When faced with the sudden loss of a loved one, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is the cost and logistics of travel. Bereavement fares, offered by some airlines, provide discounted rates and flexible booking options to help ease the financial and emotional burden during such difficult times. This article explores what airlines offer bereavement fares, the specifics of their policies, and how travelers can benefit from these compassionate travel options.
Airlines Offering Bereavement Fares
If you ask- “what airlines offer bereavement fares?”. Well, there are various airlines that offer bereavement fares to passengers suffering loss or grieving the death of a loved one. You can book bereavement flights with various airlines that are mentioned below-
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers a bereavement fare that provides a 10% discount off the lowest available fare for customers traveling within seven days of the death of an immediate family member. This discount is available on Alaska Airlines flights and those operated by Horizon or SkyWest. To qualify, travelers must be Mileage Plan members and book directly through the airline’s reservations line.
- Eligibility: Immediate family members, including spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, stepfamily members, and in-laws.
- Booking: Must be done via phone; online bookings are not eligible for the bereavement flight discount.
- Travel Window: All flights must occur within seven days of the death.
Air Canada
Air Canada provides bereavement discounts on Economy Class fares (excluding Economy Basic) for flights marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.
- Eligibility: Immediate family members, with proof of the relationship and details of the deceased or dying relative.
- Booking: This can be done by calling Air Canada’s customer service.
- Travel Window: Flights must be booked within ten days of the event, and the discount can be applied retroactively if booked within the last 90 days.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers bereavement fares for both domestic and international flights. These fares provide flexibility in booking and changes, allowing travelers to focus on their families during difficult times. Delta’s bereavement policy requires travelers to provide documentation of the death or imminent death of an immediate family member.
- Eligibility: Immediate family members, with documentation required to prove the relationship and the event.
- Booking: This must be done through Delta’s reservations line.
- Travel Window: Flexible, but typically within a short period following the death.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines offers bereavement fares for travel between the Hawaiian Islands. These fares are designed to assist those who need to travel quickly due to the death of an immediate family member. The airline requires travelers to book directly through their reservations line and provide necessary documentation.
- Eligibility: Immediate family members, with appropriate documentation.
- Booking: This Must be done through Hawaiian Airlines’ customer service.
- Travel Window: Typically within a short period following the death.
WestJet
WestJet offers bereavement fares for travel within 14 days of booking. These fares are available for both domestic and international flights, providing flexibility and support for travelers during a time of loss. WestJet’s policy requires documentation of the death or imminent death of an immediate family member.
- Eligibility: Immediate family members, with proof of the relationship and the event.
- Booking: This must be done through WestJet’s customer service.
- Travel Window: Travel must occur within 14 days of the death.
Summary:
Bereavement fares are a compassionate offering by airlines to help ease the burden of travel during times of loss. While not all airlines provide these discounts, those that do offer significant benefits, including discounted rates and flexible booking options. Understanding the policies and requirements of each airline can help travelers make informed decisions and find the support they need during difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Are bereavement fares available for international travel?
Yes, some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, offer bereavement fares for both domestic and international travel. It’s important to check with the specific airline for their policies and eligibility requirements.
2) What documentation is required to qualify for a bereavement fare with Delta Air Lines?
Delta Air Lines requires documentation to prove the relationship to the deceased and the event. This can include a death certificate, a letter from a funeral home, or other official documents. Booking must be done through Delta’s reservations line.
3) Do bereavement fares apply to all classes of service?
Bereavement fares typically apply to specific classes of service. For example, Air Canada’s bereavement discounts are available on Economy Class fares (excluding Economy Basic). It’s important to check with the airline for specific class restrictions.
4) Are there any restrictions on combining bereavement fares with other discounts?
Yes, bereavement fares often cannot be combined with other discounts. For instance, Alaska Airlines’ bereavement fare discount cannot be combined with other rate reductions, such as miles or military discounts.