How to Book Bereavement Airfares: A Comprehensive Guide

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By Elena Porter
Updated September 13, 2024 7:09 AM EST

Bereavement flight discounts typically range from 5% to 20% off the standard fare, depending on the airline.

When a loved one's passing hits you, the last thing you need is the hassle of booking travel on top of everything else. That's where bereavement flights come in—offering discounted or flexible fares to ease the journey to your family's side. In this guide, we'll simplify how to book these special airfares, ensuring you can focus on what truly matters during this difficult time.

What is Bereavement Flight?

Bereavement flights, also called compassion fares, are special tickets offered by airlines to help those traveling due to a close family member's death or serious illness. Here's a simple breakdown:

What You Get:

• Discounted Prices: Bereavement airline tickets often come at a lower cost compared to regular fares.
• Flexibility: It is easier to change or cancel flights without high fees.
• International Options: Reduced rates for international bereavement flights are often available.

FlyO Tip: When booking a bereavement flight, check if the airline offers expedited check-in or other supportive services.

How Does a Bereavement Flight Work?

When life takes an unexpected turn, and you need to be with family during a time of loss, a bereavement flight can offer some relief. Here's how it typically works:

📌Eligibility: You generally need to be a close family member, such as a spouse, child, or sibling. Some airlines may extend this to extended family.

📌 Verification: Be prepared to provide proof, like a death certificate or hospital documentation.

📌 Booking: Bereavement fares aren't usually bookable online. You'll need to call the airline directly to arrange your flight.

📌 Flexibility: Bereavement discount flights often come with flexible options for changes and cancellations, making it easier to adjust your plans if needed.

What Proof Do You Need for a Bereavement Flight?

When booking last-minute bereavement flights, airlines generally require specific documents to offer exceptional rates. Here's what you'll need:

• 📝 Death Certificate: To confirm the death of an immediate family member.
• 🏥 Hospital or Doctor's Note: If you are traveling due to a serious illness, a letter from the hospital or doctor showing the critical condition is necessary.
• 📄 Proof of Relationship: Documents like a birth certificate or marriage license to verify your relationship to the family member.

Having these documents ready can help you secure the best rates and flexibility for your urgent travel needs.

Which Airlines Offer Bereavement Flights?

Not all airlines offer bereavement discount flights. Below is a list of those that do, along with specific details about their policies:

✈️ Delta Airlines Bereavement Flights

Delta Airlines provides bereavement fares to assist with last-minute travel due to the death or imminent death of an immediate family member. Here's what you need to know:

✅What They Offer: Flexible fares with possible discounts on the best-published fare.

✅ Booking: Call Delta directly; this option is not available online.

✅ Eligibility: SkyMiles members are allowed to travel due to an immediate family member's death or imminent death.

📝Documents Needed:

• Death certificate
• Proof of relationship
• Contact details for the funeral home or hospital

🚫 Restrictions:

• Fares are subject to availability and may not always be the lowest.
• Delta offers flexibility with waived service fees, but you may still need to pay fare differences.
• Check for lower promotional fares that might be available.

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✈️ Alaska Airlines Bereavement Flights

Alaska Airlines offers a bereavement fare discount for those needing to travel quickly due to a family loss, making it the right option for cheap bereavement flights.

✅ What They Offer: 10% discount off the lowest available fare.

✅ Booking: By phone only

✅ Eligibility: Mileage Plan members traveling due to the death of an immediate family member.

📝 Documents Needed:

• Proof of relationship
• Death certificate

🚫 Restrictions:

• Not applicable for medical or emergency travel.
• You cannot combine it with other discounts or offers.
• A discount is only available for new ticket purchases by calling their customer service.

Also read, Guide to Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy

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✈️ WestJet Bereavement Fares

WestJet provides flexible fares for those traveling due to a family bereavement.

✅ What They Offer: Flexible fares on Econo and EconoFlex only.

✅ Booking: By phone only.

✅ Eligibility: You must have a WestJet Rewards account and complete your travel within 30 days.

