldn't get home in time for the funeral. It was very very hard, and I regretted that a lot.

When my grandmother was sick, I made plans to travel as soon as I heard she was really ill. I got substitute teachers wherever I could and cancelled the other classes, but I am essentially on contracts so that is possible for me. I would have gone even if I had to give up my job. I never regretted spending that month with her, as she died a few months later. Though I still miss her, it was a lot easier knowing I had a chance to spend time with her and tell her that I loved her.

Do yourself a favour; if it seems serious, go home. As others said, you can always come back later. You can't live the time over once they've gone.

But here's hoping your Mom is okay.
OOO's

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

Make sure you have a valid re-entry permit. As Jim said ab-road is your best bet. It'll probably cost at short notice, but that's the same anywhere in the world.

rebecca432 · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Osaka, Japan

Thanks everyone for the nice replies. My mom seems to be doing a bit better and I overreacted a bit. However, I am glad to know I have some options but the prices for some are a little disheartening. I will keep your suggestions in mind and hopefully I won't have to rush home before my year is up.