Bereavement airfares are offered by most major airlines in the event of a loved ones death. Proper booking and knowing the requirements of the airline can make getting your refund easier and help traveling during this difficult time less stressful.
Establish that you're eligible for the bereavement airfare. Airlines offer the bereavement airfare to immediate family including grandparents, aunts and uncles. Contact the airline by phone or at the counter to verify eligibility.
Gather available information including the name and contact information of the hospital or care facility, attending doctors and in some cases the funeral home and copy of a death certificate. This information is not required prior to flight.
Call the airline to book the flight and ask for a 30-day open-ended ticket. This allows you to be flexible if a return flight needs to be changed. Explain the situation and provide any required information you have available.
Collect any remaining information and documentation before returning home including a copy of the death certificate and various contact information the airline has asked for.
Provide the required documentation at the airline counter upon your return to hasten the refund and save the additional time and effort needed to fax or mail it in. Counter personnel make the process easier and become your liaison to deal with other airline departments.
Use frequent flyer miles for all or part of a bereavement airfare, which often include additional flexibility and ease of use. Working directly with the frequent flier department can smooth out the refund and frequent flier miles ease financial hardships that can arise during this period.
