If you are faced with an emergency and need to see a sick or dying relative who is far away, the last thing you need is the hassle of making travel plans. With airline companies eliminating certain flights and raising prices on the remaining ones, it is not easy to find an available seat at the last minute for a reasonable price. However, airlines do offer a bereavement or compassion fare for such situations, at a reduced rate with fewer restrictions than normal fares.
Call directly each airline you are considering using. Most bereavement fares are not available online and you will need to speak to an agent directly.
Check fares for different airlines online to compare them with the bereavement fare. This will provide you not only with current last-minute fare prices, but with the airlines that have the best flights to your destination. Bereavement fares require proof, and because it may be difficult or unpalatable to assemble this information to receive a bereavement fare, it is a good idea to check what normal fares are.
Confirm that you are eligible for this type of fare if you go ahead with the bereavement fare. Airlines have eligibility requirements; usually, only immediate family members are eligible for the fare.
Gather documentation about your relative's illness or death. For a death, airlines require a copy of the death certificate. For a serious illness, they may require a statement written by a doctor along with other information, such as the name of the hospital or hospice where your relative is being treated.
