Does Southwest Airlines Offer a Discount on Bereavement Flights?
Taking off on an unexpected flight at the last minute isn’t an ideal situation, but it’s one that many find themselves in after losing a loved one. This can lead to incredibly expensive last-minute flight fares that many can’t easily afford. This article covers the concept of bereavement flights and gives you insight into how to get more affordable options through Southwest Airlines.
What are bereavement fares?
Bereavement fares, sometimes called bereavement flights, are discounted airline tickets available to individuals who need to travel due to the death or imminent death of a family member. These fares aim to ease the financial burden during a challenging time, enabling travelers to make last-minute arrangements without the typically high costs of short-notice travel.
Airlines that offer bereavement fares usually have specific eligibility requirements, such as providing documentation like a death certificate or a letter from a hospital or funeral home. The discounts and availability of bereavement fares vary by airline—some offer substantial reductions on ticket prices, while others may provide more modest discounts or flexible travel options. Though not all airlines provide bereavement fares, those that do strive to support passengers by making urgent travel more affordable and less stressful.
Does Southwest Airlines have or offer bereavement flights or fares? What is Southwest Airlines bereavement fare policy?
Southwest Airlines does not offer bereavement fares, unfortunately. Unlike some other airlines that provide discounted fares for passengers traveling due to a death in the family, Southwest Airlines has opted not to provide specific bereavement discounts. Instead, they focus on offering generally low fares and flexible ticket policies, including no change fees, which can help passengers manage unexpected travel needs, such as those arising from a bereavement situation.
While Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer bereavement rates, they do offer generally lower priced tickets than other airlines and may be one of the more affordable options when it comes to emergency travel.
How can I qualify for bereavement airline tickets with Southwest Airlines?
Bereavement fares are not something that Southwest Airlines offers. Since they don’t offer bereavement rates, you would just be purchasing a standard ticket through their portal. It can help to sometimes give customer support a call and explain your situation to the customer support team as they may have suggestions, other options, or one time discounts they’re able to offer. That being said, if booking bereavement travel, Southwest Airlines is not one of the airlines that you can rely on for a guaranteed discount on an emergency flight.
What are some alternatives to bereavement airline tickets via Southwest Airlines?
Bereavement travel is typically unexpected, unprepared for, and unpredictable. These factors combined can cause traveling for bereavement purposes to become extremely expensive, especially if you need to travel long distances. Here are some alternatives to relying on discounted airline tickets as a means of getting to your destination:
If Southwest Airlines does not offer bereavement fares, there are several alternatives that travelers can consider to manage last-minute travel for family emergencies:
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Flexible fare options: Southwest Airlines offers different fare options and ticket types depending on your needs and preferences at the time.
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Companion Pass: If you or a family member has a Companion Pass, it allows a designated person to fly with the pass holder at no additional cost other than taxes and fees, which can help reduce travel expenses.
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Rapid Rewards points: Using Southwest Rapid Rewards points to book last-minute travel can provide significant savings. Points bookings are often more flexible and can be canceled or changed without fees.
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Credit card travel benefits: Some credit cards offer travel benefits, such as travel insurance or emergency travel assistance, which can help cover costs or provide support during urgent travel situations.
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Other airlines' bereavement fares: If Southwest does not meet your needs, consider checking other airlines that do offer bereavement fares.
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Travel insurance: If you have travel insurance, consider talking to your agent. Some policies include coverage for family emergencies can help cover unexpected costs and provide some financial relief during urgent travel.
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Negotiating directly with the airline: Contact Southwest's customer service directly to explain your situation. While they may not have a formal bereavement fare, customer service agents might be able to offer some assistance or guidance on finding the best possible fare for your situation.
If you need emergency funds to cover unexpected expenses due to the death of a loved one, consider setting up a memorial fundraiser on Ever Loved. Memorial fundraisers are a great way to inform your community about how they can support you during this difficult time. Additionally, they provide a space for an obituary, event details, and a collection of shared memories.
