Bereavement Fares: 5 Airlines That Still Offer Discounts

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. It’s a moment when time feels suspended, emotions run high, and the last thing you want to deal with is the stress of last-minute travel expenses. For those who need to travel urgently to say their final goodbyes or attend a funeral, the sky-high cost of airfare can feel like an added burden.

While most airlines have done away with bereavement fares, a few compassionate carriers still extend a helping hand. These airlines offer discounted fares and flexible booking policies to ease travel during difficult times. If you need to book a last-minute flight due to a family loss, here’s everything you need to know about bereavement fares, which airlines still provide them, and how to secure the best deal.

What Are Bereavement Fares?

Bereavement fares are discounted airline tickets designed explicitly for travelers dealing with a death or imminent death in the family. These fares often have flexible booking policies, allowing passengers to make last-minute changes without hefty fees.

The catch? Bereavement fares aren’t always the cheapest option. Airlines that still offer these fares often provide a modest discount—ranging from 5% to 25% off the standard fare—but sometimes, last-minute flight deals or rewards points might get you an even better price. That’s why it’s crucial to compare all available options before booking.

5 Airlines That Still Offer Bereavement Fares in 2025

Though many major airlines have discontinued bereavement fares (including American Airlines, Southwest, and United), five airlines still provide this service under specific conditions. If you need to book a last-minute flight for a family emergency, these are your best options:

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers a 10% discount on the lowest available fare for immediate family members traveling within seven days of a loved one’s passing. This discount applies to flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and SkyWest, ensuring broader accessibility for travelers.

While the savings may vary depending on the route and availability, the airline’s bereavement policy provides added flexibility, making it easier to accommodate last-minute travel needs. By offering a compassionate approach, Alaska Airlines helps ease the stress of arranging urgent travel during a difficult time.

Who Qualifies?
Immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. In-laws and step-relatives in these categories also qualify. However, cousins and more distant relatives are omitted.

How to Book:
To secure the discount, call Alaska Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-252-7522. The fare cannot be applied retroactively, so mention the bereavement discount when booking. Travelers over 18 must also be Mileage Plan members (signing up is free).

Delta Air Lines

Delta takes a slightly different approach to bereavement travel, prioritizing flexibility over fixed discounts. While they don’t offer a set percentage off fares, they waive service fees for bereavement-related flight changes, making it easier for travelers to adjust their plans without extra costs.

This can be especially helpful when unexpected delays or changes arise, allowing passengers to modify their flights without worrying about hefty penalties. However, fare differences may still apply, so travelers should compare all available options before booking.

Who Qualifies?
Delta broadly defines “immediate family” as spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

How to Book:
Bereavement fares can only be booked by phone. Call 1-800-221-1212 for domestic flights or 1-800-241-4141 for international flights. You’ll need to provide details such as the deceased’s name, your relationship with them, and the contact information for the funeral home or hospital. You must also be a SkyMiles member to qualify (membership is free and can be created before booking).

Air Canada

Air Canada offers bereavement discounts on Economy Class fares for travelers flying within or outside North America, excluding Economy Basic. One of the airline’s standout features is its extended travel window, allowing passengers to book flights up to 10 days after a loved one’s passing, with return trips valid for up to 60 days.

This flexibility gives grieving travelers more time to make arrangements without the added stress of immediate departure requirements. While the exact discount varies, Air Canada’s longer booking window and international coverage make it a solid choice for those needing compassionate travel options.

Who Qualifies?
Spouses, children, parents, siblings, legal guardians, grandparents, and grandchildren—including step-relatives and in-laws. Air Canada also recognizes same-sex partners in their policy.

How to Book:
Call 1-888-247-2262 to book directly. Documentation, such as a death certificate, funeral director’s statement, or a doctor’s note, must be emailed to [email protected] within seven days of your return flight. You may be charged the full ticket price if you fail to submit the documentation.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers a “Neighbor Island Emergency Travel” fare for bereavement-related travel, but it is only valid for flights within Hawaii. This means passengers needing to travel between islands can access discounted rates, helping them reach loved ones during difficult times.

However, bereavement fares are unavailable if you need to fly to or from the U.S. mainland or international destinations. Instead, travelers on these routes must explore other options, such as fare adjustments or waiver requests for flight changes due to a family emergency.

Who Qualifies?
Immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and in-laws.

How to Book:
You must book your flight at the standard rate first and then submit documentation for a refund. Required documents include a copy of your ticket, proof of relationship, and a death certificate or hospitalization receipt. The airline will review your request within seven days and issue a refund for the fare difference if approved.

WestJet

WestJet offers one of the most flexible bereavement policies, extending eligibility beyond immediate family members to include executors and legal guardians. This broader definition allows more individuals responsible for funeral arrangements to access discounted fares during difficult times.

In addition, WestJet provides a civic funeral fare for those attending the funeral of police officers, firefighters, or military personnel who have died in the line of duty. These compassionate policies ensure that those mourning a loss or honoring a fallen hero can travel with reduced financial stress and greater flexibility.

Who Qualifies?
Immediate family members, including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, legal guardians, and executors. Same-sex partners are also recognized.

How to Book:
Call 1-888-937-8538 to book a bereavement fare. The return trip must be completed within 14 days of the first flight.

Are Bereavement Fares Always the Best Deal?

While bereavement fares offer much-needed flexibility and modest discounts, they aren’t always the cheapest option. Here are some alternative ways to save on last-minute travel:

• Use Airline Miles & Points. If you have frequent flyer miles, redeem them for last-minute flights to avoid high costs.
• Check Third-Party Travel Sites. Websites like Kayak, Expedia, and Google Flights often list lower fares than airlines’ direct bereavement fares.
• Use Credit Card Travel Benefits. Some premium credit cards cover emergency travel expenses under trip protection benefits.
• Consider Budget Airlines. Low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant often offer cheaper last-minute fares than major airlines’ bereavement discounts.
• Be Flexible with Flight Times. Red-eye flights or flights with layovers are often significantly cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Although bereavement fares aren’t as widespread as once, the airlines still offer them, providing a much-needed service during one of life’s most challenging moments. If you find yourself needing to travel due to the loss of a loved one, knowing your options can help ease the burden—both emotionally and financially.

Whether you opt for a bereavement fare or a different approach to finding a last-minute deal, the most important thing is getting where you need to be with as little stress as possible. Safe travels, and may your journey be filled with the love and support of those who matter most.