How do I get bereavement discounts for flying in the U.S. ?
I'm sorry for your loss. Here is some information, and I hope it will help:
-Last minute airfare can be cheaper (sometimes, but not always), but also comes with more restrictions, and does not allow you the opportunity to easily change dates around.
-The bereavement fare is not always the lowest fare, although many times (especially in last minute situation) it can be. It can also be more flexible when you need to change dates around.
Most airlines offer the fare, although all airlines differ in their prices for bereavement fares, and usually you are to pay full price up front and then submit the "evidence" of the death in the family (because a lot of people take advantage of the lower fare) to get a refund.
When you call the airlines, inform them that there is a death (or imminent death) in the family and you would like the bereavement fare.
To get this discounted fare most airlines will ask for:
* The name of the deceased (or soon to be)
* Your relationship to that person
* The name, address and phone number funeral home (when you are submitting for a refund after completing air travel)
* Date of the service (when you are submitting for a refund after completing air travel)
* A copy of the death certificate (when you are submitting for a refund after completing air travel)
Please note that with most airlines you are only eligible for this fare if you are a parent, grandparent (including step-parent and in-laws), spouse, child, aunt/uncle, sibling (including step-siblings/in-laws), and niece/nephew. Most airlines (but not all) also include same sex domestic partners and legal guardians as eligible family members.
Most airlines that offer bereavement fares will waive last minute restrictions and allow you to book using your frequent flyer miles as long as there is frequent flyer space available for the flights, and provided you give the airline the information outlined above.
Sometimes you may not be able to get all of the above details before you travel. Hold onto receipts, boarding passes, and obtain a copy of the death certificate and provide the details mentioned above. Submit these items to the airline as soon as possible after you have completed travel (many airlines have time limits for obtaining refunds). Keep a photocopy of the items that you have given to the airline. This is essential in obtaining your refund for the value of the discount after completion of travel.
Not all airlines provide bereavement fares. Again, bereavement fares are not always the least expensive option out there, but quite often they are. If you are applying for a refund after completing your travel, do make sure that the airline you are using does offer a bereavement fare prior to travel. Bereavement fares exist to offer you travel options for when you need to travel at the last minute because of imminent death or a death in the family.
Here are some tips for finding cheap fares:
– Sometimes the internet is cheaper, sometimes the phone operators are cheaper, and sometimes travel agents are cheaper. Check out all three to make sure you get the best deal.
– Choose the same airline for all legs of your itinerary whenever possible so you can take advantage of all connecting and round-trip airfares.
– Try to fly on the least popular days: Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
– Remember that Saturday night stays are usually required for most bargain airfares.
– Try to select the least popular flight times: mid-morning or late evening.
– Check with discount airlines for cheaper fares.
– Consider using alternate airports near your desired airport. The extra drive can save you hundreds of dollars.
If I can be of more assistance, feel free to contact me
September 30th, 2008 at 10:02 am
It varies per airline.
References :
September 30th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I've seen this exact issue posted on their websites - Delta and Continental. Search them. Bet you need a death cert. or some kinda proof.
References :
September 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Bereavement Fares
Delta link:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/bereavement/index.jsp
AA link:
http://www.aa.com/content/agency/Booking_Ticketing/Fares/Compassion_breavement.jhtml
CO link:
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/specialneeds/compassion/default.aspx
Air Canada:
Air Canada provides reduced Bereavement Fares for those who need to fly due to the death or imminent death (patients in intensive care, post-heart attack, the final stages of cancer, or serious accidents) of an immediate family member.
Bereavement fares are not offered for travel within Canada and to/from the U.S.: please book an economy fare, if desired, such as TANGO, either on aircanada.com or through Air Canada Reservations.
These specially-priced tickets are offered on our International routes only (not including Canada to/from U.S.).
How to reserve
Family members can book Bereavement Fares by calling Air Canada Reservations. Please provide the name of the family member, telephone number, and address of the hospital, attending physician, or funeral home and funeral date. Please give the Air Canada Agent the reference number CIC*160/33.
To receive Bereavement Fares at the airport counter, before you fly, family members are required to present a copy of the death certificate or a letter from the attending physician clearly defining the imminent death of the family member. If this is not possible, they can apply for a Bereavement Travel Refund after travel is complete.
