| There are times when a sudden illness or death in | | | | grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, |
| the family precludes you from the luxury of searching | | | | stepbrother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, |
| around for low-cost air fares to reach your loved | | | | daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and |
| ones. Although most airlines do not offer services to | | | | stepsister. |
| accommodate this situation, Delta does have a | | | | Delta requires documentation in order to prove |
| bereavement policy in the event of death or | | | | familial relations and the documentation must be |
| imminent death in your immediate family; however, | | | | provided at the time the ticket is purchased. Such |
| this appears to be only in connection with air travel | | | | documentation consists of the passenger's |
| out of the United States. | | | | relationship to the deceased, the name and phone |
| Timing is everything; however, there are situations | | | | number of the funeral home, hospital or hospice |
| where advance planning for air travel is not possible. | | | | facility and the name of the treating physician, if |
| Such a situation would be in the event of the death | | | | applicable. |
| or imminent death of a family member. If you should | | | | Bereavement travel must start within seven days of |
| have to travel out of the United States in order to | | | | the death or imminent death of the family member |
| attend to the responsibilities associated with a family | | | | (documentation again required); fares are completely |
| member, some airline offers bereavement fares. | | | | refundable and changes, standby and open returns |
| These are offered to customers who require | | | | are permitted; however, stopovers are not. If the |
| last-minute travel options. They are usually refundable | | | | traveler is a member of SkyMiles, he may be entitled |
| and very flexible. In most instances, the fares will be | | | | to Platinum Medallion or North American upgrades. |
| discounted, with the range between 10 to 75% off | | | | If you choose to travel with a carrier other than |
| full fare prices, the average being 50%. | | | | Delta, contacting the airlines may be a viable option. |
| Delta is one airline that offers bereavement fares; | | | | It appears that most airlines have done away with |
| however, they must be purchased in person at any | | | | hardship flights and full-price fares may be the only |
| Delta ticketing location. The fares are not posted on | | | | option. The most viable option seems to be looking |
| the official website. Delta also has a section with | | | | for last minute flights on websites such as |
| information for funeral directors and family members | | | | cheaptickets.com, or Sometimes it might be advisable |
| how must transport human remains and personal | | | | to contact the airlines in the area to which you need |
| effect. | | | | to travel, explaining your situation and seeing if they |
| In order to qualify for these fares, Delta has specific | | | | can offer any type of accommodations. Another |
| definitions as to who qualifies as an immediate family | | | | source, although not as recommended would be to |
| member. The list includes: spouse, domestic partner, | | | | post an ad on Craig's List, being very specific about |
| child, parent, sister, brother, step-parent, step-child, | | | | your travel requirements. |