Bereavement Flights: The Complete Guide for 2026

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 in 2026, and what to say when calling to book a last-minute ticket.

What Are Bereavement Flights?

Before booking anything, it helps to understand exactly what bereavement flights are, who qualifies, and what documentation you'll likely need to have on hand.

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, and travel to occur within 7 to 14 days of the event.

Do Airlines Still Offer Bereavement Fares in 2026?

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

That said, bereavement fares may not always be cheaper than regular last-minute deals. Before assuming the bereavement rate is your best option, consider 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 (2026)

Airline policies vary widely, and not all carriers still offer formal bereavement fares. Some provide meaningful discounts, others offer flexibility without a price reduction, and many have discontinued bereavement programs altogether. Here is a current breakdown of what you can expect from each major carrier.

Delta Air Lines

Policy: Delta offers bereavement fares for domestic and international travel in the event of an immediate family member's death or imminent death. You must be a SkyMiles member (free to join before booking). Service fees are waived on outbound and return flights, though fare differences may still apply.How to book: Message Delta via the "Message Us" button on their Help Center or call 1-800-221-1212 (domestic) or 1-800-241-4141 (international).Have ready: Deceased's name, your relationship, and the funeral home, hospital, or hospice contact information.

United Airlines

Policy: United no longer offers bereavement discounts.Phone: 1-800-864-8331Tip: Ask about flexible fares, change fee waivers, or compassionate rebooking options.

American Airlines

Policy: American Airlines does not offer bereavement fares.Phone: 1-800-433-7300Tip: Explain your situation to the agent and request flexibility or waived change fees. Tickets may be considered for a refund in the event of a death.

Southwest Airlines

Policy: Southwest does not offer bereavement discounts, but all tickets are changeable with no cancellation fees, making them a practical option for last-minute travel.Phone: 1-800-435-9792Tip: Use the Low Fare Calendar to find the most affordable travel dates.

Alaska Airlines

Policy: Alaska Airlines offers a 10% discount off the lowest available fare for travel within 7 days of a family member's death. Must be a Mileage Plan member (free to join). Cannot be combined with other discounts or miles offers. Must be booked by phone.Phone: 1-800-252-7522View policy: Alaska Airlines Bereavement Policy

Air Canada

Policy: Air Canada offers reduced bereavement fares on Economy Standard, Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fares for flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express. Travel must be within 10 days of the event. Must be booked by phone.Phone: 1-888-247-2262View policy: Air Canada Bereavement Policy

WestJet

Policy: WestJet offers bereavement discounts for domestic and international travel following the death or imminent death of an immediate family member. Must be booked by phone.Phone: 1-888-937-8538

Lufthansa

Policy: Lufthansa offers bereavement fares for qualifying travelers on select international routes. Call to inquire about availability and documentation requirements.Phone: 1-800-645-3880

JetBlue Airways

Policy: JetBlue does not offer formal bereavement fares, but may waive cancellation fees in the event of the death of an immediate family member of a ticketed customer.Phone: 1-800-538-2583Tip: Ask about same-day fare flexibility or cancellation fee waivers.

Hawaiian Airlines

Policy: Hawaiian Airlines provides a "Neighbor Island Emergency Travel" option serving as a bereavement fare for inter-island travel only. No bereavement fares are available for travel to or from the contiguous U.S. or internationally.Phone: 1-800-367-5320View policy: Hawaiian Airlines Policy

Frontier Airlines

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

Spirit Airlines

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

Allegiant Air

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

Sun Country Airlines

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

Avelo Airlines

Policy: Avelo does not offer bereavement fares.Phone: 1-346-616-9500

Breeze Airways

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

Funeral Flight Discounts: What to Expect

It is important to set realistic expectations. Bereavement flight discounts typically provide modest savings off standard fares, not the lowest available rates. They usually must be booked by phone and are not available online. They come with strict documentation requirements and limited flexibility, and they are often comparable to or even more expensive than prices found through public travel search engines. Despite the name, bereavement fares are best thought of as a flexibility benefit rather than a guaranteed price advantage.

Script to Use When Calling for a Bereavement Flight

Not sure what to say? Use this simple script when calling an airline:

"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 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?"

Have ready before you call:

• 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 overwhelming. Bereavement flights may offer some relief, but they are only part of the equation.

If your loved one was living in a senior living community, Caily can help your family stay connected and informed throughout the process. Caily is a family communication platform built for senior living communities that gives families daily visibility into their loved one's care through automated updates and HIPAA-compliant messaging with care staff. Learn more at Caily.com.

Be kind to yourself, and don't hesitate to ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bereavement Flights

Do airlines still offer bereavement fares in 2026?

Some do. Delta, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, and Lufthansa still offer bereavement fares, though most require phone booking and documentation and don't always guarantee the lowest available price.

What airlines offer bereavement flights?

In 2026, Delta, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, and Lufthansa are among the carriers that still offer formal bereavement fares. Airlines like Southwest, while not offering bereavement discounts, provide flexible no-fee change and cancellation policies that can be helpful.

Does Southwest offer bereavement flights?

No, but their no-fee change and cancellation policy and the Low Fare Calendar make them a practical option for last-minute travel during a loss.