Do airlines still offer bereavement fares?

Most major U.S. carriers have stopped offering specific bereavement discounts, but it is still worth asking. Even if they don't have a specific fare, they may waive change fees on existing tickets.

Should I book a one-way or round-trip ticket?

Book a one-way ticket if you are unsure of your return date. Last-minute round-trip tickets are often priced similarly to two one-way tickets, and it prevents you from being locked into a return flight you might need to change later.

What if no direct flights are available?

Look for flights to secondary airports within 100 miles of your destination. Often, a flight to a smaller city and a rental car or train ride is cheaper and faster than waiting for a direct flight to a major hub.

Booking last-minute flights for family emergencies

Contact the airline's customer service desk immediately to request a bereavement or emergency fare, as these are often not available online. Have your documentation, such as a death certificate or hospital contact info, ready before you call.

Check online aggregators first. Use Google Flights to get a baseline price for the next 24 hours. Do this quickly so you know if the airline's 'emergency' offer is actually cheaper than a standard last-minute booking.
Call the airline directly. Don't book through a third-party site (Expedia, Kayak). Call the airline's support line. Ask specifically for a 'bereavement fare' or 'compassionate rate.' Many major carriers have reduced these, but some smaller or international carriers still offer them.
Leverage loyalty status. If you or a family member have airline status, call the dedicated elite service line. Agents with higher priority access have more power to waive change fees or open up sold-out fare buckets.
Keep all documentation handy. Have the name and phone number of the hospital, hospice, or funeral home ready. The airline may ask for this to verify the emergency before confirming the discounted rate.

Do airlines still offer bereavement fares?: Most major U.S. carriers have stopped offering specific bereavement discounts, but it is still worth asking. Even if they don't have a specific fare, they may waive change fees on existing tickets.
Should I book a one-way or round-trip ticket?: Book a one-way ticket if you are unsure of your return date. Last-minute round-trip tickets are often priced similarly to two one-way tickets, and it prevents you from being locked into a return flight you might need to change later.
What if no direct flights are available?: Look for flights to secondary airports within 100 miles of your destination. Often, a flight to a smaller city and a rental car or train ride is cheaper and faster than waiting for a direct flight to a major hub.