Which airlines still offer bereavement fares?
Airlines that offer discounted bereavement fares today include Delta Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa and WestJet. These airlines all require that the passenger is an immediate family member , and is able to provide details of the person who has passed on, and the funeral arrangements.
How much cheaper are Bereavement flights?
How Much Cheaper Are Bereavement Flights? The vast majority of U.S. cities are small to medium in size. A bereavement fare lets consumers attend relative’s funeral or stay with ill or dying relatives in exchange for a discount. Usually about 50 percent lower than the cost of unrestricted tickets, bereavement fares also may be used on certain ...
Does United Airlines offer bereavement fares?
While many carriers have traditionally offered discounted bereavement fares to those traveling to a funeral, those fares are largely a thing of the past. American and United have discontinued bereavement fares, and newer carriers like Southwest never even offered them.
How to get the cheapest fare when booking a flight?
To me, the best websites to find a cheap flight are the following:
- Skyscanner – The best booking site out there. They have a great user interface (and a great app for mobile)
- Momondo – They search the most airlines and websites in the world and come back with cheaper flights 92% of the time. Use them hand in hand with Skyscanner.
- Google Flights – Great search engine that lets you see prices for multiple destinations.
Can you fly cheap for a funeral?
Airlines that offer discounted bereavement fares today include Delta Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa and WestJet. These airlines all require that the passenger is an immediate family member, and is able to provide details of the person who has passed on, and the funeral arrangements.
How much cheaper are bereavement flights?
5% to 25%Generally, bereavement fares are a percentage off the normal ticket price, with discounts ranging from 5% to 25%, depending on the airline.
Are bereavement flights a thing?
In the event of a death or imminent death (for international travel) in your immediate family, you may have to travel at the last minute. We offer a bereavement policy, which offers additional flexibility on the best published fare for your itinerary when last minute travel is required.
How do you book a flight when there is a death?
Documentation. Airlines require passengers to provide documentation to receive the discounted fares. Passengers must provide the name of the deceased and the relationship to the deceased, along with the name, address and telephone number of the funeral home, hospital or hospice.
How much cheaper is a Delta bereavement fare?
The lowest bereavement fare was $360 from Delta, which was twice as expensive as the lowest regular fares, also for Delta flights ($183 to $188)....Do bereavement fares offer the best price?Air providerDeltaBereavement fare$360Lowest online fare$183*Price difference$1779 more columns•Sep 14, 2009
Does southwest give discounts death family?
Southwest doesn't currently offer bereavement fare discounts. While some airlines don't publish their policies governing bereavement fare, Southwest's website includes a policy informing the reader that they don't offer such a discount.
How much does an airline pay for death?
International law requires an airline that has sustained a crash in which there were injuries or deaths to pay each family a bare minimum $176,000 in damages; this is stated in the Montreal Convention of 1999.
Does American Airlines have a bereavement fare?
Unfortunately, American Airlines do not offer bereavement fares on their flights. If you are traveling due to a death in the family, you will only be entitled to book the fare to your destination airport with no additional discount.
Does JetBlue give discounts for funerals?
JetBlue currently does not offer bereavement fares on their flights. The low-cost carrier does not have additional discounts for travelers making flight arrangements in relation to a bereavement, however the airline will offer support to immediate family in need of bereavement travel.
What is a hardship flight?
These are known as bereavement flights, and they're offered by a number of airlines. For a flight like this, you'll have a discounted rate as long as you're able to show proof of a family emergency. Unfortunately, fewer airlines than ever offer this type of discount to those who need to travel quickly.
Do airlines refund for death?
Most airlines allow for ticket refunds, even for nonrefundable tickets, when an immediate family member dies, though a few carriers refuse to issue bereavement refunds at all.
Do airlines need death certificate?
If the airline offers a bereavement fare, you'll have to conform to a host of rules. These are the most common: You may need to show proof of documentation, like a death certificate.
How much is JetBlue bereavement discount?
a 15% discountUnder its bereavement fares policy, JetBlue Airways offers a 15% discount on the published fare and includes one free checked bag. The bereavement fare can be booked only over the phone and is available for immediate family members such as father, mother, brother, sister and child, and not uncles and aunts.
How much discount does Air Canada give for bereavement?
