Did you know that many airlines provide discounted airfares for bereavement travel? Yes, you heard it right! When faced with the loss of someone’s death, booking a flight can increase the stress of an already heartbreaking situation. Thus, to overcome this, airlines are offering bereavement flight fares.
However, these fares come with certain eligibility requirements, such as proof of the loved one’s passing. Moreover, it is important to know that currently, not all airlines are offering Bereavement Flight fares. But few major US airlines including (Delta Alaska, WestJet, Air Canada, and Hawaiian Airlines) provide these fares.
Additionally, if you want to know more about the discount percentage, and the requirements of these fares, continue to read this blog further.
What is Bereavement Fare?
Bereavement is a discounted price offered by airlines to those who need to travel because of the death of a family member. It allows them to book a reservation with some reduced prices compared to the regular one.
What is the Bereavement Airfares Flight Policy?
It’s an airline policy that offers cheaper fares to passengers at the time of emergency or the death of a close one. While fares under the Bereavement policy vary, there are a few conditions and requirements that everyone should have before applying these fares.
- The tickets may not be available at the booking time.
- The bereavement flight discount percentage ranges between 5% to 20% (subject the change).
- Passengers must provide proof of death, or any emergency that may happen.
- Verification of the relationship with the person who died or has serious issues will also be required.
- To book, passengers need to contact the airline (online reservations may not be available).
What Document Do You Need For a Bereavement Flight?
To qualify for the Bereavement fares, passengers need to provide some of the documents as proof. Here is what you need to provide.
- Death certificate
- Funeral home letter
- Proof of relationship with deceased.
- Government-issued ID
Which Airlines Offering Bereavement Fares? An Overview
Airlines like Alaska, WestJet, Air Canada, Delta, and Hawaiian offer bereavement fares for flights. However, if you are wondering how much discount will get and what are all the requirements and restrictions, then refer to the table.
| Airlines | Discount % | Eligibility | Documents Required | Restrictions |
| Delta Airlines | Does not have a fixed percentage. | SkyMiles members can avail of these fares. | Name of the deceased, proof of death, and personal details. | Fares are subject to availability. |
| Alaska Airlines | 10% | Mileage Plan membership required | Death certificate, and the proof of relation | For medical emergencies (not applicable ). Discount only available on the new purchase. |
| WestJet Airlines | Not have a fixed percentage ( subject to availability) | Passengers must have a WestJet Reward account. | Reason for travel, and death certificate. | Not applicable on UltraBasic, premium, and business fares. |
| Air Canada | 10-20% less on standard fares (may vary) | Booking is done with: Air Canada Rouge, express, or the codeshare partner airlines. | Contact details of the hospital and the proof of death. | No refund is available for the complete refund. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 5 to 10% only for the neighbor island travel | Immediate family members | The death certificate and the proof of relationship | Not be applicable on travel outside Hawaii |
How Can You Book the Bereavement Fares Flights?
To reserve a ticket with Bereavement airfares, the passenger can call the airline directly as online booking is not available. For instance, if flying with Alaska, dial the Alaska Airlines customer support number (xxxxxxx) and speak to the representative to get the discounted fares. Here is how you can do that:
Steps to Book Bereavement Fares For Flights:
- First, visit the respective airline website.
- After that, go to the Contact Us option.
- Find the phone number, and save it to your mobile device.
- Then, dial the number by entering the country code.
- Once the call is connected, request a booking.
- Now, the executive will check the eligibility.
- And if you qualify for it, provide the required documents.
- After getting the details, the representative will provide the fares and can book a ticket with a reduction on the standard fares.
Note: Before dialing the number, first read if your airline is offering the Beverage fares or not. Then check out all the terms and conditions to avoid the last-minute hassle.
Can I Book a Bereavement Flight Via Customer Service?
Yes, passengers who require quick travel due to an emergency can book Bereavement Flights by contacting the airline’s customer department. As airline bereavement fares are usually not available online. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
- Provide the required document (death certificate).
- Book immediately
- Check the eligibility and restrictions of the fares
- Passengers still be responsible for the extra charges, such as baggage, or seat selection fees.
How Much Cheaper is Bereavement Fares?
Bereavement fares can be 5 to 10% cheaper than the standard price of the Flight bookings. However, the exact amount varies according to the flight, destinations, routes, or time of travel. For instance, Alaska Airlines offers 10% discounts while Delta does not have a fixed percentage.
Which Airlines did not offer Bereavement Flights?
As we mentioned earlier, many US Airlines offer Bereavement fares. But still, various airlines do not provide this service. That may be because they wanted to cut the cost, or often available on the higher tier classes. However here is the list of the airlines as follows:
- JetBlue Airlines
- American Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Allegiant Airlines
- United Airlines and so on.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Bereavement Flights?
Bereavement airfares offer cheap bereavement fares and flight reservation options to the family members of someone deceased or near death. However some of the airlines eliminate this option, and the policies vary from airline to airline. In addition, these fares come with various advantages and disadvantages which we should know to avail the best service.
Pros of Bereavement Flights
- Reduce prices on the standard fares
- Allow booking on a short notice.
- Provide personalized assistance.
- Passengers can hold the reservation until the documents are ready.
Cons Of Bereavement Flights
- Travelers need to pay additional charges such as baggage fees.
- Some airlines may have a deadline that requires travel within a few days.
- Verification and proof of documents are required.
- Limited availability of seats.
Conclusion
Therefore, booking bereavement flights can be challenging both emotionally and financially. So, it’s important to identify airlines that offer bereavement fares, as not all do. Thus, check the specific airline requirements, such as proof of relationship to the deceased or documentation like a death certificate to complete the booking.
Moreover, contact airlines directly for details not found online, including available flights and pricing. Further, if you need more help regarding “Which Airlines Offer Bereavement Fares” call us at 1-862-227-3716 to get the cheapest flight options.