Being with a loved one during their final moments is deeply meaningful, but the high costs of last-minute travel can make this difficult. Fortunately, some airlines, charities, community organizations, and alternative transportation options can ease this burden. Here’s a comprehensive guide on bereavement fare policies, financial assistance programs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, along with practical tips for gathering necessary documents and alternatives for those who cannot fly.
United States
In the United States, some airlines offer bereavement fares, while others may waive fees on a case-by-case basis. Here’s what to know about specific airline policies and how to navigate them in emergency situations.
- Delta Air Lines provides bereavement fares for immediate family members, offering flexibility and potentially reduced rates for last-minute travel. These fares are available only by contacting Delta Reservations, and proof of the situation, like a death certificate or relationship verification, may be required. More information is available at Delta Bereavement Fares.
- Alaska Airlines offers a bereavement fare with a 10% discount off the lowest available fare. This is applicable for travel within seven days due to a loved one’s passing and can be booked by calling Alaska Airlines Reservations. For details, see Alaska Airlines Bereavement Fares.
- Other Major Airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier do not offer formal bereavement fare discounts. However, some may provide flexibility with cancellations or changes in emergencies. It’s worth calling customer service to explain the situation, as representatives can sometimes waive fees. For these airlines, booking flexible or refundable tickets may offer extra leeway if plans change.
In addition to airline support, several U.S.-based charities help with emergency travel. Give A Mile provides flights through donated miles, and other organizations like the Dream Foundation and Miracle Flights assist in specific circumstances. Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe and Give InKind also allow families to raise funds quickly for travel expenses.
| US Charities | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Give A Mile | Provides flights for family members in critical care situations | giveamile.org |
| Dream Foundation | Supports travel for terminally ill adults and families | dreamfoundation.org |
| Miracle Flights | Assists with flights for medical emergencies | miracleflights.org |
| The Red Cross | Offers emergency services in family crises | redcross.org |
Canada
In Canada, bereavement fares and charitable organizations provide options for those needing emergency travel support during end-of-life situations.
- Air Canada offers bereavement fares for immediate family members, applicable to certain Economy fare classes. Travel must start within 10 days of booking, and documentation verifying the situation may be required. To arrange these fares, contact Air Canada Reservations directly. More details are at Air Canada Bereavement Fares.
- WestJet offers bereavement fares on Econo and EconoFlex fares, allowing travel to be completed within 30 days. Reservations must be arranged by calling WestJet, and proof of the relationship and situation may be needed. Additional information is available at WestJet Bereavement Fares.
Canada also has several charitable organizations that offer travel assistance. Hope Air provides free flights for healthcare-related emergencies. For those needing quick financial support, FundRazr is a Canadian crowdfunding platform widely used for raising funds for urgent travel expenses.
| Canadian Charities | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Give A Mile | Donates flights to reunite families during end-of-life situations | giveamile.org |
| The Red Cross Canada | Provides support in emergencies and family crises | redcross.ca |
| Hospice Societies | Offers support and referrals for family travel | Varies by region |
| Hope Air | Free flights for healthcare and emergency family travel | hopeair.ca |
United Kingdom
Bereavement fares are not common in the UK, but resources are available for families facing urgent travel needs.
- Major UK airlines, such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, don’t offer official bereavement fares but may waive certain fees in family emergencies. Travelers should contact customer service and provide documentation to discuss available options.
Several UK charities also provide emergency support, including Macmillan Cancer Support, which offers resources for end-of-life care. The British Red Cross and Marie Curie also offer family support in critical situations. For financial assistance, platforms like JustGiving enable UK-based individuals to raise funds quickly for emergency travel.
| UK Charities | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Macmillan Cancer Support | Offers end-of-life and family support resources | macmillan.org.uk |
| British Red Cross | Provides emergency support in family crises | redcross.org.uk |
| Marie Curie | Offers end-of-life care and may assist with family support | mariecurie.org.uk |
| FareShare | Provides emergency aid and community support in crises | fareshare.org.uk |
Australia
Australia’s airlines, like Qantas and Virgin Australia, do not offer official bereavement fares, but some flexibility may be available. Travelers facing emergencies are encouraged to contact the airline’s customer service to discuss possible fee waivers or adjustments.
Several Australian charities provide emergency assistance, including Red Cross Australia, which supports families in crises, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which offers financial support. Cancer Council Australia also provides resources for families dealing with end-of-life situations. For quick fundraising, MyCause is a popular crowdfunding platform in Australia.
| Australian Charities | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Red Cross Australia | Offers emergency support in crisis situations | redcross.org.au |
| Cancer Council Australia | Provides support for families facing terminal illness | cancercouncil.com.au |
| St. Vincent de Paul Society | Assists in emergencies, including family support | vinnies.org.au |
| Give a Mile (Global) | Provides free flights through donated miles | giveamile.org |
Tips for Gathering Required Documentation
When applying for bereavement fares or charitable assistance, it’s common to provide documentation such as:
- Death Certificate or Proof of Relationship: Airlines and charities often require verification, which could include a death certificate, obituary, or letter from a hospital or funeral home.
- Hospital or Hospice Letter: A letter from the medical facility may be needed, confirming the family member’s situation.
- Contact Information for the Care Facility: Some airlines may contact the facility directly to confirm details.
To gather documents quickly, consider contacting a family member, funeral home, or the hospital’s administrative office. Request electronic copies if available, as they can be shared more easily with travel providers or charities.
Affordable Alternatives for Travel: Train, Bus, and Car Rental Options
For those who cannot fly, ground transportation offers additional options for emergency travel.
- Amtrak Compassionate Travel: Although Amtrak doesn’t have a formal bereavement fare, it is known to work with travelers needing flexibility for urgent travel. Contacting Amtrak’s customer service can help you arrange flexible bookings and inquire about any special accommodations for emergencies.
- Bus Services (e.g., Greyhound): Major bus companies may offer flexible ticketing options and affordable last-minute fares. Greyhound, for example, allows passengers to change or cancel tickets for a nominal fee, which may be helpful if travel dates are uncertain.
- Car Rentals: Some rental car companies offer discounted rates for emergency travel, especially if you are a member of programs like AAA. Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget may also waive certain fees under extenuating circumstances. Inquiring directly with customer service may reveal additional support.
Community and Faith-Based Organization Assistance
Local religious institutions and community organizations often provide emergency support to those in need. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and community centers may have resources or connections to help with emergency travel or accommodations. Reaching out to a local place of worship or community center can be especially helpful in
areas where formal support programs are limited.
Community organizations can also provide temporary housing, meals, or financial support, which can help offset travel expenses. For those in immediate need, these organizations often work quickly to provide assistance or connect you to other resources.
Staying Connected Virtually
If travel isn’t possible, virtual options still offer a way to connect. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime enable you to see and speak with your loved one in real time. Many healthcare facilities support video calls, helping families connect even from afar. Recording a video or audio message provides a comforting alternative if live calls aren’t feasible. Some people also find solace in creating a small memorial space at home with photos, candles, or mementos to feel close to their loved one and honor their memory privately.
