Introduction
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences anyone can go through. During these tough times, many people need to travel at short notice to attend a funeral, visit a sick relative, or handle other delicate matters. Sadly, airfare costs can be prohibitively high, making it even more stressful for the grieving family. Fortunately, many airlines offer bereavement fares to help alleviate these financial burdens. In this article, we will look at the major airlines that offer such services and how to access them.
Everything You Need to Know About Bereavement Fares Offered by Major Airlines
Bereavement fares, also known as compassion fares, are discounted airfares offered to passengers traveling due to the death or serious illness of an immediate family member. Bereavement fares originated in the 1930s to help people attend funerals before air travel became commonplace.
Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and others offer bereavement fares to eligible passengers. However, it’s essential to note that not all airlines provide these services, and those that do have different policies and protocols for qualification, discounts, and restrictions.
Typically, bereavement fares are available to immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and in-laws. Proof of the death or serious illness and the relationship to the deceased or critically ill person may be required.
Some airlines extend bereavement fares to close friends and non-family members, while others offer discounted fares to military personnel traveling for a funeral.
It’s crucial to be aware that bereavement fares may not always be the cheapest option, and discount percentages vary among airlines. Also, most airlines require the passenger to book via the airline’s phone reservation system or in-person at a ticket counter.
Navigating Bereavement Fares: A Guide to Finding the Right Deal
Finding the best deal for bereavement fares can be daunting, given the time-sensitivity and restricted availability. Here are some tips to help:
Timing of Booking the Flight
It’s advisable to book as early as possible to save a considerable sum of money. Most airlines offer bereavement fares up to seven days before or after the funeral, and the discount is often applied to any ticket class.
However, some airlines offer bereavement discounts for flights scheduled up to ten days in advance, giving passengers more flexibility in travel planning.
Factors that Affect the Price of a Bereavement Flight and How to Compare Prices Among Airlines.
Bereavement fares vary depending on the airline, the route, the ticket class, and other factors such as day of the week, time of day, and distance traveled.
It’s essential to compare prices among airlines by visiting the carrier’s website or using third-party airfare search engines. Some resources to check for discounts include Expedia, Travelocity, and CheapOair.
Before purchasing any tickets, be sure to read the terms and conditions and compare the base airfare, taxes, fees, and other charges carefully.
Travel Insurance for Bereavement Flights
Given the unpredictability of travel when dealing with a crisis, it may be worth purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover everything from ticket cancellation or changes, flight delays or cancellations, luggage loss, and medical emergencies during travel.
Compare travel insurance rates to determine which plan best suits your needs and budget. Check with your airline or travel agent to see if they offer trip protection insurance, which may include bereavement fare coverage.
Getting There for Less: How to Take Advantage of Bereavement Fares on Select Airlines
Here’s a breakdown of some major airlines that offer bereavement fares:
American Airlines
American Airlines offers a 5% discount on specific routes and days, and passengers must book the flight at one of the airline’s ticket offices.
The discount applies to the lowest published airfare. The bereavement fare is only available for immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents, and must be booked within seven days of travel.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers a 10% discount on flights within the United States and Canada. The discount applies to all fares except Basic Economy and must be booked by phone or in person.
The bereavement fare is available to immediate family members and household members and must be purchased within three days of travel.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers a 5% discount on flights anywhere in the United States. The discount applies to all United or United Express-operated flights except Basic Economy.
The bereavement fare is available to immediate family members and may also be extended to other family members or friends in certain situations, as determined by the airline.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines does not offer a separate bereavement fare but extends flexible policies to accommodate passengers in emergency situations.
Passengers who need to travel due to a death or medical emergency can book a ticket as usual and later contact customer service for a refund or to modify the ticket.
Fly With Compassion: Learn Which Airlines Offer Bereavement Fares for Grieving Passengers
Bereavement fares not only provide affordable options for grieving passengers but also serve as a display of compassion by airlines during difficult times.
Testimonials abound from individuals who have used bereavement fares to travel at short notice. They appreciate the savings offered by the airlines and the ease of booking during a hectic time.
Furthermore, airlines can support grieving passengers in many ways, such as offering priority boarding, on-board assistance, or even waiving baggage fees.
When Tragedy Strikes: Compare Bereavement Fares Among Popular Airlines
It’s essential to compare bereavement fares across various airlines to make an informed decision.
Delta vs. American vs. United: A Comparison of Bereavement Fares
Delta and American offer 10% and 5% discounts, respectively, while United and Southwest offer 5% discounts and flexible policies.
Delta requires the fare to be purchased within three days of travel, while American and United give passengers up to seven days. All airlines require proof of relationship and the death or serious illness.
While the discounts offered by airlines may vary, all it takes is a few minutes to compare prices and benefits to obtain the best deal.
Conclusion
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, but bereavement fares can make a significant difference in reducing the financial burden of traveling in difficult times.
This article has explored the various airline policies for bereavement fares and provided tips for finding and comparing the best deals.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative to those in need of booking bereavement flights. Airlines that offer bereavement fares show compassion for their passengers, which is essential in the industry.