Losing a loved one is enough of a heartache without having to navigate the complexity of finding a low-cost plane ticket so you can get there. As a result, bereavement fares are available with some airlines to help ease the burden of potentially expensive last-minute travel. Learn what they are and how to access them so you can make it to say goodbye.

What are bereavement fares?

Bereavement fares, also known as funeral flights or grievance flights, are discount fares that you can access in the case of the sudden death of an immediate family member. Not all airlines offer bereavement fares, and those that do have bereavement policies require verification of details to book a discounted fare, such as who has passed and information about the funeral service. In most cases, travellers must access bereavement by calling the airline directly.

How to book bereavement fares

Access to bereavement flights and rates varies by airline. Your best bet for accessing them is to visit their online bereavement policies or simply call the airline directly and ask about their availability.

Airlines that offer bereavement fares

Air Canada

Air Canada bereavement fares discount is available to immediate family members in the case of death or imminent death. It applies to flights marketed or operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express, and you can access it by calling their customer service line. Check out their bereavement policy page for more details.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers 10% off the “lowest-priced Alaska Airlines available within 7 days of travel,” according to their online policy. However, to access this discount, you need to be a member of their Mileage Plan, which is free to join. To access the bereavement fare discount, call their reservations line at 1-800-252-7522.

Delta

Delta offers bereavement in the case of the imminent or recent loss to specific family members, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles, parents, and in-laws, and you'll have to provide proof of relationship and information on the gathering. Children travelling with you typically have access to the same special rate through Delta's policy. For more details on Delta’s bereavement policy, check out their online resource.

Lufthansa 

Lufthansa offers bereavement fares for travellers flying from the United States or Canada, allowing them to reach Europe to say goodbye to a loved one. The discounts vary by season—contact customer service to see if you're eligible.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines bereavement policy is available through the airline's customer service channels. Contact Philippine Airlines directly for bereavement fare information.

WestJet

WestJet bereavement fares are available to those experiencing a recent or imminent death of a family member. You need to travel within 30 days of booking, and fares can only be accessed by calling the customer service line at 1-888-937-8538. For more details on WestJet’s bereavement fare policy and a list of accepted family members, visit their online bereavement policy page. 

Does every airline offer bereavement fares?

Not every airline offers access to this type of fare. Airlines that don't have specific bereavement policies include:

• American Airlines

• Southwest

• JetBlue

• United Airlines

Many of these airlines still offer options or waive fees, such as travel change fees, in the case of emergencies. To see if an airline will accommodate your emergency, contact its customer service department.

How to find cheap flights

Many airlines no longer have bereavement policies because their lowest everyday rates are already cheaper. Even in cases where they offer access to bereavement fares, you can often find something cheaper. Many airlines are also flexible in emergencies, so reach out and ask for assistance when needed, especially regarding travel change fees.

If you’re looking for a last-minute flight deal in the case of an emergency, check out our flight search engine, where you can find last-minute discount flights to and from destinations around the world. Check the “Add nearby airports” box just below your departure and destination cities. With this tool, you’ll be shown flight deals to nearby airports so you can compare prices and find the best deals.

Do hotels offer bereavement rates?

Since we’re on the topic of bereavement rates, we may as well cover whether or not you have the same or similar options with your hotel bookings. Unfortunately, many hotels don’t offer bereavement rates for bookings, and the ones that do don’t have standardized rates. It can’t hurt to ask, so in the case of an emergency, reach out to your hotel directly.

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Travelling after the loss of a loved one often involves quick decisions and tight timelines. Bereavement fares reduce some of the stress associated with booking last-minute flights when families gather for funerals, memorial services, or to visit someone nearing the end of life.