Bereavement rates are policies that airlines and other transportation providers sometimes offer as a way to reduce the cost of travel for those traveling due to a recent death in their family, providing a discount from the ticket price. Bereavement rates are available only to "immediate" family members, which usually includes parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and others (see References). Some airlines also offer bereavement rates to people related by law, such as foster children or step-relatives.
Information concerning bereavement rates is available on the websites of most airlines, but you must apply by phone. Call your desired airline and ask about their bereavement rate policies. You will be required to provide a few pieces of information including the name of the deceased, your and any other travelers' relation to the deceased, the name, phone number and address of the funeral home or other place of rest, and the name of the doctor who presided over the death. Additionally, many airlines require proof of death, such as a death certificate. This proof can be given to the airlines either at the time of purchase or, in many cases, can be provided later, though a refund is not issued until the airline has received any required proof.
As of 2011 there are four major airlines that operate within the United States that offer a bereavement rate. Delta Airlines offers bereavement rates that allow refunds and changes, though travel must occur within three days of the death for domestic flights and seven for international flights. Continental Airlines offers a sliding scale of discounts, offering 5 percent off fares up to $499.99 round trip, 10 percent off fares up to $999.99 round trip, and 20 percent off fares $1,000. and up round trip. Continental offers open returns on bereavement fares, but does not allow upgrades. American Airlines offers bereavement fares, but information regarding their rates must be obtained by phone. United Airlines offers "compassion fares" at 10 percent off the listed ticket price, and booking fees are waived. AirTran, US Airways, Virgin America, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines do not offer bereavement fares, as of 2011.
When calling the airline, ask questions in order to get all the necessary information as some airlines may have hidden fees and requirements. The bereavement rate is not guaranteed to be the lowest available ticket price, so checking prices online and with the airline is recommended before you apply for a bereavement rate.
