Bereavement Flights
The unexpected death of a loved one can be a real shock. While you reel under the stress of that irreparable loss, getting a last-minute air ticket to the funeral place can be almost impossible. The same applies to those who want to be near a loved one, who is in a critical condition and there is no possibility for a last-minute flight. In such cases, you may book bereavement flights, that are air tickets offered at special fares to the relatives of the dead person or one, who is dying. Most of the airlines now have the facility of booking such tickets, but, the fares may vary from one to another. Sometimes, such air tickets turn out to be much more expensive than regular ones. So, you have to check the terms and conditions for booking bereavement tickets, that may vary with different airlines.
Fares
This concept was introduced to assist those last-minute travelers, who wish to attend the funeral of a relative or to be with a dying person. This facility is otherwise known as compassion or emergency airfares. Such air tickets are often given at discounted rates and may have flexible travel rules too. There are various airlines that offer such facility and their policies regarding bereavement flight may also vary. A discount of up to 50% of the original airfare is offered by some of the airlines, but, sometimes, it may turn out to be more expensive than regular last-minute fares. It has been observed that such discounts are offered on the highest unrestricted fares that are often exorbitant. It may also happen that you check the policies of different airlines and land up with cheap tickets. But the benefit is that you get an air ticket at the last minute and such tickets often come with flexible travel rules. They include refundable options, open returns and flexibility in date changes.
Policies
As mentioned above, the policies regarding bereavement flight vary from one airline to another. United Airlines offer 10% discount on such tickets sold within six days of travel. In case of Continental Airlines, the rates vary with the type of tickets. Air Canada, Delta Airlines and many other airlines have this facility, but, the policies may differ. While some of them allow such facility on the death of immediate relatives only, others may offer this option in case of death of friends and close associates. In some cases, these tickets are issued to step relatives and foster relatives, others include the closest ones only. In most cases, proof of death is required to be furnished on the return flight. Sometimes, you have to provide them with the details of the deceased, your relation with him/her and information about the hospital or the funeral home.
Booking
If you want to avail this option, call up the airlines and inquire about their terms and conditions regarding this facility. It will be better to gain a rough idea about this facility offered by different airlines and compare them before booking the ticket. If you are not in a mental state to do all this, ask one of your friends or a booking agent for help. You have to furnish details about the deceased, your relation with him/her and the date of funeral. You may also be required to furnish a copy of the death certificate, upon your return air ticket. If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles, the airlines may allow to use them in that trip. Very few airlines have an option of booking bereavement tickets through their websites. As most of the airlines do not advertise this option and may not even mention about this facility in their websites, you have to call up their office and get the details.
This is only a basic overview about bereavement flights and some of the common terms and conditions associated with such air tickets. So if you come across such situations, go through the various options and choose the best one.
