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The Sad Truth About Bereavement Fares
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large

August 12, 2003

One of the cruel facts of life when somebody close to us passes away--when all we really want to do is grieve in our own way--is that we are forced to deal with a host of unpleasant details which complicate an already sad situation. The task of getting a bereavement or "compassion" fare--the lower than normal price major airlines offer in the case of a serious health risk or family death--falls into this category.

With so many details to consider, so many emotions to be managed, wouldn't it be nice to just be put into a first class seat, tucked in with a blanket and pillow, and awoken at your destination--with no charge at all? Yes, that would be nice. But that wouldn't be reality.

There are times when even this travel expert can't figure out a way around the sad state of bereavement fares. I recently looked into fares to attend the funeral of a close friend of the family, and found that a two-day advance purchase fare--which would ordinarily cost upwards of $2500--would be reduced to a mere pittance in comparison, totaling about $520. The fare was contingent upon my being a family member of the deceased. Problem was, I only felt like family. For me, the funeral fare remained at $2500. I found myself weighing my checking account balance against my emotional balance. Not fun. But even if your heart is heavy, you can't give up.

I needed to be at the funeral on a Tuesday, and back at work on Wednesday, so my options were slim. Alas, as everyone knows, it's not always possible to get where you want, when you want, at the price you want. Turning over every rock for a way will at least make you feel like you've exhausted all possibilities. Maybe you'll occasionally get the sense you've actually beaten the system.

Whether you need to attend a funeral, or a friend or someone you love needs your support in a pinch--there are times when you simply must go. Fast. Affordability doesn't always enter the picture. Sometimes the best help is someone who can point you in the right direction. To that end, here are a few tips that may make the process easier.

For Funerals Only:

  • If you're going to check out a bereavement fare, this is one situation where booking online won't do. Most major airlines offer some form of bereavement fare, but it will require you to call the airline directly. You may want to call a few, or look online to learn how they define "family." Some airlines have looser definitions than others. For example, at present, the major airlines tend to count in-laws, nieces, nephews, and step relations as family. However, always check that you do qualify for the fare before purchasing.

  • When talking to the airlines regarding these compassion fares, be prepared to offer proof of death. For example, you will generally need information for the funeral home, including date and time, phone number, and address--as well doctor and hospital information, if applicable. The airlines claim they will verify your information, though some airline reservationists say that they don't actually have time to do this.

When You Need To Get Someplace Fast and Cheap:

  • If you're going at the end of the week and can stay over a Saturday night, try a last-minute deal (even if you have to throw away the hotel). They are only offered two weeks to three hours before a plane departs, which works to your benefit, as this trip could not have been planned. Last-minute deals also leave from over 80 cities every week. So, if you don't see what you need from your city, consider driving to an airport a little bit farther away, and see if you can get that deal.

  • While low-fare carriers (like Southwest) don't offer bereavement fares, they may still be your cheapest option. As a result of the way their fares are structured, many low-fare airlines are more reasonably priced at the last-minute than the majors.

  • Don't immediately settle on your first option. You need to do some fancy footwork to find the best fare. At the last minute, every dollar counts. Search multiple date ranges to find the lowest fare. Consider staying an extra day or two, or adding a Saturday night stay to get the cost down. Even with a hotel, you may still spend less with a Saturday night stay. Also, remember to search alternate airports.

  • Always look for the package deal. Often, when you're getting to a funeral, you need a place to stay, as well as a rental car. If you can buy them all together, you can usually swing some additional savings. Search a la carte and package options to compare.

  • Cash in your miles. This can be a good way to get your miles to work for you. Maybe you can get there without spending any money at all.

If you're in need of some compassion, find a good friend--someone who could possibly help you make your travel plans. It's true that in times of need, what you may need most is a shoulder to lean on.


If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!

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