The Death of Bereavement Fares: Which Airlines Still Offer Them Now?

Updated: May 2026

When FlightWisdom first covered bereavement fares back in 2006, 2008, and 2010, they were already fading. Even when more airlines offered them, the value was questionable. Today, they’re almost gone — a quaint vestige of another era, not unlike the onboard lounges of the past. We even remember a call center agent once telling us, “I am so sorry to learn of the demise of your relation,” which wasn’t exactly the reassurance we were hoping for.

Bereavement fares used to be one of the few places where airline pricing acknowledged that life does not always give you three weeks of advance notice.

That does not mean you have no options. It does mean you need to know which airlines still publish bereavement policies, what documentation they require, and when regular fares, miles, refundable tickets, or flexible fare rules may work better.

Quick Answer: Which Airlines Still Offer Bereavement Fares in 2026?

In 2026, traditional bereavement fares are rare. Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, and WestJet still publish bereavement-related policies. Alaska Airlines has historically offered a limited bereavement discount for Mileage Plan members, but travelers should verify current availability directly with Alaska before relying on it.

Most major U.S. airlines, including American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Breeze, and Avelo, generally do not publish traditional bereavement fares for new ticket purchases. Some may still offer flexibility on existing tickets or case-by-case assistance if you call.

Airline	Bereavement Fare Status	What To Do
Delta Air Lines	Publishes bereavement-related policy options	Call Delta or use official support channels; documentation may be required
Air Canada	Publishes a structured bereavement travel policy	Review eligibility and call before booking
WestJet	Publishes bereavement fare information	Call WestJet; restrictions and documentation apply
Alaska Airlines	Historically offered limited bereavement assistance	Verify directly with Alaska before relying on it
Most other U.S. airlines	No traditional published bereavement fares	Compare regular fares, use miles, consider refundable/flexible tickets, and call if plans involve an existing ticket

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Airlines That Still Publish Bereavement Fare Policies

Delta Air Lines

Delta continues to publish bereavement-related travel information. These policies are generally limited, may require documentation, and usually require contacting Delta directly rather than simply booking a discounted fare online. Travelers should check Delta’s current policy before booking. Delta bereavement policy

Air Canada

Air Canada continues to publish a bereavement travel policy with eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and travel-window restrictions. This is one of the clearer remaining examples of a structured airline bereavement policy. Air Canada bereavement fares

WestJet

WestJet also publishes bereavement fare information. As with other airlines, travelers should expect restrictions and should contact the airline directly rather than assuming the discount will appear in normal online search results. WestJet bereavement fares

Alaska Airlines

Alaska has historically been listed among the few U.S. airlines with limited bereavement assistance, often tied to Mileage Plan membership. Because airline policies change and Alaska’s public policy can be harder to verify than Delta’s or Air Canada’s, treat this as a “call and confirm” situation rather than a guaranteed published fare.

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Airlines That Generally Do Not Offer Traditional Bereavement Fares

Most large U.S. airlines no longer publish traditional bereavement fares for new ticket purchases. That includes American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Breeze, and Avelo.

That does not always mean a phone call is useless. If you already have a ticket and need to change travel because of a death or medical emergency, an agent may be able to explain change rules, credits, same-day options, or case-by-case flexibility. But that is different from a published bereavement fare.

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What To Do If You Need Emergency Travel Now

1. Search regular fares first. Do not assume a bereavement fare will be cheaper.
2. Check nearby airports. In urgent travel, the alternate airport may matter more than the airline.
3. Use miles if cash fares are high. Award prices can sometimes be better than last-minute cash fares.
4. Call airlines with published bereavement policies. Delta, Air Canada, and WestJet are the most obvious places to check.
5. Ask about flexibility on existing tickets. Even airlines without bereavement fares may help with changes or credits.
6. Consider refundable or flexible fares. Emergency plans often change.

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Booking Tips for Bereavement Travel

1. Call, don’t book online. Bereavement fares aren’t available via websites or apps.
2. Have documents ready. Typically needed: deceased’s name, your relationship, funeral home or hospital info, and funeral dates.
3. Compare prices. Bereavement fares aren’t always cheaper than last-minute or refundable tickets. Sometimes flexible fares found online can cost less.

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Alternatives When Bereavement Fares Aren’t Available

• Refundable or flexible tickets: More expensive upfront, but easier to change if plans shift.
• Use points or miles: Often the best way to get last-minute value.
• Ask directly: Even if bereavement fares don’t exist, some agents may waive change fees or offer compassion discounts.

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FAQ

Which airlines still offer bereavement fares?
As of 2026, Delta, Alaska, Air Canada, and WestJet.

How do I book a bereavement fare?
By calling the airline directly; documentation is required.

Are bereavement fares always cheaper?
Not always — sometimes refundable or last-minute fares may be more cost-effective.

What if my airline doesn’t offer them?
Ask about flexibility or waivers, or explore points and flexible fares as alternatives.