Bereavement Flights: The Complete Guide

Grieving and traveling don’t mix well. If you’re dealing with a loss and need to fly out fast, it’s hard even to think straight. Knowing a bit about bereavement flights and your options for discounts can ease the stress, just a little. This guide walks you through what bereavement flights are, how different airlines handle them, and what to say when calling to book a last-minute ticket.

What are bereavement flights?

Let’s start with what bereavement flights actually mean, who qualifies, and what kind of documentation is typically required.

Bereavement Definition

Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and grief following the death of a loved one. In the context of air travel, bereavement flights are discounted or flexible fares offered by some airlines to accommodate emergency travel due to a family member's death.

What Counts as Bereavement for Airlines?

Each airline sets its own rules, but generally bereavement flights are reserved for the death or imminent death of immediate family members. This often includes parents, siblings, children, spouses, grandparents, grandchildren, and legal guardians. To qualify, most airlines require: 

• Proof of death (death certificate or obituary) 
• Funeral home or hospital contact information 
• Documentation of your relationship to the deceased 
• Travel to occur within 7–14 days of the event

Do airlines offer bereavement fares anymore?

Many people wonder if bereavement fares are still relevant in 2025. Here’s why they’re less common and what to do instead.

Why Some Airlines No Longer Offer Bereavement Discounts

In recent years, many U.S. airlines have phased out formal bereavement fares due to changes in pricing and the adoption of online booking systems. The focus has shifted toward flexibility, low-fare tools, and same-day travel options.

Are Bereavement flights still the best option for last-minute travel?

Sometimes. Bereavement fares may not be cheaper than regular last-minute deals. Consider other strategies like using flexible travel date searches, comparing flights across multiple airlines using Google Flights or Hopper, redeeming frequent flyer miles or credit card points, or contacting the airline directly for compassionate assistance.

Bereavement Flight Policies by Airline (2025)

Airline policies vary widely, and not all still offer bereavement fares. Here’s a current snapshot of what you can expect from each major airline.

Delta Bereavement Flights

Policy: Delta offers bereavement fares for both domestic and international travel in the event of an immediate family member's death. Must call to book.
Phone: 1-800-221-1212
Details: Provide the deceased's name, your relationship, the funeral home contact, and/or death certificate.
Delta Bereavement Policy

Bereavement Flights United Airlines

Policy: United no longer offers bereavement discounts.
Phone: 1-800-864-8331
Tip: Ask about flexible fares, change fees, or compassionate rebooking policies.
United Contact Page

Bereavement Flights American Airlines

Policy: American Airlines does not offer bereavement fares.
Phone: 1-800-433-7300
Tip: Explain your situation to the agent and request flexibility or waived change fees.
American Airlines Contact

Bereavement Flights Southwest

Southwest’s policies are unique, and while they don’t offer traditional bereavement fares, their flexibility may still make them a good choice.
Policy: Southwest does not offer bereavement discounts, but tickets are changeable with no cancellation fees.
Phone: 1-800-435-9792
Tip: Use the Low Fare Calendar to find the most affordable travel dates.
Southwest Fare Policies

Alaska Airlines Bereavement Flights

Alaska Airlines does offer bereavement fares at a 10% discount.
Policy: Offers reduced bereavement fares for travel within 7 days of a family member's death. Must book by phone.
Phone: 1-800-252-7522
Tip: Ask about price matching or flexible options.
Alaska Airlines

Air Canada Bereavement Flights

Air Canada still maintains a bereavement fare policy for qualifying travelers, making it one of the few North American carriers to do so.
Policy: Offers reduced bereavement fares for travel within 10 days of a family member's death. Must book by phone.
Phone: 1-888-247-2262
Air Canada Bereavement Policy

WestJet Bereavement Flights

WestJet provides bereavement discounts and remains a compassionate travel option for Canadian domestic and international routes.
Policy: Offers bereavement discounts for domestic and international travel. Must call to book.
Phone: 1-888-937-8538
WestJet Bereavement Info

