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[schmair]

Hello,
I'm presenting at my discipline's big annual meeting. When I got word that my panel was accepted, I made my travel arrangements early to get them out of the way and to make sure I got space in the conference hotel (which often fills up). Because I am not on the job market this year, and because it's a really long multi-day conference, I decided to save some money and time and fly in on the second day.
Now I've learned that a panel of people working on a topic very similar to my own (there aren't many of us in this discipline) is scheduled for the one afternoon I won't be there. I'd really like to attend and get to know these people and their work. Is that a good enough reason to pay the exorbitant fee to change my air ticket?

[larryc]

Provided that you are not spending money that your kids need for life-saving medicine, go ahead. You have our permission.

[schmair]

Heh, I guess it is kind of silly be to looking for permission (which I clearly was). I guess I'm just trying to weigh the balance between the value of the money (which, though I don't have any dire straights like you mentioned, is tight) and the value of trying to connect with these colleagues.

[dellaroux]

Can you read their abstracts, email them if there seems to be anything of common interest, and then decide?

[belowtheradar]

Provided that you are not spending money that your kids need for life-saving medicine, go ahead. You have our permission.

Pshaw! Why not trust in the Lord to heal them? I say rely on prayer and stay for the panel. Plus, you can't reconvene that panel but you could have other children if Plan A doesn't quite work out.

(I went to the doctor today at the Medical School at My University...when I asked for a popular and proven drug for stopping smoking the MD (yes, M.D.) suggested that...."instead you should ask Jesus to help. He's the best aid for things like addictions." He then suggested a specific local church.)

I'm so tired of this place today. I wish that was unusual.

[tee_bee]

Warning: there will be a change fee, but you may also have to pay the difference between the fare at the time you booked, and the new fare. And if the conference is soon, that fare difference can be dramatic.

Yet, still, if the value of the presentation--and of talking to these folks--exceeds that of the plane ticket, then, by all means, make the change. I've done this before, and never regretted it. I've also caught earlier flights out when conferences were lame. No regrets there, either. It's all about the cost/benefit, however you count it.

[hegemony]

If you're on United and you fly the same itinerary (same city of origin, destination, and intermediate stops), there is no fee for changing the day.  This may apply on other airlines -- ask before you decide.

[tee_bee]

If you're on United and you fly the same itinerary (same city of origin, destination, and intermediate stops), there is no fee for changing the day.  This may apply on other airlines -- ask before you decide.

Maybe no fee. But there is a change in fare, sometimes

Southwest used to be very liberal about changing times, but would charge the fare diff. If it's only about $50, it's all good.