How Does a Bereavement Fare Work?

Why Bereavement Fares Are Offered

When a person has a close relative who has died or is near death, many airlines will offer a bereavement fare, also called a compassionate fare, to help make travel easier and cheaper. These bereavement fares are typically 10 to 75 percent off a full-price airfare.

How to Obtain a Bereavment Fare

To obtain bereavement fare, you must call the airline and supply the name of the person who is ill or deceased, your relationship to that person and hospital or funeral home information. Airlines are strict about who receive such bereavement fares. They issue such fares to grandparents, spouses, children, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, siblings, nieces and nephews. Step-families are included. Some airlines offer a refund after the trip instead of a reduced price before the trip if you cannot get all of your documentation together before the trip. In addition to the telephone, you can request a bereavement fare in person at the ticket counter.

Benefits of Bereavement Fares

Bereavement fares are not always the best price thanks to the dawn of the Internet and all of the discount ticket websites. In most cases, a last-minute flight found online may be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a bereavement fare. The one exception is that many airlines will waive restrictions on frequent flyer points if you meet the criteria for a bereavement fare. Therefore, if you have frequent flyer miles, you can get a good price, or perhaps fly free. Another benefit of bereavement fares is that you can book a last-minute flight and immediately get on a plane. Bereavement fares can be very flexible with return dates, permitting a traveler to have a return trip 30 days away with no penalties.