Do U.S. airlines offer special fares to those who just had a death in the family?

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tbugs

Airlines in the US used to have bereavement fares. That is a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, it is full fare.

I had this experience back in February and I checked with Northwest, US Airways, and Delta. All were apologetic but said their bereavement fares have all been done away with.

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Technically they do however they are rarely better prices than what you can find through a "budget" carrier on your own.

Mike R

Mostly they do, but you have to call them to get specifics

jholcomb

Blurb below: link in references...

Air Travel for Funerals / Serious Illness
In times of emergency when you have to fly for a family funeral, or to see a terminally ill relative, shopping around for airfares is probably the last thing you want to think about. Many airlines have an answer for this - the bereavement fare, or compassionate fare, which is offered to family members traveling for a death in the family, or imminent death.
So what should one know about bereavement fares?

They are not always the lowest fare, but are last minute fares that can be booked right up until departure time.
They are offered for family members traveling to a funeral.
They can also be offered for family members in the case of imminent death, where a family member is gravely ill.
Bereavement fares usually entail a discount off of a full fare (unrestricted fare), and are often more expensive than the cost you would pay for a seat sale ticket.
Bereavement fares tend to be very flexible, permitting free changes and stays of up to 30 days with no minimum stay requirements.
You can usually secure the discount prior to travel if you provide the required information.

dcgirl

You will need a copy of the death certificate and proof of your relationship to the deceased. You also get the discount not off of the normal, advance-purchase fare but rather from the full, unrestricted fare. Since full fares are usually a LOT higher than advance purchase fares, you will almost always get a better deal just buying a normal ticket, either from the airline or from a reseller.

kja63

As a rule, yes they do.

soccerref

In general, yes they do. They are called bereavement fares and often have little to no restrictions on the fares. However, these are usually very expensive and do not offer you the best fare possible.

I would shop around for the best fare rather than take a bereavement if you have the time. You'll often be able to get a seat on the same plane for a lesser price.

My condolences to you and your family in your time of loss......

shorty

They have in the past I don't know if they still do. Call around to different airlines and see which one will give you the best deal.

wolf

Nope.

CARLOS O

Yes they DO!

Called "Bevearment: fares. Each company has it's own rules.

Sometimes an internet search gives you better rates.

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