Are Bereavement Airfares Still Available?

[Zeke]

Imminent death in the family. Can we get bereavement airfares before the fact? Or even after? I've read the airlines have really clamped down.

And, for the 1000 they want to go 2500 miles RT, I'm thinking of looking at Amtrack. I wonder if they.....oh well, one thing at a time.

[vash]

just did it.

short answer..no. i flew US airways. had to change flights a few times because the funeral kept slipping. i did submit a copy of the DC and the obit (which we wrote and i made sure my name and family ranking was mentioned). i got all the extra fees for moving my flight to and fro back. i wrote what i thought was a heart wrenching letter. faxed it in.

just got it back yesterday. surprised to see a negative balance to my CC.

at least US airways told me no.

[gtc]

Have you checked the prices on Amtrak lately? It's friggin' expensve, plus it takes FOREVER. I wouldn't ride the train again without getting a sleeper, and that would easily put me over the cost of a short-notice flight.

[Joe Bob]

Rent a Limo. I'll drive, you'll get there fast and in style. Money back if you die....

[Gogar]

+1 Amtrak will cost more than the plane.

[speeder]

You should really be asking the airlines, not us.

Sorry to hear about the imminent death.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Gogar

+1 Amtrak will cost more than the plane.

I hate planes and airports. But, according to the Amtrack site, you are wrong. Plus, there are several discounts available, 2 of which apply to me. The problem is, IT'S FEEKING SOLD OUT every day I looked.

Apparently people leaving L.A. and bound for the Chi Town hub know about this.

So, back to the suck airlines.

[Rufblackbird]

last I check around 2-3 years ago they needed a copy of the DC first, but not obit. Parents came early instead and made it in time to see grandpa's last few days.

[herr_oberst]

•The difference in bereavement and regular fare was laughable when Mom died last year. Kind of an insult, really.

•I love Amtrak (Portland to Seattle). Not much slower than driving, and just total relaxation.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Rufblackbird

last I check around 2-3 years ago they needed a copy of the DC first, but not obit. Parents came early instead and made it in time to see grandpa's last few days.

That's what's happening right now. MIL, over 90, stopped eating and taking in fluids and was pretty much gone when she decided to eat some ice cream. These things are hard to understand.

She is at home hospice and things are going to go her way as long as she can indicate what way that will be. So, no heroics.

I thought I had read that if family goes to the home on a sudden trip and death occurs as anticipated, that the airline might take that into consideration for a rebate or some miles. We are also trying to work with special airline sales depts and having the hospice director state the situation.

It's not all that important to fly for advance reservation rates, we can pay it off eventually. But the AL's sure do bone anyone taking a sudden trip. I mean it's at least double.

If you wait until the last minute for a cruise, you might get a serious discount. I guess the AL's know every flight will be packed, so they charge a rape fee for anyone trying to get out on an emergency.

Gotta love those foekers.

[mikester]

I've done this twice in the last year with American. They required nothing up front. For the bereavement they needed the mortuary information. I forget what they called it for when I was planning to go see my grandmother prior to her death but she died before I could get out. It ended up being bereavement.

I highly recommend American Airlines for this - they were extremely helpful.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

Before you go that route check the last minute fares. They will be hard to find on the websites but they can be much cheaper than if you booked your flight a month in advance. They will also include either a car or a hotel, either of which could be helpful.

Wish you and yours the best!

[rusnak]

Some airlines will work with you on a standby basis. You have to be ready to go at the last minute though.

Sorry to hear about your family member.

[scottmandue]

Sorry to hear...

My bosses mom passed a few months ago.... I think he said the airline gave him fifty cents off.

That was L. A. to Minneapolis

[Seahawk]

Milt,

All the best.

Unfortunately, anyone with a computer can fake a DC/newspaper article so the airlines could give a crappy.

I wish it wasn't so.

If you need a hotel, I can help with Hilton points, or Marriott. It would be my pleasure. I wish I could work the airline miles, but that is a roast.

[Gogar]

Milt what travel days are you trying to book?

[Zeke]

Location is near Birmingham AL. Thanks for the offers, but there is room at the place of residence. My wife has been going back to see her mom regularly. She missed Mother's Day because of the high cost of tickets. Then she got the call.

Actually, I won't be going. I hate planes and haven't flown but once since the late 90's. I flew a commuter to pick up my Carrera in San Hose' and that flight was a nightmare, cancelled twice in the morning and I was nearly bumped off the noon flight. That's enough for me. I'd take Joe Bob,s offer before boarding an alum tube.

But my wife and a sister are shopping tickets this very moment.

[targa911S]

I love the train. However, they are expensive, and don't plan on being anywhere on time. A sleeper is the way to go, but get one that has the beds/bunks inline with the train, not across. The motion will rock you to sleep. The across way will keep you awake all night. At least that is my experience.

[Jesset100]

Sorry for you and your wife's loss. Last year I had to fly from Louisville, KY to Honolulu, HI for a funeral. My wife called all the airlines with the cheapest coming in at $800.00. She went to price line and entered a price of $600.00. They accepted the offer and off I went the next day.

[Zeke]

Sorry, Jesset, I wasn't clear. The "call" was to say the MIL was slipping fast. But she did get that ice cream in before the ultimate lock. I'll mention priceline. Thanks.

Edit: Well, American did Mikester said they would. Gave them a good price that actually beat priceline with the freedom to make changes as necessary to accommodate the situation. Gotta give some props to AA.