When faced with the loss of a loved one, the myriad of tasks that immediately demand attention can be challenging. And among these, arranging travel often feels particularly important. You must know what bereavement fares are. The emotional toll of grief along with the practical pressures of organizing last-minute flights, can make an already challenging period even more stressful.
It is a time when the focus should be on healing, not the stress of navigating flight booking procedures and travel logistics. So, let’s shed light on valuable information about what airlines offer bereavement fares during such difficult times
Do Airlines Offer Bereavement Fares?
Travel, even under the most ordinary circumstances, involves its share of complexities and anxieties. However, when it becomes a necessity amidst mourning, the mental and financial strain of unexpected travel can become nearly unbearable.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced during such sensitive times, some airlines offer bereavement fares. Bereavement Fares are the special rates provided to those who are traveling due to the death of close ones. These fares are planned to alleviate some of the financial burdens and provide flexibility to travelers dealing with the unpredictability of grief.
What Airlines Offer Bereavement Fares?
Bereavement fares are still offered by some airlines to passengers under certain conditions. These discounts require individuals to adhere to specific airline guidelines. Here is the list of airlines that offer bereavement fares, along with their policies and guidelines.
- Alaska Airlines
- Air Canada
- Delta Air Lines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- WestJet
Alaska Airlines Bereavement Fares Policy
Alaska Airlines understands the difficulty of losing a loved one and wants to help by offering a special bereavement fare discount. If you have recently lost a family member and need to travel within the next 7 days, you could receive a 10% discount on the lowest fare available. This discount is only accessible when you book your ticket over the phone through specific numbers for reservations, accessible services, and hearing and speech-impaired assistance. This offer extends to family members, including spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Their bereavement fare comes with a few conditions. It is available for flights on Alaska Airlines as well as those operated by Horizon or SkyWest on Alaska’s behalf. You must start your travel within seven days of booking and be a Mileage Plan member over 18 years old to qualify. The discount applies only to new bookings made via the call center and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or after your travel has started.
About Air Canada Bereavement Fare
Air Canada offers a bereavement travel policy to provide flexibility during such challenging times. However, it is important to note that it does not allow for refunds on already completed travel. The policy covers family members for flights marketed and operated by Air Canada.
The discounts apply to Economy Standard, Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fares, as well as Economy Basic fares for travel outside North America. Travel must occur within 10 days of booking and not exceed 60 days. However, the policy does not apply to Economy Basic fares within North America or to requests made after travel completion.
To utilize this policy, customers must first contact Air Canada by phone to request a bereavement fare. Within 7 days of returning, customers must email Air Canada with proof of bereavement, such as a death certificate or a statement from the funeral director.
Delta Air Lines Bereavement Policy
Delta Airlines also offers bereavement discounts to provide passengers with additional flexibility during times of loss. To take advantage of this policy, passengers are encouraged to contact a representative via the “Message Us” button found on the Help Center page of their official website. This policy also outlines a comprehensive definition of “Immediate Family,” which extends to a wide range of relations, including spouses, domestic partners, children, and in-laws, among others.
Eligibility for the bereavement policy requires passengers to be SkyMiles Members, though one can enroll in the program immediately if not already a member. When applying for a bereavement fare, passengers will need to provide specific documentation, including the deceased person’s name, the passenger’s relationship to them, contact information for the funeral home, hospital, or hospice, and, if applicable, the name of the attending doctor.
| NOTE: Bereavement fares cannot be purchased directly through Delta’s website and are subject to certain conditions, including availability at the time of booking. |
Bereavement Fare Policy for Hawaiian Airlines
If you had to change or cancel your flight booking because a family member passed away, Hawaiian Airlines offers a way to either waive the change fees or refund your ticket. To process your request, you should gather some specific documents: the death certificate of your family member, evidence of your relationship to them (like a birth certificate or marriage certificate), and a copy of your ticket.
You can then submit these documents through Hawaiian Airlines’ website or send them to their Consumer Affairs Office. If your request is approved, expect the refund process to take up to 30 days. Keep in mind, though, that waiving the change fee doesn’t include covering any fare differences.
Your situation needs to meet certain conditions to be eligible for a waiver or refund. If your flight was booked but you couldn’t travel because an immediate family member died or the person you were supposed to travel with passed away, you may qualify. Immediate family, in this context, includes your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, step-grandparents, step-grandchildren, and adopted children.
WestJet Bereavement Fares Guidelines
For those dealing with the death of a family member or who have recently lost a loved one, WestJet provides special bereavement fares. Passengers will need to call WestJet staff directly and provide some basic information about the reason for their travel and their relationship with the dead person to access these fares.
These discounted rates are available on Econo and EconoFlex fares only, excluding Basic, Member Exclusive, Premium, and Business fares. Additionally, these fares are only valid for flights operated by WestJet, not their partner airlines. The travel must be completed within 30 days of booking, including both departure and return flights.
After completing your travel, if you are looking to request a bereavement fare, WestJet has a specific form for this purpose. You must fill it out within 7 days after your trip ends. The refund will be processed as a service credit to your WestJet Rewards account. This option is only available for bookings made directly with WestJet and does not apply to reservations through travel agents, third-party sites, or WestJet Vacations and Group bookings.
In a Nut Shell
The special bereavement fares are more than just financial concessions; they represent a gesture of empathy from airlines towards those experiencing loss. By equipping yourself with complete knowledge about bereavement fares and the support airlines have in place, you can relieve some of the logistical burdens associated with emergency travel.
Remember, it is important to focus on healing and honoring the memory of your loved one, so choose one of the above-mentioned airlines and travel with relief through this difficult journey.
Passengers May Also Ask!
Yes. A few airlines still understand the tough situations of their passengers and offer bereavement fares.
Bereavement fares typically depend on the particular airline. They offer a discount on the standard ticket price, with savings between 5% and 20%.
Well, yes. A few airlines offer bereavement fares to help passengers fly on an affordable budget during tough times.