Honestly, the middle of a family crisis is the absolute worst time to be haggling with a website over a $900 last-minute plane ticket. You’re exhausted, you’re grieving, and suddenly you’re staring at a screen trying to figure out if "bereavement fares" are even still a thing in 2026.
Most people think these discounts are a relic of the 90s, like paper tickets or edible airplane food. While it’s true that giants like American Airlines and United officially scrapped their programs years ago, a handful of carriers still have a "compassionate travel" policy tucked away in their manuals. But here is the kicker: they don't exactly advertise them on the front page.
If you are looking for a break on price, you might be disappointed. These days, a bereavement fare isn't always the cheapest option—often, a budget carrier like Spirit or Southwest will still beat the price of a "discounted" legacy flight. The real value now is flexibility. We're talking about waiving those soul-crushing change fees when the funeral gets moved or you need to stay an extra three days to help sort through an estate.
The Short List: What Airlines Offer Bereavement Fares Right Now?
Let's get straight to the names. If you are flying within North America or to certain international spots, these are the players still offering some form of assistance.
Delta Air Lines Delta is probably the most well-known for keeping this alive, but there is a catch. You have to be a SkyMiles member. Don't worry, you can sign up for free right before you call, but you must have an account. They don't give a flat percentage off; instead, they offer "flexibility" which usually means waiving service fees and offering a slightly more stable rate for last-minute bookings. You can’t book this online. You have to call their reservations line at 1-800-221-1212.
Air Canada
These guys are actually pretty decent about it. Air Canada offers reduced fares for the imminent death or passing of an immediate family member. You generally have to start your travel within 10 days of booking. They’ll ask for the hospital or funeral home details right on the phone. Interestingly, they don't allow you to get a refund after the fact—you have to set it up before you fly.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska is one of the few that still gives a specific number: 10% off the lowest available fare. This only applies if you’re traveling within seven days. Like the others, you’ve got to be a member of their Mileage Plan, and you have to book by phone (1-800-252-7522). It’s a bit of a process, but a 10% shave off a last-minute $800 ticket is still $80.
WestJet
This Canadian carrier is quite flexible. They offer bereavement fares for funerals and for "imminent death" situations. They require a WestJet Rewards account and the travel has to be wrapped up within 30 days. They specifically exclude their "UltraBasic" fares from this, so don't expect to stack a bereavement discount on top of a "no-carry-on" price.
Lufthansa
For those crossing the Atlantic, Lufthansa offers compassionate fares, but usually only for flights departing from the U.S. or Canada. It’s a case-by-case thing, so you’ll need to call their service center and explain the situation.
Why "No Bereavement Fare" Isn't Always a Dealbreaker
It feels cold when an airline like JetBlue or Southwest says they don't offer these fares. But basically, their argument is that their "regular" prices are already lower than what a legacy airline’s bereavement fare would be.
Sometimes they're right.
Southwest, for instance, doesn't have change fees for anyone. If you need to fly home for a funeral on two hours' notice, you’ll pay the current market rate, but if you need to stay an extra week, you won't get hit with a $200 "change fee" penalty. You just pay the difference in the fare price. In a weird way, their standard policy is more helpful than a formal bereavement program with twenty hoops to jump through.
The Paperwork You’ll Definitely Need
Don't expect them to just take your word for it. Airlines have been burned by people lying to get cheap seats for decades. You’ll need to have this info ready before you dial:
- The name of your deceased or dying family member.
- Your relationship to them (the "immediate family" definition is usually strict: parents, siblings, children, grandparents, in-laws).
- The name and phone number of the funeral home, hospital, or hospice.
- The name of the attending physician or funeral director.
How to Actually Get the Best Rate (The Insider Strategy)
Before you spend an hour on hold with Delta's bereavement desk, do a quick search on a site like Google Flights.
Look at the price for a "regular" ticket. If the bereavement fare they quote you over the phone is higher than what you see online—and this happens more often than you’d think—just buy the online ticket. The only reason to take the higher bereavement fare is if you think your dates might change and you want the "free" flexibility.
Also, check if you have any credit card points or "companion passes" sitting in your accounts. Sometimes using 25,000 miles is a lot easier on the wallet than trying to find a discounted cash fare during a peak holiday weekend when prices are sky-high regardless of the circumstances.
A Note on "Imminent Death"
Most people assume these fares are only for after someone has passed. That's not always true. Air Canada and WestJet specifically mention travel for "imminent death." If a loved one is in hospice or a life-threatening situation, you may still qualify. It’s worth asking, even if the "official" event hasn't happened yet.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the Major Sites First: Run a quick search on Google Flights to see the "market rate" so you have a baseline.
- Call the Airline Directly: If you see a flight on Delta or Alaska, call their reservation line immediately—do not book online first, as most won't apply the discount retroactively.
- Gather Your Info: Have the phone number of the hospital or funeral home ready before you call to avoid being put back on hold.