Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional time in one’s life. In such moments, the last thing you want to worry about is the logistics of booking a flight to attend a funeral or be with a family member during a medical crisis. This is where bereavement flights come into play. In this guide, I want to share my experience securing a bereavement flight, understanding the eligibility criteria, and dealing with the necessary documentation.

A few years ago, I received the devastating news that my grandmother, whom I was incredibly close to, had fallen seriously ill. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and it became clear that I needed to be by her side. However, I was thousands of miles away, living in a different country. The prospect of arranging a last-minute flight during this emotional time seemed overwhelming.

That’s when I began researching bereavement flights, hoping they would provide some relief during this difficult period. In my journey to secure a flight to be with my grandmother during her final moments, I learned valuable insights about bereavement fares, eligibility criteria, and the importance of proper documentation. I want to share this knowledge with you, so you can navigate this challenging process more smoothly when you find yourself in a similar situation.

So, let’s dive into the world of bereavement flights and discover how you can make this trying time a little bit more manageable.

Eligibility Criteria for Bereavement Flights

While bereavement fares can be a lifeline during a family emergency, it’s essential to understand that not everyone is eligible for these special rates. Eligibility criteria may vary from one airline to another, but generally, they include:

• Relationship: Most airlines limit bereavement fares to immediate family members, including spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, and siblings. Some airlines may extend this to include grandparents and grandchildren.
• Timing: Airlines typically require that your travel plans are within a specific timeframe of the death or anticipated death, usually within 7 to 14 days.
• Documentation: You will usually need to provide proof of your situation, such as a death certificate, a letter from a funeral director, or a doctor’s note if you are traveling for a medical emergency.

How to Approach Airlines for Special Rates

 

When you find yourself in need of a bereavement flight, the first step is to contact the airline you plan to fly with. Here’s a general outline of how to go about it:

• Identify the airline: Make a list of airlines that offer bereavement fares. Popular carriers like Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and many others offer such services.   
• Call the airline: Contact the airline’s customer service or bereavement support team. Explain your situation and ask about the availability of bereavement fares.
• Delta
• American Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Air Canada
• Provide information: Be prepared to provide essential details, such as your relationship to the deceased, the date and location of the funeral or medical crisis, and the expected duration of your trip.

Required Documentation and Verification

Airlines take the verification process seriously to ensure that bereavement fares are provided to those who genuinely need them. You may be asked to provide the following documents:

• Death certificate: If you are traveling due to a death in the family, you will likely need a copy of the death certificate. Death Certificates are not issued immediately after death so many airlines offer different ways to prove the necessity for a bereavement flight.
• Funeral director’s letter: If applicable, obtain a letter from the funeral director with details about the funeral arrangements.
• Doctor’s note: For medical emergencies, a letter from the attending physician may be required.

Potential Limitations and Restrictions

It’s important to be aware of potential limitations and restrictions when booking bereavement flights:

• Limited availability: Not all airlines offer bereavement fares, and those that do may have limited seats at these special rates.
• Fare differences: Bereavement fares may not always be the cheapest option. Compare prices with regular fares and other airlines to ensure you’re getting the best deal.   Use site search engines such as Expedia to search for less expensive flights than some airlines offer for a bereavement flight.    
• Change and cancellation policies: Understand the airline’s policies regarding changes or cancellations, as they may differ for bereavement fares.  When you fly last minute there are usually no refund options on any major airline.  

Alternatives to Bereavement Fares

If you find that bereavement fares don’t meet your needs or budget, consider alternative options:

• Last-minute deals: Look for last-minute flight deals on travel websites or apps. Sometimes, these can be more affordable than bereavement fares.
• Flexible tickets: Purchase a flexible ticket that allows changes and cancellations without heavy fees.  Travel Perk has a great blog about flexible tickets. 

Making Travel Arrangements in a Hurry

When you need to make travel arrangements quickly, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Stay organized: Keep all necessary documents in one place to streamline the booking process.
• Contact multiple airlines: In urgent situations, consider contacting multiple airlines to increase your chances of finding available seats.
• Use the Internet first:  Airline phone customer wait times are sometimes ridiculously long.  Their customer service employees actually use the same information you can find on their websites for rules regulations and you can book quicker many times than waiting in a queue.

Additional Support Services at Airports

Airports understand the stress of traveling during difficult times and often provide additional support services such as chapels to sit quietly for reflection, and assistance with baggage.

 

Conclusion

Securing a bereavement flight during a family emergency can be a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, it becomes more manageable. Remember to reach out to the airlines, provide the necessary documentation, and explore alternative options if needed. While the process may be challenging, the goal is to make your journey as smooth as possible during a challenging time. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult moments.