If you are searching for bereavement flight information after the loss of a loved one, this guide will help.
We'll explain the key details, the steps required to book a flight through these programs, and what to consider before making your decision. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, understanding how bereavement fares work—and what each airline actually offers—can save you time and reduce stress during an already difficult period.
What Is a Bereavement Flight?
Airlines offer bereavement flights as a special fare discount to passengers traveling to visit a terminally-ill loved one or to attend the funeral of a family member.
Each airline that offers these discounts for loss or emergencies has specific criteria for qualification and booking. Some require you to call a customer service line directly, while others have online forms or chat options. In most cases, you will need to provide documentation—such as a death certificate, funeral home statement, or a letter from a physician—before or shortly after travel.
The discounts themselves vary widely. Some airlines offer a flat percentage off the lowest available fare, while others waive change fees or offer more flexible cancellation terms. The actual monetary savings depend heavily on the route, the time of year, and which fare classes are available when you book. In many cases, the greater benefit is not the price reduction itself but the added flexibility—the ability to change travel dates or extend a return without paying steep fees.
It is important to remember that these fare discounts may not always be the cheapest option for last-minute travel. Before contacting an airline about a bereavement fare, it is worth checking the general market rate for your dates. One of the fastest ways to compare flight prices and set up price change alerts is with Google Flights.
If the standard market rate is lower than what the bereavement fare offers, you may be better served booking a regular ticket and separately requesting flexible change or cancellation terms from the airline's customer service team. Many agents have discretion to waive fees for customers experiencing a loss, even when a formal bereavement fare is not available.
Which Airlines Offer Bereavement Flights?
Today, the following airlines offer bereavement fares to certain customers who meet a criteria outlined by each individual airline:
- Delta Airlines
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- WestJet
The policies for qualifying for these special fares vary by airline. It is important to review them before booking to be sure they are available to you. In some cases, the discount may only apply to select fare classes, and it cannot always be combined with other promotions or loyalty program discounts.
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Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines offers bereavement flights for both domestic and international travel. In order to apply the policy to your Delta reservation, you must request to speak with a customer service representative through the airline's Help Center by clicking "Message Us."
Delta bereavement fares are subject to multiple restrictions. Tickets under their policy are subject to availability, meaning that not all flights or fare classes will qualify. Also, Delta requires that for a death or imminent death to qualify, the person must be in your immediate family. They define “immediate family” as: spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sister, brother, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepbrother, stepsister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law.
Delta customers must be a current SkyMiles member, or sign up before contacting the airline about securing a discounted fare. SkyMiles enrollment is free and can be completed quickly online before reaching out to customer service.
View Delta’s Bereavement policy.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers discounts to grieving customers for Economy Standard, Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fares. They offer these discounts for flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, as well as flights operated by their codeshare partners.
The airline’s bereavement policy does not apply to economy basic fares when traveling within North America and for requests after travel has been completed.
There are a few steps you must follow in order to secure a bereavement fare from Air Canada:
Step 1: Contact Air Canada by phone and provide them with:
- The name of the hospital or residence, including the address and phone number and name of attending physician; or
- The name, address and phone number of the memorial or funeral home, including the date of the memorial service or funeral
Step 2: Within 7 days of your bereavement travel, send them an email with one of the following documents attached:
- A copy of the death certificate
- The funeral director's statement
- The coroner's statement
- The registration of death (issued by a provincial government)
- A letter from the treating physician on official letterhead and/or a prescription pad which clearly defines the situation as one of imminent death of your immediate family member
While this may seem like a lot of work, Air Canada does offer the most generous timeframe for bereavement travel. They allow their customers to travel within 10 days of booking a discounted fare versus seven for most other airlines. They also allow you to extend your travel for as long as 60 days.
If you are traveling internationally to attend a funeral or visit a seriously ill family member, the 60-day travel window Air Canada provides can be particularly helpful for families who need to coordinate schedules across multiple time zones or plan services weeks after the death.
