Last minute flight due to funeral

[Luv2Roam]

I thought I would ask here, since we Dis-ers are so knowledgable about travel!
The chances are DH and I will soon need last minute flights from MCO (or Sanford) to central Iowa to attend DH's father's funeral. (Not a surprise. But still hard to take.)

Do airlines still offer last minute discounts for these circumstances?

What does anyone suggest the best way to fly under these last minute plan conditions? Even once my FIL passes, I would think we would have a few days to make arrangements on our end. We can plan what we can now. But it most likely could be this week for travel.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Kind of answered my own question. If it can work for us, Allegiant Air would be the way to go.

 

[tinatark]

When I had to fly for a funeral, I booked a "last minute getaway" from travelocity or yahoo travel (I think they're the same now)... ended up with a flight and car for less than a 21 day advance flight would normally cost.

 

[Armadillo4]

Luv2Roam, I'm sorry for your loss. Like you wrote, even though you know it's coming, it's still very difficult.

As to your question, some airlines offer bereavement fares for last-minute travel. Usually there's some documentation needed (e.g. name and phone number of the funeral home). Unfortunately, I don't think you can find this information or fares on the airline websites--you have to call their reservation numbers. However, as tinatark posted above, sometimes the last minute specials end up as the best option.

 

[bicker]

More and more, over the past few years, I've been reading messages online about instances where bereavement fares were not extended. Do keep in mind that when they are still extended, it is sometimes just a waiver of an advance purchase requirement.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm so sorry for your loss...what a lousy reason for travel.
I know that when my mother died 3 yrs. ago, my brother and his family got no discounts when flying from Seattle to Boston. My sister-in-law is a travel agent and even she was unable to get much of a discount traveling that quickly.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

I'm sorry you have to come up here under these circumstances. We've had several family members fly in over the last couple of years for funerals, and they did not get bereavement fares. One airline was more helpful than the others, but I don't remember which one it was. I just remember the sticker shock.

Allegiant is a non-stop from Sanford if the days work for you. Otherwise, if fares into DSM are too high, look into Kansas City since they have Southwest. It's an easy 3 hour drive from there to DSM.

 

[kristinanderic]

My sister in law lives in Des Moines and says that Omaha, Nebraska is only about a hour and half outside of Des Moines and might be another cheaper option to fly out of. I know Southwest flys to Omaha. It just might be something else to look into.

 

[NotUrsula]

My condolences on your impending loss.

Bereavement fares are pretty much history; I wouldn't count on being able to get one.

The advice to do it as a last-minute package might work, though that is usually a lot easier to find when you are heading to a resort area or major city. I don't think too many people want to do getaways in Des Moine or Omaha.

On a practical point, if possible, let those who will plan the services know that it will be helpful to you if they could schedule the services in such a way that you can fly on Tues, Wed, or Sat. Those are likely to be cheaper than other days of the week. If at all possible, schedule your flight to arrive the day before the funeral or even two days before; serious delays are all too possible in the Plains at this time of year.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

My sister in law lives in Des Moines and says that Omaha, Nebraska is only about a hour and half outside of Des Moines and might be another cheaper option to fly out of. I know Southwest flys to Omaha. It just might be something else to look into.

true - but rates to Omaha lately have not been significantly lower than DSM. And Southwest has direct MCO-MCI flights, there are no directs to Omaha. But hey, if there is a ding to Omaha in the next couple of days, jump on it!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I will have to keep my eyes open.
Right now FIL is unresponsive, but remaining the same. Could end soon. Could go on for some time.

Before moving to the Orlando area, we lived in Omaha for 9.5 years. And we have traveled all over Iowa, so know the state well. (I do miss the Henry Doorly Zoo. Certainly not a time for personal outings though.)
But I will make a point to go to Von Maur.

So far we are hoping the dates will coincide with Allegiant, for price and convenience. Time will tell.
With family coming in from all over, most likely we will get a hotel room too. So a last minute getaway package may work well.

Thank you for the condolences and advice. I appreciate that. His health (mentally and physically) has been very poor for a long time. This will be a blessing for him. We have to think of the surviving MIL now.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

Poppop (my Grandpa) died December 19. My aunt lives in Naples and tried to get a flight through Delta. They were not helpful in the least. In fact, because of some delays, lost luggage, etc. she actally missed my Grandpa's (her dad's) memorial service. They half heartedly tried to get different arrangements made, but didn't. They offered no discounts. In fact Delta forced my aunt and uncle off the plane after boarding because of overbooking and somehow they had been issued the same tickets as someone else. They did make the funeral the next day, however it was a mess. They will be writing a letter. Who knows if anything will be done.

That being said, I do understand that it was Christmas time. But I feel for my aunt and I wish that Delta would have been a little more compassionate.

 

[disneyagain]

My sister and I used Orbitz for last minute special to go to Dallas for our Uncles funeral back in 2002. We were able to get $195 rt from Binghamton-Philadelphia-Dallas.

That was a great price flying out of our local airport, usually you don't see fares below $300. We booked it on a Thursday flew out on Saturday and returned on Monday.

Some airlines are better than others. My Nephews (13, 14) were in Arizona last summer visiting friends when their 26 year-old uncle passed away unexpectedly, here. My Brother-in-law had to get them back earlier than planned. Jet-Blue was wonderful, just a call to them, they asked for the deceased name and the funeral home that was making the arrangements and they switched the boys flights for no extra charge. I know that money wasn't an issue for my BIL, but the customer service that was extended to them at this time, spoke volumes for this company.

 

[jordansmomma]

Sorry for you loss, on Dec. 19 we lost my grandma and since it was the holiday season my aunts were unable to get good deal or a discount from Lousiville to Seattle & Boston to Seattle. But there was a little bereavement (sp) discount but not much. I hope it works out for ya.