Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, Hawaiian Airlines, and Lufthansa offer bereavement fares for affordable last-minute travel.

Bereavement flights are taken by passengers when a close relative or family member has passed away or is nearing the end of life. During such times, booking last-minute travel can become both costly and overwhelming. Therefore, it is advisable to check if any assistance can be provided by the airline.

The practice of offering bereavement fares was once widespread; however, since 2015, many airlines have discontinued this service. These special fares typically included flexible options and, depending on the airline, were sometimes offered at a reduced price. By choosing this fare, passengers could secure last-minute travel at a cost similar to tickets purchased well in advance.

Understanding Bereavement Fares

Bereavement fares are discounted tickets meant for passengers traveling to attend the funeral of a loved one or to visit a terminally ill family member. Although many airlines no longer provide these fares, some still do under specific conditions. These fares are not always the most affordable option for last-minute travel, but comparing prices and setting up alerts for fare changes can be beneficial.

Delta Air Lines: Domestic and International Routes Available

Delta Air Lines provides bereavement fares for both domestic and international travel, operated either by Delta Air Lines or Delta Connection. Availability is subject to certain conditions. Eligibility is limited to cases involving the death or imminent death of an immediate family member, which may include:

• Spouse or domestic partner
• Parent, stepparent, or parent-in-law
• Child, stepchild, son or daughter-in-law
• Sibling, stepsibling, or sibling-in-law
• Grandparent or grandchild
• Aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew

Service fees are waived on all outbound and return bereavement flights. The individual booking the flight must be a SkyMiles member or must enroll before contacting customer service. Reservations must be made directly through Delta’s customer service or reservations department.

Air Canada: Most Generous Time Frame for Bereavement Travel

Air Canada provides discounts on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, and its codeshare partners. The policy excludes basic economy fares within North America but includes them for international travel. Travel must be initiated within 10 days of booking, and the return flight must occur within 60 days.

Proof of the situation, such as a death certificate, funeral director’s statement, or a physician’s letter, must be submitted within seven days of returning from the trip. Air Canada’s policy offers one of the most flexible time frames for bereavement travel.

Alaska Airlines: 10% Discount on Lowest Fare

Alaska Airlines extends a bereavement fare option for travel within seven days following the death of an immediate family member. A 10% discount is applied to the lowest available rate on the travel date. However, the discount cannot be combined with other offers or mileage discounts. Most immediate family members are eligible, but cousins and some in-laws are excluded.

This fare is applicable on Alaska Airlines and flights operated by Horizon or Skywest on Alaska’s behalf. Enrollment in the Mileage Plan program is required.

WestJet: Two Types of Bereavement Fare

WestJet offers bereavement fares for those experiencing the death or imminent death of an immediate family member. Discounts are provided on Econo and EconoFlex fares but are not available on premium fares. Travel must be completed within 30 days of booking, and the traveler must be registered with WestJet Rewards.

WestJet also provides civil funeral fares for attending the funerals of firefighters, police officers, military personnel, or emergency services personnel who died in the line of duty. Post-travel requests are accepted. Unlike other airlines, WestJet allows bereavement fare applications through its website.

Hawaiian Airlines: Only for Local Island Flights

Hawaiian Airlines offers ‘Neighbor Island Emergency Travel’ for cases of hospitalization or death. These fares are restricted to one-way flights within the Hawaiian Islands and are not applicable for North American or international travel. Immediate family members or travel companions on the same ticket code are eligible.

Proof of hospitalization or death must be provided, and travel must be initiated within 48 hours of booking. Tickets must be purchased at the regular fare, and documents, including a copy of the ticket and proof of relationship, must be submitted for review. If approved, a refund for the fare difference is processed within seven days.

Lufthansa: Applicable from North America Only

Lufthansa provides bereavement or compassionate fares for flights departing from the US or Canada. These fares offer financial relief during difficult times, but availability and discounts may vary. Reservations must be made by contacting customer service directly.

It is recommended to check availability, prepare the necessary documents, compare prices with other airlines, and verify flexibility in booking, as circumstances may change unexpectedly.

Airlines That No Longer Offer Bereavement Fares

Several airlines have discontinued bereavement fare programs, including:

• United Airlines – No longer offers bereavement fares but remains flexible with changes and cancellations.
• American Airlines – Ceased compassion fares following its merger with US Airways.
• JetBlue, Southwest, and Frontier – Do not offer bereavement fares but provide flexibility in changes and cancellations.

Key Considerations When Booking Bereavement Flights

Eligibility criteria for bereavement fares vary among airlines. Some airlines limit eligibility to immediate family members, while others are more inclusive, accepting step-families, foster families, and same-sex domestic partners.

Bereavement fares are not always the cheapest option. In some cases, a discount of 5% to 25% may be offered. Alternative cost-saving options include using airline loyalty points or miles, military or government discounts, or checking discounted travel websites such as Skyscanner or Kayak. Consulting with a travel agency may also be helpful, although service fees could apply.

Final Thoughts on Bereavement Travel

Grieving travelers face emotional stress while booking last-minute travel, which can be both confusing and overwhelming. Although most airlines no longer provide dedicated bereavement fares, it is worthwhile to inquire directly with airlines about available options. Customer service representatives are often sympathetic to these sensitive situations and may assist in finding a suitable travel arrangement, sometimes at a cost comparable to a bereavement fare.

The post Delta, Air Canada, Alaska, WestJet, Hawaiian, and Lufthansa Offer Exclusive Bereavement Flight Discounts Helping Families Save on Emergency Travel Costs appeared first on Travel And Tour World.