Air Canada's program is also notable for covering a wide range of flight types, including those operated by codeshare partners. This means that even if your itinerary requires connecting through a smaller regional carrier affiliated with Air Canada, the bereavement discount may still apply to the entire journey. Confirming this with an agent before booking is advisable, as codeshare arrangements can be complex.
For travelers outside of Canada looking to fly into the country for a funeral or family emergency, Air Canada's program is one of the more accessible options available.
View Air Canada’s bereavement policy.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers a bereavement fare option to customers hoping to travel within seven days after the death of an immediate family member. The discount you will receive if deemed eligible is 10% off the lowest available rate for your dates of travel.
While 10% may not seem like a large reduction, it can still provide meaningful savings on last-minute fares, which tend to be significantly more expensive than tickets booked weeks in advance. Even a modest discount on a $600 or $800 flight can ease some of the financial pressure during an already difficult time.
In order to secure the discounted rate for your flight, Alaska Airlines customers are required to call the airline's customer service line at 1-800-252-7522. You cannot qualify for the discounted fare if you choose to book your flight online.
Alaska Airlines primarily serves routes within the United States, with a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest and routes to Hawaii and Mexico. If your travel falls within their network, it is worth calling to confirm eligibility before booking elsewhere. Their customer service team can also advise on whether your specific route and travel dates have seats available under the bereavement fare program.
One thing to keep in mind: Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan members may have access to additional benefits when booking through the airline directly. If you are already enrolled in the program, mention your membership when you call, as it may open up additional fare or upgrade options alongside the bereavement discount.
Read Alaska Airlines’ bereavement travel policy.
WestJet
WestJet offers bereavement fares to travelers who have recently experienced a death in their family. This discount can be applied to Econo and Econo Flex fares, but are not available for others like Premium fares.
Travel for bereavement flights must be completed within 30 days of booking, including return flights. Eligibility in the program requires membership in WestJet Rewards, and the discount cannot be combined with any other offers. WestJet Rewards membership is free, so if you are not already enrolled, signing up before you contact the airline is a quick step that opens the door to the discount.
What sets WestJet apart from other airlines is that they offer post-travel bereavement fares if you fill out a request form on their website. This means that even if you had to book quickly and could not apply the discount beforehand, you may still be able to receive a partial reimbursement after your travel is complete. This is a notable benefit not offered by most other carriers.
Although WestJet bereavement fares may not be the cheapest available, they do offer more flexibility to customers for last-minute changes or cancellation.
WestJet primarily operates routes within Canada and between Canada and select international destinations. If your travel originates or ends in Canada, WestJet may be a strong option to consider alongside Air Canada. Comparing both carriers' bereavement policies and available fares for your specific route is a worthwhile step before committing to one or the other.
View WestJet's bereavement policy.
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Final Thoughts
Managing travel logistics after the loss of a family member adds weight to an already difficult time. Taking a few minutes to understand your options across the airlines still participating in bereavement programs can help you make the most informed and affordable choice for your situation.
Beyond the flight itself, families dealing with a loss often face a wide range of administrative steps—from notifying agencies and closing accounts to managing estate matters and locating benefits. Services like Elayne are designed to manage these steps, so that families have the space they need to focus on healing, remembrance, and being there for one another.
FAQs
When did airlines stop offering bereavement fares?
An article from USA Today discusses this topic in detail.
How much cheaper are bereavement fares?
Bereavement fares can be anywhere from 5% to 25% cheaper than the lowest last-minute full fare price. Not all fare categories are eligible for these discounted fares and they may not always be the cheapest option.
How do I qualify?
Each airline that continues to offer bereavement flights has their own set of qualifications, restrictions, and steps. The fastest way to learn if you qualify for a bereavement discount is to call their customer service hotline or begin an online chat with the company. The agent will be able to tell you if you qualify, and walk you through the steps needed to book your flight.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Please consult with a licensed professional to address your specific situation.
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