Refunds after travel is completed
When applying for a refund, please submit a completed Compassionate Travel Form (available from an Air Canada ticket counter at the airport), a copy of the Death Certificate or Funeral Director's Statement, original boarding passes and original passenger tickets.
Refund applications must be made within 90 days of bereavement; you can make your application in person at any Air Canada or Air Canada Jazz ticket counter, or by mail to:
Air Canada, Refund Services, P.O. Box 6475,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3V2.
Eligibility
Travellers eligible for Air Canada Bereavement Fares are the deceased's: spouse (includes common law as well as same sex partners), child (includes adopted / step / grand / great grand), parent (includes step / grand / great grand / in-law / common law in-law), daughter, son, father, mother (includes legal / in-law / common law in-law), brother, sister (includes step / half / in-law / common law in-law), aunt, uncle, niece, nephew (includes those of spouse and common law spouse), legal guardian (with proof of judgement) and spouse of legal guardian.
*All above include in-laws of same sex partner.
References :
September 30th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I'm sorry for your loss. Here is some information, and I hope it will help:
-Last minute airfare can be cheaper (sometimes, but not always), but also comes with more restrictions, and does not allow you the opportunity to easily change dates around.
-The bereavement fare is not always the lowest fare, although many times (especially in last minute situation) it can be. It can also be more flexible when you need to change dates around.
Most airlines offer the fare, although all airlines differ in their prices for bereavement fares, and usually you are to pay full price up front and then submit the "evidence" of the death in the family (because a lot of people take advantage of the lower fare) to get a refund.
When you call the airlines, inform them that there is a death (or imminent death) in the family and you would like the bereavement fare.
To get this discounted fare most airlines will ask for:
* The name of the deceased (or soon to be)
* Your relationship to that person
* The name, address and phone number funeral home (when you are submitting for a refund after completing air travel)
* Date of the service (when you are submitting for a refund after completing air travel)
* A copy of the death certificate (when you are submitting for a refund after completing air travel)
Please note that with most airlines you are only eligible for this fare if you are a parent, grandparent (including step-parent and in-laws), spouse, child, aunt/uncle, sibling (including step-siblings/in-laws), and niece/nephew. Most airlines (but not all) also include same sex domestic partners and legal guardians as eligible family members.
Most airlines that offer bereavement fares will waive last minute restrictions and allow you to book using your frequent flyer miles as long as there is frequent flyer space available for the flights, and provided you give the airline the information outlined above.
Sometimes you may not be able to get all of the above details before you travel. Hold onto receipts, boarding passes, and obtain a copy of the death certificate and provide the details mentioned above. Submit these items to the airline as soon as possible after you have completed travel (many airlines have time limits for obtaining refunds). Keep a photocopy of the items that you have given to the airline. This is essential in obtaining your refund for the value of the discount after completion of travel.
Not all airlines provide bereavement fares. Again, bereavement fares are not always the least expensive option out there, but quite often they are. If you are applying for a refund after completing your travel, do make sure that the airline you are using does offer a bereavement fare prior to travel. Bereavement fares exist to offer you travel options for when you need to travel at the last minute because of imminent death or a death in the family.
Here are some tips for finding cheap fares:
– Sometimes the internet is cheaper, sometimes the phone operators are cheaper, and sometimes travel agents are cheaper. Check out all three to make sure you get the best deal.
– Choose the same airline for all legs of your itinerary whenever possible so you can take advantage of all connecting and round-trip airfares.
– Try to fly on the least popular days: Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
– Remember that Saturday night stays are usually required for most bargain airfares.
– Try to select the least popular flight times: mid-morning or late evening.
– Check with discount airlines for cheaper fares.
– Consider using alternate airports near your desired airport. The extra drive can save you hundreds of dollars.
If I can be of more assistance, feel free to contact me
References :
Husband is a pilot
Frequent world traveler
http://360.yahoo.com/jamie_hassen
September 30th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I would suggest that check with the airline that you will be traveling with.
References :
September 30th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
go http://www.cheapflighttracker.com
References :