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QUESTION:

How do I qualify for bereavement or compassion fares on airlines?

ANSWER:

Many airlines are willing to offer a price break on last-minute tickets if you are traveling to visit a seriously ill relative or to attend an immediate family member's funeral. An immediate family member is generally defined as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild (depending on the airline, immediate family may include in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews).

In the case of a death in the family, airlines require you to provide the name of the deceased, relationship to the passenger, and the name and contact information of the funeral home. If it is a medical emergency, the passenger must provide the contact information of the hospital or nursing home. Some airlines also require the name of the attending physician. Most carriers do not consider surgery or illness that isn't life-threatening a good enough reason to qualify for these discounts.

Most of the major carriers offer bereavement or medical emergency fares. These discounts generally range from 50 to 70 percent off unrestricted coach or the highest non-refundable fare -- whichever is lower. Beware: The fares may require an advance purchase or a Saturday night stay and even a 70 percent discount off a full-economy, last-minute fare may cost you more than a ticket purchased from a consolidator or an online discount travel provider.

QUESTION:

So what are your best options for bereavement or compassion travel? 

ANSWER:  

Through the bereavementair.com booking engine you will have access to special pre-negotiated rates with most major carriers that offer last-minute seats and don't require advance purchase or a Saturday night stay.

AMT-American Express Travel