How to Get a Bereavement Fare

Bereavement fares aren't always the cheapest option.

If you need to get somewhere in a hurry because a loved one is ill or has just died, one of the last things you want to do is haggle with the airlines over bereavement fares. Many airlines no longer offer bereavement fares at all, and some of those that do offer them charge more than the fare you will get if you simply booked your flight online. Most airlines do not list in advance what their bereavement discount is, and many airlines require that all bereavement fares be booked by phone rather than online. The one benefit that bereavement policies still have is that they often allow you to change your travel plans at the last minute with only a small cancellation fee, or none at all.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of death or proof of illness

Instructions

1. Call the airline directly. Almost no airline allows bereavement fares to be booked by a travel agent, and no airline allows them to be booked online.

2. Provide the airline with the name of the relative and your relationship. You'll also need to give the name and phone number of the hospital, hospice or nursing home where your relative was being treated, along with the name and phone number of the attending physician.

3. Check for fares on the Internet. Often you can get a lower fare online--the main exception being if you are already traveling and need to change your plans without penalties.

4. Apply for a refund if you have already flown to a funeral and paid full fare. To do this, you will need to submit a copy of the death certificate to the airline.

Tips & Warnings

• Most airlines that still offer bereavement fares will give them to parents and grandparents (including stepparents and in-laws), spouse, children, aunts and uncles, siblings (including stepsiblings and siblings-in-law) and nieces and nephews. Most airlines--but not all--also include same-sex domestic partners and legal guardians as eligible family members.