You need a flight fast. A family member has died, and you’re trying to book last-minute without paying an outrageous price. Airlines used to offer “bereavement fares” for exactly this situation. United Airlines stopped that program in 2014. Here’s what your real options are today.
Quick Answer
United Airlines does not offer bereavement fares for new bookings. The airline dropped this discount in 2014. If you have an existing ticket and can’t travel due to a death in the family, you may qualify for a refund or fee waiver under United’s compassionate policy — but you’ll need to provide documentation such as a death certificate.
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines stopped offering bereavement discounts in March 2014 and has no plans to bring them back.
- If you must cancel or interrupt an existing trip due to a death, you may qualify for a refund or travel credit under United’s “Unplanned Event” policy.
- To claim a refund, you must provide a death certificate, funeral program, or physician’s letter.
- Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada still offer formal bereavement discounts — but you must call to book them.
- Always compare bereavement fares against standard online fares; a budget carrier often costs less than a legacy carrier’s discounted rate.
What’s in This Article
- United Airlines Bereavement Policy Explained
- How to Request a Compassionate Refund from United
- How to Find Affordable Last-Minute Fares on United
- Does Travel Insurance Cover Emergency Flights?
- Airlines That Still Offer Bereavement Fares
- Tips for Traveling During Difficult Times
- Frequently Asked Questions
United Airlines Bereavement Policy Explained
United Airlines does not offer a bereavement fare class for new ticket purchases. You can’t call the reservation line and get a guaranteed discount off a last-minute funeral flight. That option ended in March 2014.
United does have a “Compassionate Policy” for existing bookings. If you already purchased a ticket and can no longer travel due to the death of an immediate family member, United may waive change fees or offer a refund to your original payment method — subject to review.
This reflects the broader industry shift. Most major U.S. carriers now focus on flexible ticketing options rather than dedicated emergency discounts.
Note: United’s compassionate policy covers existing bookings only — it does not apply to new tickets you purchase after the death occurs.
How to Request a Compassionate Refund from United
If you need to cancel or change a flight you’ve already booked due to a death in the family, follow these steps to request a refund under United’s “Unplanned Event” guidelines.
1. Cancel Your Flight
Cancel your booking via the United app or website before the flight departs. Don’t no-show — this can forfeit the full value of your ticket.
2. Gather Documentation
United requires proof of the event to process a compassionate refund. Acceptable documents typically include:
- A copy of the death certificate
- A funeral program naming the deceased
- For illness: a letter from a physician on hospital letterhead
3. Submit a Request Online
Visit the United Airlines Refunds page. Select “Request a refund,” enter your ticket details, and choose “Unplanned Event” or “Death in Family” as the reason. You’ll get a prompt to upload your documentation.
Eligibility note: This policy generally covers immediate family members: spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents. United’s Guest Relations team approves each request at their discretion, so outcomes can vary.
Pro tip: Submit all documentation in your first request — refund decisions typically come faster when you provide everything upfront.
How to Find Affordable Last-Minute Fares on United
Since United doesn’t offer a dedicated bereavement fare, finding an affordable last-minute ticket means using standard booking tools well. These strategies can help.
| Strategy | Why it Helps |
|---|---|
| Check Flexible Dates | Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) often costs significantly less than weekend travel, even on short notice. |
| Use MileagePlus Miles | Award pricing is dynamic but can offer better value than high cash fares for next-day travel. |
| Search Alternate Airports | Major cities often have secondary airports (Newark vs. JFK, for example) with lower fares and less demand. |
| Consider Basic Economy | Basic Economy is the lowest price point — but weigh the flexibility risk carefully before you book. |
Warning: Basic Economy tickets on United are non-changeable and non-refundable — avoid them for bereavement travel unless your dates are completely certain.
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Does Travel Insurance Cover Emergency Flights?
Travel insurance can cover emergency trip interruptions, including last-minute flights home due to a death in the family. Most “trip interruption” policies reimburse non-refundable costs if you must cut a trip short or fly home due to a covered family emergency.
Coverage varies by policy. Many plans cover the death of an immediate family member but exclude distant relatives. Read your policy’s family definitions carefully before assuming you qualify. If you don’t yet have travel insurance, some credit cards include trip interruption coverage as a built-in benefit — check your card’s guide to benefits before purchasing a separate policy.
Airlines That Still Offer Bereavement Fares
If United’s fares are too high, check these carriers, which still maintain formal bereavement policies as of 2026. You must call each airline to book — these rates are not available online.
- Delta Air Lines: Offers bereavement fares for domestic and international travel. Delta waives service fees on one or both legs of the trip for eligible SkyMiles members (free to join). Book by messaging Delta through their Help Center or by calling 1-800-221-1212.
- Alaska Airlines: Offers a 10% discount off the lowest available fare for immediate family bereavement, with travel required within 7 days. Mileage Plan membership required (free to join). Call 1-800-252-7522 to book.
- Air Canada: Offers bereavement fares on Economy Standard, Flex, Comfort, and Latitude fares for flights beginning within 10 days of booking. Call 1-888-247-2262 to book.
- Southwest Airlines: Does not offer a formal bereavement discount, but all Southwest tickets are changeable with no cancellation fees — a practical option when your travel dates may shift.
Always compare these rates against standard fares online. A regular budget carrier flight often costs less than a legacy carrier’s bereavement rate.
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Tips for Traveling During Difficult Times
Traveling for a funeral adds stress to an already hard time. A few small steps can make the process more manageable.
- Sign up for text alerts so you get immediate notifications about gate changes or delays.
- Pack light: if you’re on a Basic Economy ticket, carry-on space may be limited or restricted at the gate.
- Keep essentials in your personal item — charger, medication, and important documents — in case your bag gets checked at the gate. For product recommendations, see our guide on the best power bank for international travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does United Airlines offer bereavement fares?
No. United stopped offering bereavement discounts in March 2014. You’ll need to book a standard fare or use miles. United won’t match or beat bereavement rates from other carriers.
Can I get a refund if a family member dies before my trip?
Yes, possibly. Under United’s “Unplanned Event” policy, you may qualify for a refund or travel credit with valid documentation such as a death certificate. Approval is case-by-case and not guaranteed.
Which airlines still offer bereavement fares?
Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada are among the few North American carriers that still offer formal bereavement discounts or flexible policies. Hawaiian Airlines offers emergency fares, but only for inter-island flights within Hawaii.
How do I contact United for a compassionate refund?
Submit a refund request through the “Refunds” page on United.com and select “Unplanned Event” as the reason. For phone assistance, call United Reservations at 1-800-864-8331 (1-800-UNITED-1).
Are bereavement fares worth it compared to regular fares?
Not always. Bereavement fares from Alaska or Delta offer flexibility, but budget carriers or award tickets often cost less overall. Always check standard online fares before assuming the bereavement rate is the better deal.
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or legal advice. Airline policies change. Always confirm current policies directly with the carrier before booking.
United won’t offer you a special price when you’re facing a loss — but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Use miles if you have them, compare Delta and Alaska’s bereavement programs against standard fares, and remember that United may refund an existing booking if you document the death. Acting quickly and having paperwork ready makes the process faster and less stressful.
References
- Bereavement Fares — Alaska Airlines official policy page
- Bereavement Flights: Discounts, Policies and How to Book — Caily, 2026
- Bereavement Fares: Airlines That Still Offer Discounts — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- Does United Airlines Offer Bereavement Fares? — Ever Loved, 2025