Norma asked: I’m booked on a US Airways flight, I have a sister who has cancer and has taken a turn for the worst. I want to put off my flight for a month. US Airways wants a $150 to rebook. Is there any way I can change my flight without such a high penalty. I have social security and some savings so I try to be frugal.

Peter replied: Of course US Airways wants $150 to rebook, they want $150 if you wake up in the morning. If you already know that you have a medical issue in your family and it could turn for the worst as in your case it did―that is the time to buy the travel insurance. My only caveat with that is never buy the travel insurance from the travel provider themselves because their insurance language is downright draconian. Buy your travel insurance from a third-party travel insurance provider. There’s Travel Guard, if you’re looking for a medical evacuation and repatriation there’s MedJet Assist, there’s Access America, there’s so many of them.

In this case you need to appeal to a supervisor. Call the airline directly to explain that you bought this ticket on mileage: why should you have to pay a $150 change fee? And see if they’ll be kind to you.

Click here for more information on travel insurance.  

By Peter Greenberg for Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Check back every week for travel answers in Ask Peter.