Do airlines give discounts for deaths in the family or is that just a myth?

mikester · 05-12-2011, 07:44 PM

Just curious. My grandfather died tonight and I have got to work on getting my family cross country for the funeral. Us Jews tend to get our dead in the ground very quickly so I probably need to leave tomorrow.

stomachmonkey · 05-12-2011, 07:51 PM

HaMakom yinachaim etchem batoch shar avlai Zion v'Yerushlayim.

Sorry for your loss.

quicksix · quicksix's Garage

Sorry for your loss.
When my dad died the airlines did offer me a substantial discount

after talking to the local M.E

mikester · 05-12-2011, 07:56 PM

Toda

A930Rocket · 05-12-2011, 08:10 PM

Sorry for your loss. Take care...

onlycafe · 05-12-2011, 08:18 PM

sad news mike, my condolences to you and your family.

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

My condolences.
I do believe they (airline) will require a copy of the death certificate.
Least they did when my brother flew back from CA.

LakeCleElum · 05-12-2011, 08:27 PM

Sorry to hear that.......Usually when time is short, book your flight, send in a Death Certificate when you can and get a refund on the difference.....

LeeH · 05-12-2011, 09:07 PM

Bereavement fares from Delta

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

sorry for your loss.

mikester · 05-12-2011, 09:52 PM

Heck, I didn't even think to check the website...

We usually fly American so I called them and they actually have a very decent fair. I was looking on the last minute travel sites and seeing like $750 round trip which for last minute I didn't think was terrible. I called American and they had it closer to $450 per person which was much better of course - a little more than we normally spend but in this case I don't really care that much about the money.

I'm a little torn about one thing...My sister and I haven't spoken much in some time now. She's crazy and all. I don't really have anything to say to her. She live in LA, well - she is actually moving this weekend to Montana. It doesn't sound like she's going to be able to make the funeral because she has to be out of her house tomorrow and was planning on being on the road to Montana this weekend. She would need some place to put her stuff, airfare, and of course a willingness to 'change course' which she doesn't do well.

I talked to my brother and he called her and talked to her but I have not.

I don't know what to say to her; I've reached out before and always been turned away but when she reaches out to me I never turn her away. Maybe I'll just keep that course - it feels a little cowardly though.

slodave · slodave's Garage

Sorry for your loss.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I'm sorry about your Grand-father.

Now about your sister, call her, make the offer and do what you have to do for her to attend as well. This ain't thanksgiving.

mikester · 08:03 AM

I emailed her. Whenever I call her she always sends it to voice mail anyway. I offered help.

Family is talking about the funeral and my Grandmother doesn't believe that it would be appropriate for my mom, my dad's ex-wife to be at the funeral.

While my parents were together, especially in the first 15 years of their 25 year marriage my grandfather was a better father to my mom than her father ever was. She loves him dearly. It'll be a small, probably mostly family only grave side funeral. No wake or anything like that, I'm just not sure what to tell my mom. My opinion is that she should do what she thinks is right for her.

My grandfather taught me a great deal about respect; I'm conflicted about whose feelings should be respected here. My parents have not seen or talked to each other in probably 10 years. Their parting was not amicable. Dad says he is fine if mom shows up. Mom wants to come but doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. She also wants to be there for her children and I believe she should be able to be there for them (me, my brother but are close to ma).

Seems lame.

john70t · 05-13-2011, 08:09 AM

My condolences.

I once had the same situation. Asked for a bereavement flight, but was a little shocked at the price.
Called back from a different phone and the price of the regular flight was $75 cheaper.
Go figure.

crustychief · crustychief's Garage

Sorry to hear of your loss Mike.
Regards,
Sandy

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

Tried for a bereavement fare with United in the early 90s when I flew home to be with the stepmother when we took my father off the respirator. Since I could not give a specific time for the return flight, I was denied the bereavement fare. The ticket personnel were so rude and hostile that I've never flown United since. I think most companies have had customer service training improvements since then...

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Sorry for your loss.
I tried to purchase a bereavement fare back in 2000 (I think it was Delta). They gave a decent discount but it was off of the full list price of flying within 24 hours and the price was outrageous. Like above, they had a couldn't give a rip attitude. You may want to check the normal discount travel websites like Expedia and Orbitz...

mikester · 05-13-2011, 10:04 AM

When i called American last night they offered me two different fares. One was adjustable and the other was not - the fixed fare was the cheaper one. The person on the phone was very professional, polite and respectful. No complaints.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Continental used to offer discounts on whatever published fare you can find. If you find el cheapo, they discount from there. I do not know what it is now with the United merger.