JetBlue Airways Bereavement Flights

Policy: JetBlue does not offer bereavement fares.
Phone: 1-800-538-2583
Tip: Ask about same-day fare flexibility.
JetBlue Contact

Frontier Airlines Bereavement Flights

Policy: Frontier does not offer bereavement discounts.
Phone: 1-801-401-9000
Tip: Check for sales and last-minute deal options.
Frontier Contact

Spirit Airlines Bereavement Flights

Policy: Spirit does not provide bereavement fares.
Phone: 1-855-728-3555
Tip: Use online price tools to compare flexible dates.
Spirit Contact

Allegiant Air Bereavement Flights

Policy: Allegiant does not offer bereavement discounts.
Phone: 1-702-505-8888
Tip: Review travel insurance policies for flexibility.
Allegiant Contact

Sun Country Airlines Bereavement Flights

Policy: No bereavement fares are currently offered.
Phone: 1-651-905-2737
Tip: Ask about compassionate travel accommodations.
Sun Country Contact

Hawaiian Airlines Bereavement Flights

Policy: Hawaiian Airlines provides a "Neighbor Island Emergency Travel" option, serving as a bereavement fare for inter-island travel.
Phone: 1-800-367-5320
Tip: Call directly and explain your situation.
Hawaiian Airlines Policy

Avelo Airlines Bereavement Flights

Policy: Avelo does not offer bereavement fares.
Phone: 1-346-616-9500
Tip: Inquire about any travel assistance or flexibility.
Avelo Contact

Breeze Airways Bereavement Flights

Policy: Breeze does not provide bereavement flight discounts.
Phone: 1-501-273-3931
Tip: Look for low-cost fares and ask about flexible change policies.
Breeze Contact

Funeral Flights Discounts: What to Expect

It’s important to set expectations around what bereavement flight discounts actually cover and where they fall short. These discounts typically provide modest savings off standard fares, not the lowest available rates, and may include limited flexibility for changes or refunds. 

They usually must be booked by phone and are not available online. Despite the name, bereavement fares are often comparable to or even more expensive than prices found through public travel search engines. Additionally, they come with several limitations, including limited availability, strict documentation requirements, and being non-transferable.

Script to Use When Calling for a Bereavement Flight

Not sure what to say when calling an airline? Use this simple script to clearly explain your situation and request compassionate assistance. 

Bereavement Flight Call Script:

"Hi, I need to book a last-minute flight due to a death in my immediate family. I’m hoping to understand if there are any bereavement fares or flexible travel options available. I have the information about the deceased and can provide a death certificate or funeral home contact if needed. Could you please walk me through what’s available?"

Optional Details to Have Ready: 

• Deceased’s full name 
• Your relationship to the deceased
• Date and location of death
• Funeral service details (date, time, location)
• Preferred travel dates and city pairs

Final Thoughts: Planning Travel During a Loss

When you’re dealing with a loss, coordinating flights, communicating with family, and keeping plans organized can quickly become messy. While bereavement flights may offer some relief, they’re only part of the equation. 

Caily’s shared calendar app can help keep everyone in the loop about your travel schedule and let you assign tasks to others while you're away. Whether it's ensuring pets are cared for or keeping an eye on the house, leaning on tools and loved ones can make all the difference. Be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Flights

Do airlines offer bereavement fares?

Some do, but many have discontinued them. Bereavement fares often don’t guarantee the lowest price and come with restrictions, so it’s often better to compare regular fares, use points, or ask for compassionate assistance.

What airlines offer bereavement flights?

In 2025, only a few airlines (Delta, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and WestJet) still offer bereavement fares. These typically require phone booking and documentation. Most others, like United and American, have ended bereavement pricing but may still provide flexible options if you call and explain your situation.

Does Southwest Airlines offer bereavement flights?

No, Southwest does not offer bereavement fares. However, their flexible policies, no change or cancellation fees and the Low Fare Calendar, make them a reliable option for last-minute travel during a loss.