Delta gives bereavement fare quotes by phone only and requires travel to begin within three days of death or imminent death. Passengers must prove both their relationship to the deceased or imminently deceased as well as the illness or death. Delta asks for information on the doctor, hospital, hospice or other legitimate verifying institution. Direct relative status extends to grandparent-grandchild, step-relationships and in-law relationships. Aunts, uncles and first cousins are also permitted.
Fares are by quote only, and Delta does not guarantee them to be lower than restricted fares advertised on its website. However, bereavement fares offer a few key advantages, including changes to destination, refunds, same-day confirmed booking and booking fee waiver. Delta does not permit standby for bereavement.
American Airlines offers little information about its bereavement fares on its website, other than confirming it offers them. American passengers must call the airline, which will only quote fares and issue tickets directly through its reservation line.
Although Continental has merged with United, it still operates separately and as of November 2010 has its own bereavement policy. Continental discounts existing fares by 5 percent for fares up to $499, 10 percent for fares between $500 and $999, and 20 percent for fares of $1,000 or more. Bereavement discounts preclude upgrades, but can be used toward any class of ticket. Change and open-ended rules are usually consistent with the normal ticket rules. However, the airline can sometimes issue tickets with some flexibility. Passengers should call the airline to discuss the arrangements. A death certificate copy or a physician's letter in cases of illness along with proof of relationship will be required.
United Airlines is among the most liberal in its compassion fares, offering them for "last-minute travel for the purposes of obtaining medical treatment, attending to a seriously ill or injured family member or attending the funeral of a family member." United requires documentation proving these circumstances in the form of physician's letter or death certificate. Customers receive a 10 percent discount off existing United fares and enjoy the privilege of having fees waived for any necessary changes. Only United's reservation call centers and airport ticket counters can issue compassion fare tickets.
