Table of Contents
Airline Bereavement Fare Policies: What You Need to Know
When a loved one passes away, making last-minute travel arrangements can be stressful and expensive. While some airlines still offer bereavement fares, these policies vary significantly, and many airlines have eliminated traditional bereavement discounts.
This guide covers which airlines still offer bereavement fares, how to qualify, and alternative ways to save on last-minute flights for funerals or emergencies.
What Is a Bereavement Fare?
A bereavement fare is a discounted airline ticket offered to passengers traveling due to the death or critical illness of an immediate family member. These fares are usually only available for last-minute travel, but they come with flexible booking and cancellation policies.
Typical Bereavement Fare Benefits
✔ Discounted airfare (usually 5% – 25% off base fare).
✔ Flexible ticket changes without high fees.
✔ Refund options in case of schedule changes or cancellations.
📌 Tip: Bereavement fares are usually not the cheapest option, so compare prices with standard last-minute fares before booking.
Which Airlines Still Offer Bereavement Fares in 2025?
Not all airlines provide bereavement discounts. However, a few major carriers still offer special fares for emergency travel.
📌 Tip: These airlines require proof of death or medical emergency (e.g., death certificate, obituary, or hospital note) before confirming a bereavement fare.
Airlines That No Longer Offer Bereavement Fares
Many major U.S. airlines no longer offer bereavement fares due to the availability of competitive last-minute pricing.
🚫 No Bereavement Fare Airlines (as of 2025):
❌ American Airlines – Eliminated bereavement fares in 2014.
❌ United Airlines – No bereavement fares since 2014.
❌ Southwest Airlines – Does not offer bereavement discounts but allows free flight changes.
❌ JetBlue Airways – No bereavement fares, but waives cancellation fees in emergencies.
❌ Alaska Airlines – No bereavement discounts, but flexible same-day flight changes.
📌 Tip: If an airline does not offer a bereavement fare, ask about flexible policies for emergency travel.
How to Qualify for a Bereavement Fare
Bereavement fares are typically only available for immediate family members and require documentation.
Who Qualifies for Bereavement Fares?
✔ Spouse or Domestic Partner
✔ Parent or Legal Guardian
✔ Child or Stepchild
✔ Sibling (Brother or Sister)
✔ Grandparent or Grandchild
📌 Tip: Some airlines may extend bereavement fares to aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews—ask the airline for eligibility details.
Required Documentation for Bereavement Fares
✔ Death Certificate (or hospital documentation for critical illness).
✔ Obituary with the passenger’s name listed as family.
✔ Funeral Home Contact Information (some airlines verify the details).
✔ Doctor’s Note (for medical emergencies).
📌 Tip: If you don’t have a death certificate yet, some airlines accept a letter from a funeral director or hospital official as temporary proof.
Alternative Ways to Save on Last-Minute Bereavement Travel
Even if an airline doesn’t offer bereavement fares, there are other ways to find affordable last-minute flights.
1. Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points
✔ Book award flights through Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, or United MileagePlus.
✔ Many travel credit cards allow last-minute flight redemptions (e.g., Chase Sapphire, Amex Membership Rewards).
2. Book a Flexible Ticket (Avoid Basic Economy)
✔ Airlines sometimes waive change fees for emergencies if you book Main Cabin or higher.
✔ Avoid Basic Economy fares, which don’t allow changes or refunds.
3. Call the Airline Directly
✔ Speak to a customer service agent about emergency travel assistance.
✔ Some agents offer lower-priced unpublished fares over the phone.
4. Use Google Flights & Travel Websites
✔ Check Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner for last-minute deals.
✔ Compare fares across multiple airlines to find the best price.
5. Consider Budget Airlines for Domestic Travel
✔ Southwest Airlines – No bereavement fares, but no change fees.
✔ Allegiant Air, Spirit, Frontier – Ultra-low-cost options for last-minute domestic travel.
📌 Tip: Use incognito mode when searching for flights to avoid price increases based on search history.
What to Do If You Need to Change or Cancel a Bereavement Fare
Bereavement fares often come with flexible policies to help travelers adjust plans without extra fees.
✔ Delta & Air Canada allow free cancellations or changes for bereavement fares.
✔ If you booked a non-refundable ticket, some airlines offer credit for future travel.
✔ Many airlines waive cancellation fees for emergency situations if you provide documentation.
📌 Tip: If you need to change your flight date, contact the airline before your scheduled departure to avoid extra fees.
Final Thoughts on Airline Bereavement Fare Policies
While bereavement fares are becoming less common, some airlines still offer discounted rates for emergency travel. If an airline doesn’t provide a bereavement fare, look for other ways to save, such as using airline miles, flexible ticket options, or budget airlines.
Key Takeaways
✔ Delta, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and WestJet still offer bereavement fares (with restrictions).
✔ Bereavement fares typically offer 5%–25% discounts on last-minute flights.
✔ Many major airlines (American, United, Southwest) no longer offer bereavement fares.
✔ Use frequent flyer miles, flexible tickets, or budget airlines for alternative savings.
✔ Always call the airline directly for bereavement fares & emergency travel assistance.
📌 If you’re traveling due to a family emergency, book as soon as possible, check all fare options, and ask about flexible policies.