75 per cent offAir Canada/Canadian Bereavement and imminent-death fares are 75 per cent off the full economy fare. The discounts apply to Air Canada and Canadian Airlines for travel to and from Canada, the U.S., and international destinations, with the exception of travel originating in Japan. Certification.
Does American Airlines have a bereavement fare?
Unfortunately, American Airlines do not offer bereavement fares on their flights. If you are traveling due to a death in the family, you will only be entitled to book the fare to your destination airport with no additional discount.
Does JetBlue give a discount for death in family?
JetBlue Bereavement Flight Policy JetBlue currently does not offer bereavement fares on their flights. The low-cost carrier does not have additional discounts for travelers making flight arrangements in relation to a bereavement, however the airline will offer support to immediate family in need of bereavement travel.
Which airlines offer discounted funeral fares?
Airlines that offer discounted bereavement fares today include Delta Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa and WestJet. These airlines all require that the passenger is an immediate family member, and is able to provide details of the person who has passed on, and the funeral arrangements. These details are taken by a customer service rep ...
How to book a funeral flight with WestJet?
Bereavement flights can only be booked by calling WestJet on 1-888-937-8538, and you’ll be asked for proof of your situation.
Why are there no bereavement flights?
First, though: the reason many airlines give for no longer offering bereavement flights is that their everyday low-cost fares and deals are actually cheaper than their old bereavement discount.
What airlines offer bereavement flights?
Delta Airlines. Delta bereavement flights are offered in the event of the passing, or imminent passing, of immediate family. However, they vary in price, and are subject to availability. When you are able to book one, though, it will offer some flexibility on the best published fare on your route. Plus, if you need to make unexpected changes ...
How to book Delta bereavement fare?
To book a Delta bereavement fare, you’ll need to call their reservations line on 800-221-1212.
Does Lufthansa offer special fares?
Special fares in the event of a loved one passing are offered for Lufthansa flights that take off from the US and Canada. As with all the other carriers, you’ll need to call their reservations line to find out whether you qualify, and exactly how much of a discount is offered.
Does American Airlines waive bereavement fees?
American Airlines ended their bereavement fares in 2014, but they may waive change fees if your travel plans shift due to the passing, or imminent passing, of a loved one. You can find additional information here.
How long does it take to get a ticket for a funeral?
Reservations must be ticketed immediately. Tickets must be purchased with travel commencing within seven days of the death or imminent death of the immediate family member. Required documentation is subject to verification.
How to contact Delta for bereavement?
This policy, however, can only be applied by calling Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 for domestic flights or 800-241-4141 for international flights.
How many infants can you have on a plane?
The first infant without a seat under the age of 2 is at no charge, the second infant must purchase a seat. There is a 2-infant maximum per ticketed adult. The infant must be accompanied on all flights in the same compartment by an adult. Reservations must be ticketed immediately.
Can you upgrade a medallion on domestic flights?
Mileage Upgrade Awards and Upgrade Certificates may only be used to upgrade on domestic bereavement fares. Contact Delta Reservations for more details.
Does Delta waive service fees for bereavement?
Delta’s Bereavement policy provides flexibility to the outbound and/or return portion of your trip by waiving service fees; however, fare differences may still apply
Is Skymiles valid for death?
This program is valid for SkyMiles Members needing to travel due to death or imminent death of an immediate family member. If you are not currently a SkyMiles Member you may enroll immediately to qualify.
Can you purchase bereavement tickets on Delta?
You cannot purchase bereavement fares on delta.com, and Delta bereavement fares are subject to the following restrictions: Tickets under the Bereavement policy are subject to availability and may not be available at time of booking. Delta’s Bereavement policy provides flexibility to the outbound and/or return portion of your trip by waiving service ...
What airline offers bereavement fares?
Delta Air Lines. As one of the three legacy US carriers, Delta is the largest carrier to offer bereavement fares in the event of the death or imminent death of an immediate family member (using the same, broader definition as Alaska noted above). You can only book these fares by calling Delta Reservations at 1-800-221-1212 for domestic flights ...
How to book Alaska Airlines tickets?
Tickets must be booked by calling 1-800-252-7522, and it only applies to Alaska-operated flights. Interestingly enough, travelers over the age of 18 must be a Mileage Plan member, though younger passengers don’t. These fares also can’t be combined with the carrier’s fantastic Companion Fare benefit from the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card.
What does it feel like to be informed of a loved one's death?