📝 Documents Needed:

• Reason for travel
• Relationship to the deceased

🚫 Restrictions:

• Not available on UltraBasic, Member Exclusive, Premium, or Business fares.
• It cannot be combined with other discounts or vouchers.

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✈️ Air Canada Bereavement Fares

Air Canada's bereavement policy provides flexible options for those needing to travel due to a death in the immediate family.

✅ What They Offer: Flexible fares are available on Economy Standard, Flex, Comfort, and Latitude.

✅ Booking: Call Air Canada and provide necessary documentation within 7 days after travel.

✅ Eligibility: Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, and their codeshare partners operate the flights.

📝 Documents Needed:

• Death certificate or equivalent proof
• Contact details of the hospital or funeral home

🚫 Restrictions:

• No refunds for completed travel.
• Lower, less flexible fares may be available online.

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✈️ Hawaiian Airlines Bereavement Fares

Hawaiian Airlines offers bereavement fares for travel within Hawaii.

✅ What They Offer: Discounts for travel within the state of Hawaii.

✅ Booking: Available if travel is within 48 hours.

✅ Eligibility: Immediate family members, including in-laws, stepparents, and stepchildren.

📝 Documents Needed:

• Death certificate
• Proof of relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificate)

🚫 Restrictions:

• Not valid for travel outside Hawaii.

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Airlines That Don't Offer Bereavement Flights

If you need to travel due to a family emergency, some major airlines don't provide specific bereavement airline tickets. Here's what you need to know:

⏩JetBlue Bereavement Flights

🔸No bereavement fares available.

🔸 Focuses on standard fare options with competitive pricing.

🔸 For urgent travel, check their regular fares, which offer flexibility and affordability.

⏩ American Airlines Bereavement Flights

🔹Does not provide specific bereavement fares.

🔹 May consider ticket refunds or changes with proof of relationship.

🔹 Contact customer service to discuss possible fare adjustments or refunds.

Learn More: American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Guide

⏩Spirit Bereavement Flights

💠No bereavement fares are offered.

💠 Maintains low fare pricing without special discounts for bereavement.

💠 Book early to secure the best rates on their regular flights.

⏩United Bereavement Flights

➰Discontinued bereavement fare program in 2014.

➰ Travelers must use standard fare options.

➰ For international bereavement flights, find the best rates and consult customer service for potential adjustments.

For those seeking international bereavement flights, it's essential to explore all available fare options and contact airlines directly to understand their policies and any possible support they might offer in times of loss.

FlyO Tip:Check if your credit card offers travel benefits for bereavement situations, as some may provide additional support or discounts.

How to Book Bereavement Flights?

Booking bereavement flights involves key steps to ensure you get the support you need during a difficult time. Here's a straightforward guide:

• 📞 Call the Airline: Inquire about bereavement fares directly, as they're often not available online. For help, call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016.
• 🗂️ Prepare Documents: Have proof of death or imminent death, like a death certificate or funeral home letter.
• 📋 Submit Proof: Provide the necessary documents to the airline's customer service.
• 📱 Book Over the Phone: Complete your booking, as bereavement fares are usually unavailable online.
• 🔍 Check Terms: Understand any restrictions or flexibility, including fare differences and cancellation policies.

Final Insights on Booking Bereavement Flights

Booking bereavement flights during such difficult times can be emotionally and financially taxing. By understanding the options available and preparing the necessary documentation, you can make this process less stressful. While not all airlines offer military bereavement flight tickets, many provide flexible or discounted fares to accommodate the urgent nature of these flights.

If you need help booking a flight during this tough time, call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 for assistance with cheap bereavement flights.

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About the author

Elena Porter

Experiences life to the fullest through travel; Elena Porter has been a travel author at FlyOfinder since 2019. She has extensively explored the best of over ten countries, offering unique skills to guide readers in discovering the most remarkable places in each city. Ensuring to provide the best of each destination and make your travel unforgettable.