These airlines offer bereavement fares, that’s helpful, but beware!

Bereavement fares or discounts are reduced-rate tickets offered by airlines to passengers who need to travel due to the death or imminent death of a close family member. These fares are intended to provide some financial relief during what is often an unexpected and emotionally difficult time. Although bereavement fares seem to be going the way of the dodo, some airlines still offer them for grieving passengers. And while bereavement fares may sound like the go-to option, these fares don’t always translate to savings. Below, I highlight North American airlines that offer these fares and follow up with a few cautions and alternate options.

Airlines that offer Bereavement fares

Typically, these fares are available to immediate family members, such as spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and sometimes in-laws. Airlines may require documentation such as a death certificate or a funeral home letter to verify the claim. Despite having varied policies on bereavement fares, some common elements that feature across all airlines;

• • Bereavement fares cannot be booked online, and tickets must be booked by calling in.
  • Only available for immediate family members (as defined by airlines)
  • Fares are not eligible on partner airlines

Bereavement fares usually have more flexible booking and travel options, allowing for last-minute changes without hefty penalties. This flexibility is crucial given the unpredictable nature of such travel needs. Not all airlines offer bereavement fares, and policies can vary widely among those that do;

• Air Canada 

Air Canada offers bereavement fares for immediate family members on travel that occurs within 10 days of booking and does not exceed 60 days. The fare is available only for economy class (except Basic fares) on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express. Passengers must also provide the name of the family member, the relationship of the dying or deceased to the customer and;

name of the hospital or residence, as well as the attending physician’s name, address and phone number OR
name, address and phone number of the memorial or funeral home, along with the date of the memorial or funeral.

Tickets must be booked by calling 1-888-247-2262

Air Canada’s policy on Bereavement fares

• WestJet

Westjet’s bereavement fares are available on Econo, EconoFlex, and Premium fares. Travel, including outbound and return flights, must be completed within 14 days of booking. The fares do not include travel on partner airlines and offer maximum flexibility with no fees.

Tickets must be booked by calling 1-888-937-8538

WestJet’s policy on Bereavement fares

• Alaska Airlines

Perhaps the most generous of the airlines listed here, Alaska offers a 10% discount off the lowest-priced Alaska Airlines fare available within 7 days of travel. The fare and discount are only available to members of the Mileage Plan program (free to sign up). Travel must begin within seven days of purchasing your ticket and is valid on Alaska Airlines flights and Horizon, SkyWest, and PenAir flights operated as Alaska Airlines flights.

Tickets must be booked by calling 1-800-252-7522

Alaska Airlines policy on Bereavement fares

• Delta Airlines

Delta’s bereavement fare program is valid only for SkyMiles Members, and tickets are subject to availability. There are no published discounts, but the tickets offer flexibility, and the service fee is waived.

Tickets must be booked by calling 1-800-221-1212

Delta Airlines policy on Bereavement fares

Bereavement Fares – Cautions and alternate options

While bereavement fares offer benefits, passengers must compare the discounted fare with other available fares, as sometimes regular discounted tickets or last-minute deals might be cheaper.

Bereavement fares can offer flexibility, but that often comes at a steep price. These fares can also be restricted to select itineraries, with several restrictions on travel dates and availability. Providing documentation to support the need for a bereavement fare only adds to the stress for a bereaved passenger. It is important to know that most airlines (including the ones mentioned above) will waive change fees and other service charges in cases of emergency. At their discretion, airline staff can also extend a ‘gesture of goodwill’ if the passenger can communicate the extenuating circumstances of their travel.

Have you ever booked a bereavement fare? If I missed an airline that offers such a fare, drop a comment, and I will update the post – thanks in advance 🙂

Title Image Source: Tim Gouw on Unsplash