Bereavement Airfare ?

[Zandy595]

Does anyone know anything about bereavement airfare, like what airlines have this discount and if it's really cheaper to go that route? DH's grandmother just died and I'm looking for the least expensive airfare for him.

[PrincesCJM]

First, I'm sorry for your loss.

Second, from what I have heard, it's not (usually) cheaper and people have to jump through hoops to get it. I'd start by looking for airfare for DH so you have an idea of what the prices are. It could be worth a shot to try.

[2binak]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Bereavement airfare isn't always cheaper than regular airfare. You'll have to look at regular fares first, then call the airlines and ask what they can offer for bereavement fare and what the process is to get that fare.

[Schmeck]

And if the flight has any connection to the Northeast, right now it is nearly impossible to get a seat. The blizzard has stranded so many people, and only a few flights are getting out right now, at least in my area.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, and I hope your husband can get there ASAP.

[trip]

We were able to get a bereavement fare (2 yrs ago) when my father passed away. You should call the airline directly and ask to speak with the agent that takes care of these fares. If they do have special fares be ready to tell them the name of the funeral home handling the arrangements, relationship to deceased, etc.

We were able to get a great fare but it really depends on the airline.

Sorry for your loss.

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Sorry for your family's loss.

I'm not sure if it is only for direct relations (parents, siblings, children) or if it extends out to grandparents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. I'm pretty sure you have to have some sort of documentation.

Look at some prices online to get a baseline, and then call the airlines you are interested in to ask their policy.

[islandtimect]

When my MIL passed away we werent able ti get any reduction in airfare from any airline. DH was the only child and executor of her estate, but none of that mattered. There really isnt much of a bereavement airfare at all. Just try to find the best deal and try flying into or out of different airports.

[Nancyg56]

SAndy, I am so sorry for you rloss. I would call the airline after you find prices. If you cannot get a reduction the airline may be able to help your DH get a seat. With all of the cancellations in the NE, I think many airplines are booked or impacted. Let us know how you make out.

[TLSnell1981]

I have never had success with bereavement airfare and have tried to use it twice.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[pyrxtc]

book your airfare and then when you get a copy of the death certificate or a note from DR you can submit that to the airline. My relatives used it a few years ago.

[MichelleinMaine]

I'm sorry for your family's loss.

When my MIL had a stroke and we had to get to her same-day, DH's aunt was able to book it with her frequent flier miles for no more than any other day. (Eg not a penalty for booking same day.) If you have someone with alot- maybe you could make an arrangement that you'd reinburse them for a not-last minute fare next time they travel? Alternate idea, anyway.

[eliza61]

Also, some airlines give a simple flat "gift". when I had to get ds back from school when dh passed, airline refunded us a flat 175 dollars off his flight.

We had to submit proof of death and ticket purchase.

[goofy4tink]

My sister-in-law is a TA, working as the travel liason between the public sector and the military. When my parents died, at different times, she was unable to get any decent bereavement fare. The biggest reason is that this fare is based on the regular full fare. It is nearly always much cheaper to just book a cheap flight.

[tvguy]

Originally Posted by goofy4tink

My sister-in-law is a TA, working as the travel liason between the public sector and the military. When my parents died, at different times, she was unable to get any decent bereavement fare. The biggest reason is that this fare is based on the regular full fare. It is nearly always much cheaper to just book a cheap flight.

This has been my experience. It is a discount off the full published fare, and often there is another fare available that is less. Things like non-refundable fares are usually cheaper, or redeye flights.

[eliza61]

Originally Posted by goofy4tink

My sister-in-law is a TA, working as the travel liason between the public sector and the military. When my parents died, at different times, she was unable to get any decent bereavement fare. The biggest reason is that this fare is based on the regular full fare. It is nearly always much cheaper to just book a cheap flight.

I think it usually helps in those "have to get home now" situations. In the case of my son, dh's doctors told us to get him home as quickly as possible and usually cheap flights require advance notice.