When you’ve been informed that a loved one has died, it can feel like million thoughts are entering your head all at once — many emotional and perhaps some practical. Among your immediate logistical considerations may be finding a ticket to fly to a funeral with little advanced notice. Often, this task falls on friends or family members of those grieving a loss.
Can you transfer credit card points to frequent flyer points?
Currencies like this include American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and the Marriott Bonvoy program. Just be sure to check the transfer times for the airline partner that will receive the points, as some will take too long to be of any use for a last-minute reservation.
Do airlines offer discounts for funerals?
Yet there are still some airlines that offer a discount when traveling to a funeral, so today we’ll go through the list of airlines that offer formal, published policies for bereavement fares. We’ll then follow this list up with some tips to help you save money on a last-minute trip for a funeral, a family emergency or any other reason.
Is a flight full within a week?
Flights are likely quite full within a week of departure, and last-minute business travelers tend to be less price-sensitive than others. While many carriers have traditionally offered discounted bereavement fares to those traveling to a funeral, those fares are largely a thing of the past.
Can you standby for an earlier flight?
And when you arrive at the airport, you might try to standby for an earlier flight. If you politely request to be added to the standby list and offer some documentation, such as a copy of a death certificate, sympathetic airline staff may be wiling bend the rules for you. For example, United once allowed one of my family members to standby for an international flight for no fee. And it was only because the traveler made the earlier flight that he was able to arrive in-time to attend a funeral.
How to book a funeral flight?
It isn’t usually possible to purchase a bereavement flight through an online portal. Don’t use a third-party travel website for your bookings.
How long does it take to get a discount on a bereavement flight?
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers a 10 percent discount on their lowest fare for bereavement flights. You can purchase within seven days of the flight.
What is bereavement fare?
A bereavement fare is a special discount offered specifically for someone who’s experienced a recent loss. Because you can’t predict when you’ll lose someone, these flights are often purchased last minute. This means they’re more expensive than airfare you can plan in advance.
How to get a better discount on a flight?
Don’t choose the first flight you find. Making a phone call to a few different airlines is the best way to land a better discount. If you don’t even have time for that, visit the airport directly and check multiple counters.
How to find the best deal on a flight?
Ultimately, the only way to find the best deal is to check multiple options before making arrangements. If you’re a member of any rewards program or have existing airline miles, this is likely the best route.
What to put on a memorial card?
Have information on hand like the name of your loved one’s doctor or funeral home as well as the date (s) of any memorial service.
Does American Airlines waive bereavement fees?
American Airlines: While American Airlines ended its bereavement fares in 2014, they often waive fees for changing existing flight plans in the case of a loved one passing. Contact their reservations department directly for the most updated information.
What airlines offer bereavement fares?
Sadly, the days when most airlines offered discounted airfares to passengers who have suffered a bereavement are long gone. Delta Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa and WestJet are among the few airlines still offering bereavement fares. To qualify, the passenger must be an immediate family member and be able to give details of the deceased and funeral arrangements. While many airlines don't offer bereavement fares, most are willing to help passengers find the best option available. It's worth contacting airlines directly and asking if they can help with suggestions that may cut the cost of a last-minute flight.
How long does it take to get a bereavement flight?
Flights within North America must be one-way and start within 10 days of booking. International flights must begin within seven days of booking and may be round trip, except for certain flights.
How to get a bereavement discount on Air Canada?
You must book the flight within seven days of travel when flying internationally or within 10 days when traveling within North America to get the discount. Call Air Canada's reservations line and provide details about your sick or deceased family member, or visit the Air Canada ticket counter at the airport with a copy of the death certificate or a letter from a doctor or hospital. A complete list of who is considered immediate family is available on the airline's website.
How to reduce the cost of a flight?
Typically, last-minute flights are expensive, but airlines may suggest options to reduce the cost of a plane ticket. For example, a flight to a small airport within driving distance of the destination may be cheaper than flying to a major hub airport. Also, late evening flights often cost less than traveling at more popular times of the day. A package deal that includes a hotel or rental car with the plane ticket may be cheaper than the plane ticket alone, especially if the flight is within the next day or so. Call the airline and ask a representative what's available.
Which airlines offer discounts?
Airlines offering discounts in certain circumstances include American Airlines and United Airlines. American Airlines offers flexible options on certain last-minute tickets, and when a bereavement causes the change of a flight plan, United Airlines may allow refunds on non-refundable tickets for a $50 fee.
