Summary
Historical Context of Bereavement Fares
Before the year 2000, U.S. airlines offered cut-rate bereavement fares for those needing to fly suddenly for a family funeral or to see a terminally ill relative. Some carriers included travel to immediate family, while others expanded policies to include grandparents, cousins, in-laws, domestic partners, and step-relatives. These fares allowed airlines to waive their seven- or 14-day requirement to buy cheaper fares, making it more affordable for travelers during their time of need.
However, starting in 2001, airlines faced record losses, prompting them to look internally to cut costs and enhance profitability. This included implementing add-on fees for services such as checked baggage and flight change requests. Consequently, bereavement fares began to fade from offerings in many airlines.
Current Fare Policies by Airlines
With the growth of online travel booking websites like Hopper and Skyscanner, travelers can find cheap last-minute fares, significantly lessening the appeal of official bereavement fares. Several companies, like Cranky Concierge and CheapAir.com, assist travelers in locating affordable options when emergencies arise.
Many airlines now partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to provide passengers with cancellation coverage, allowing for a full refund in cases such as job loss or medical issues. Below are the bereavement fare policies for the top 15 North American carriers:
Aeromexico
The Mexican flag carrier does not offer separate bereavement fares. Instead, Aeromexico emphasizes its “Fare Families” initiative, which includes different levels of Main Cabin and business Class Premier airfares.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers bereavement fares for travel on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express, stating that lower fares may be available on its platform.
Alaska Airlines
This Seattle-based carrier offers bereavement fares for travel within seven days due to the death of an immediate family member. However, these fares may be more expensive than last-minute tickets available through other means.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air does not provide bereavement tickets but offers refunds within 24 hours of ticket purchase if there is a death in the immediate family, under specific conditions.
American Airlines
American Airlines discontinued bereavement fares in February 2014, offering travelers more flexible fare options for last-minute travel instead.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines continues to provide bereavement fares under specific conditions for immediate family members. Documentation is required, including information about the deceased.
Frontier Airlines
This airline allows travelers to change travel plans without a fee for up to 90 days after booking if a death occurs. A fare difference will apply, and requests must go through Frontier’s Reservations Department.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines provides options for fare waivers and refunds for travelers affected by a family member’s death, requiring certain documentation to facilitate the process.
InterJet
InterJet does not offer bereavement fares, but travelers may request refunds under extraordinary circumstances, following specific guidelines.
JetBlue
JetBlue officially does not offer bereavement fares; however, travelers facing emergencies can speak with representatives for potential assistance.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines does not provide bereavement fares but promotes its everyday low fares and lack of fees for flight changes and checked luggage.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines states that its low fare structure does not allow for bereavement discounts.
United Airlines
United Airlines no longer offers a bereavement fare discount, but for a $50 fee, it allows refunds on nonrefundable tickets affected by unplanned events.
Volaris
This Mexico City-based carrier does not offer bereavement fares, maintaining its low-cost philosophy.
WestJet
WestJet provides bereavement fares for immediate family members and those attending funerals for emergency responders, emphasizing the need to call for additional information.
Documentation Requirements
When flying under bereavement fares or making exceptions, travelers will typically need to provide documentation such as a death certificate and proof of relationship to the deceased. Airlines generally prefer submitting these documents through official communication channels, like email or their customer service lines.
