Discounted Flights During Family Emergencies
At some point in your life you may have to take an unplanned flight to tend to a family emergency. Unfortunately, emergencies lend themselves no time to properly plan and purchase a discounted flight in advance. As stressful as flying has now become, the last thing you need is to stress about finding an affordable ticket. The airlines—although not adequately advertised—offer discounted flights for such occasions.
Although I have had the same grumbles about flying as nearly everyone else the last couple of months with additional fees, higher priced tickets, and less available flights, the airline industry deserves a pat on the back for what they call bereavement or compassion flights. Whether its booking a last minute flight or changing flight arrangements, airlines will offer discounts if you call and explain your situation. Some airlines may require additional information like a hospital, doctor’s name or funeral home. The amount of discount varies among the airlines, but typically the amount is substantial enough to warrant a call.
I would recommend checking a discounted website before calling to make sure you have a good idea as the current price of tickets. Because calling the airline is usually the only way to purchase bereavement tickets, it’s best to understand the airlines. In other words, if you know a airline’s hub goes into your destination, it’s probably best to try them first as they may have more wiggle room and can offer you the best deal.
We hope you never have to ask for such a ticket in your lifetime, but because they are unavoidable and usually mandatory trips, it’s worth a try. Do you have any experience purchasing a bereavement/compassion ticket? $
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I’ve not experienced this personally, but used to work in hotels–we extended bereavement rates, and discounted rates for those in town for hospital stays/treatments.