What do you need to get discounted airfare on an airline?
Documentation. Airlines require passengers to provide documentation to receive the discounted fares. Passengers must provide the name of the deceased and the relationship to the deceased, along with the name, address and telephone number of the funeral home, hospital or hospice.
Can you book a flight at the last minute for bereavement?
While bereavement fares are no longer the norm for airlines, it's still possible to get affordable flights at the last minute if you're in a bind. Many travel websites like Booking.com or Expedia offer last-minute deals. It can also be worth booking a flight using miles instead of cash. That can also be a great way to get an upgrade, which is always welcome in times of stress.
What airlines offer bereavement flights?
Keep reading to learn more about these airlines policies for bereavement fares: 1 Delta Airlines. When booking with Delta Airlines, you need to be traveling within seven days of the death of a family member. You may also benefit from discounted fares due to family emergencies involving imminent death. These special airfares are only available when you book directly with Delta Reservations. 2 Westjet. Westjet provides bereavement airfares to the guests and immediate family members of those attending the funerals of firefighters, police officers, members of emergency services, and members of the armed forces. Contact the airline if you believe you qualify for discounted tickets. 3 Air Canada. Bereavement fares booked with Air Canada (including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express) to destinations within North America must take off within 10 days of the flight’s booking. The flight must also be one-way. International flights must take off within seven days of the flight’s booking. International flights must be round trip in most circumstances. 4 Lufthansa. Lufthansa, the largest German airline, provides bereavement fares on flights that begin in North America. However, to book a flight with a bereavement fare, the flight needs to be round-trip.
How long do you have to travel to Delta when you die?
Delta Airlines. When booking with Delta Airlines, you need to be traveling within seven days of the death of a family member. You may also benefit from discounted fares due to family emergencies involving imminent death. These special airfares are only available when you book directly with Delta Reservations. Westjet.
How long does it take for an international flight to take off?
International flights must take off within seven days of the flight’s booking. International flights must be round trip in most circumstances. Lufthansa. Lufthansa, the largest German airline, provides bereavement fares on flights that begin in North America.
Can you book a flight with a bereavement fare?
However, to book a flight with a bereavement fare, the flight needs to be round-trip. Remember that bereavement fares don’t always give you the cheapest available flight. For instance, you may have to pay fare differences when changing the dates or times of your tickets with Delta airlines even though they waive service fees. ...
Do airlines still offer bereavement fares?
Unfortunately, most airlines no longer offer bereavement fares to their passengers. Even so, these special fares are still available with a select few airlines.
Does Air Canada offer bereavement tickets?
Air Canada also stresses that its bereavement fares are created to offer grieving passengers greater flexibility. That means their bereavement tickets don’t always offer the cheapest possible flight to the destination. The cheapest airfare available to you may very well be an average round-trip plane ticket.
How to book a bereavement flight on WestJet?
Discounted bereavement rates are available on WestJet's Econo, EconoFlex, and Premium fares and can only be booked by calling the airline's reservations line (888-937-8538). WestJet says the fares "offer maximum flexibility with no fees. We encourage you to look for a lower price on our website before booking a bereavement fare, but please note that these fares would be subject to a change fee, if applicable." All travel must be completed within 14 days of booking, and the special fares only apply to immediate family, with a list of applicable relatives on WestJet's bereavement page.
What to do if a loved one passes away?
If a loved one passes away, you might need to book a last-minute flight, which is generally an expensive prospect. This is when airline bereavement fares come into play—discounted rates for grieving passengers who've had a death (or have an imminent death) of a family member.
Does Air Canada offer bereavement discount?
Any flight marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express in economy class is eligible for the airline's bereavement fare discount. The reduced fare applies to travel due to the death or imminent death of an immediate family member. A list of who the airline considers as immediate family is available on its site. Travel must occur within 10 days of booking, and passengers must call Air Canada 's reservation line to book (888-247-2262). Customers will be asked to provide the name of the family member and how they are related; the name of the hospital; the attending physician’s name, address, and phone number; or the name, address, and phone number of the memorial or funeral home; along with the date of the memorial or funeral. Passengers can also apply for the discount retroactively by providing a copy of the death certificate or a letter from the attending physician or hospital.
Does Alaska Airlines offer a discount for family members?
