A death, whether sudden or expected, takes an emotional toll on family and friends. Dealing with travel arrangements to attend the funeral adds to the difficult situation. Last-minute fares directly from the airline are often quite expensive. Many airlines offer special bereavement fares that help grieving travelers save money on the flight. Also called compassion fares, the discounts apply for relatives of the deceased. Some airlines also offer the discount in cases where a relative's death is imminent. The discount amount and the details of the bereavement fares vary by airline.
Gather all of the details about the funeral in case you need them for the airline. The information typically required includes the name of the deceased, your relationship to the person and the contact information of the funeral home. In a case of an imminent death, the airline might need the doctor's contact information.
Contact the airlines directly that fly out of the nearest airport. You can either get the compassion fares by calling the airline or visiting their counter at the airport. Have the information handy when you call.
Check on the return flight restrictions. Many bereavement fares have a flexible return date allowing you to return when you feel ready, but it must fall within a certain time frame. Determine how long you'll have to return and how flexible the return flight is.
Ask about costs for changing your flights. Airlines often wave the fees associated with changes on bereavement airfares.
Search for regular discounted airfare with outlets such as Hotwire and Expedia. You might find a cheaper price than the bereavement fares directly from airlines. Ask a friend or family member to handle the search if you're overwhelmed with the situation.
