Losing a loved one is an emotional and overwhelming experience. The last thing you need is the added stress of figuring out how to book a last-minute flight for a funeral—especially when airline prices skyrocket for same-day and next-day travel. While many airlines have eliminated their bereavement fares, some still offer options that can help reduce costs if you know how to navigate the system. This guide will walk you through your options for securing an affordable emergency flight during a difficult time.
Do Airlines Still Offer Bereavement Fares?
The short answer: some do, but policies vary. Many major airlines have discontinued their bereavement fare policies, but a few still offer them for immediate family members traveling due to a death or critical illness. These fares are not widely advertised and require you to call the airline directly to book.
Here’s a breakdown of which airlines still provide bereavement fares and how to book them:
✅ Delta Air Lines – Offers bereavement fares for immediate family members in cases of death or imminent death. Call Delta Reservations to book and provide necessary details.
✅ Alaska Airlines – Offers a 10% discount on select fares for immediate family members traveling within seven days of a loss. Must call to book.
✅ Other airlines – Most no longer provide specific bereavement fares, but they may allow flexible changes or waive fees in special circumstances.
For a full list of airline policies and booking instructions, be sure to contact the airline directly, as policies change frequently.
What You Need to Book a Bereavement Fare
When calling the airline, be prepared to provide the following information:
Your relationship to the deceased (immediate family is typically required)
Name of the deceased
Funeral home, hospital, or hospice contact information for verification
Date of travel (bereavement fares are typically only available for flights booked within a short window)
It’s important to note that while bereavement fares sometimes offer flexibility in rescheduling or cancellations, they are not always the cheapest option. Be sure to compare standard fares before booking.
A Secret Workaround for Cheaper Last-Minute Flights
If an airline does not offer a bereavement discount or the fare is still too high, try this money-saving travel hack:
🔹 Use Points or Miles – Many credit card travel rewards programs allow last-minute flight redemptions at standard rates. If you have points with airlines like Delta, United, or American Airlines, check availability before paying cash.
🔹 Look for Alternative Airports – Expanding your search to nearby airports can save you hundreds of dollars on last-minute bookings.
🔹 Book One-Way Flights Separately – Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets with different airlines is cheaper than a round-trip ticket.
Using Travel Insurance to Reduce Costs
If you know that a loved one is in critical condition and their passing is likely in the coming weeks, you can plan ahead to avoid high last-minute fares. Flights booked at least two weeks in advance are often significantly cheaper than same-week flights.
One option is to book your ticket early and purchase travel insurance that covers trip changes due to the death of an immediate family member. Not all travel insurance policies offer this type of coverage, so be sure to research policies carefully. Look for plans that specifically include trip cancellation or modification due to a family emergency to ensure you’re protected if you need to change your flight last-minute.
Final Tips for Booking Funeral Travel
Act fast but stay flexible. The earlier you book, the better your options, even for last-minute travel.
Check refund policies. If your plans change, knowing the airline’s policies can save you money.
Consider travel insurance. Some policies may provide coverage for trip CHANGES due to a family emergency, but not all policies include this benefit. It's essential to carefully review the terms of the policy before purchasing to ensure it covers last-minute flight changes or cancellations due to bereavement. When in doubt contact your travel insurance company's customer service line.
Use private browsing. Airline prices can fluctuate based on your search history—clear your cookies or use incognito mode.
Conclusion:
Traveling due to a loss is never easy, but knowing your options can help relieve some of the financial burden. Planning ahead, considering travel insurance, and understanding airline policies can make a difficult situation a little more manageable. While nothing can ease the pain of losing a loved one, having a strategy in place for last-minute travel can help you focus on what truly matters—being with your family during this time.
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