Alaska Airlines. Alaska offers a 10 percent discount off the lowest priced Alaska Airlines fare available within seven days of travel to customers whose immediate family members have passed away. A list of relations that the airline deems immediate family is available on its bereavement fares page. Passengers must be members ...
Do airlines still offer discounts?
Several airlines do still offer special services or discounts to those who suddenly need to travel due to a loved one's death. That's fortunate because when a travel emergency occurs, it's good to have as many options as possible. Keep in mind that to get most of these cheaper rates, you must call the airline reservation number to book.
Does Lufthansa offer funerals?
"In the event of a death abroad, Lufthansa offers immediate family members special fares for outbound and return flights to attend the funeral if their journey starts in the USA or Canada," the German carrier says, although its policy does not specifically mention any other guidelines. The airline says customers in the U.S. and Canada can call their respective reservation numbers to book these fares over the phone.
Does Delta offer bereavement fares?
Delta offers bereavement fares to customers under certain circumstances and can only be booked over the phone. (Call at 800-221-1212 for domestic flights or 800-241-4141 for international flights.) The service is only available to Delta SkyMiles members traveling due to "the death or imminent death of an immediate family member." Passengers can sign up to become a SkyMiles member to immediately qualify for the special fare. There's also a list of relations that count as an immediate family member on Delta's bereavement fares page. Customers must provide the following information to receive the fare: the deceased person’s name; customer's relationship to the deceased; name and phone number of funeral home, hospital, or hospice; and name of doctor (if applicable). The airline also notes that bereavement fares are subject to availability and that "lower promotional fares may be available on delta.com or through Delta Reservations and may serve as a better option in some markets."
How to purchase a discounted flight for bereavement?
To purchase a discounted fare for bereavement, airlines offering these discounts require passengers to contact the ticketing office by telephone or purchase the ticket at the ticketing counter at the airport. Proper documentation must be presented at the time of the ticket purchase; it is not possible to obtain these discounts online.
Which airlines do not offer bereavement fares?
Other airlines, including Air Tran (airtran.com), Southwest (southwest.com) and Frontier Airlines (frontierairlines.com) do not offer bereavement fares. As low-fare carriers, these airlines offer their lowest possible fares at all times and do not give additional discounts.
What to do if an airline representative is unwilling to give you a discounted fare?
If the representative seems unable or unwilling to give you a discounted fare – regardless of the airline – ask to speak to a supervisor to see if you can work something out. While not all airlines are willing to be flexible on their policies, a little bit of true "compassion" does sometimes show through. References.
What is a compassionate fares?
Compassion fares are usually unrestricted tickets that allow passengers to change dates and flight times without a change fee and fly on short notice. However, as the fare discount is usually just a percentage off the full-fare ticket, sometimes it is cheaper to just look at the lower-priced discount fares.
How to verify a compassion fare?
Make sure to collect the name, address and phone number of the hospital and physician where your family member or loved one is being treated for a medical emergency. The airline will need this information to verify your request when you call for a compassion fare. If the loved one has passed away, provide the name and number of the funeral home for verification. Some airlines may also ask you to mail a copy of the death certificate.
How long does it take to get a refund from American Airlines?
You have one year if you cancel your itinerary and want to use the credit toward a different flight, according to the American Airlines website. If you’re eligible for a refund, expect to wait seven to 20 business days to receive it. Refund customer service representatives can be reached by phone from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.
Does Delta offer discounts?
Delta Airlines (delta.com) gives discounted fares for travel within three days of a death or imminent death for their SkyMiles passengers, and changes on return fares are permitted without penalty. Flights may be changed if needed without penalty.
How does the bereavement fare work?
If you need to travel within the next 7 days due to the death of one of your immediate family members, you may be eligible for a 10% discount off the lowest available fare for your desired flights. This reduced rate is only available when purchasing your ticket by phone. Please read below for eligibility.
Can you get a discount on Alaska Airlines if your family member passed away?
You are eligible for the reduced rate fare if an immediate family member has passed away; this reduced rate isn’t intended for medical or emergency travel. Here are a few more details that apply: The discount is valid on Alaska Airlines flights and Horizon, SkyWest, and PenAir flights operated as Alaska Airlines flights.
Can you combine a fare discount with a military discount?
This fare discount cannot be combined with any other promotional discounts (such as Money & Miles, companion fares, government fares or military fares.
