Bereavement Discounts in Travel and Hospitality: A Comprehensive Guide

May 26

Introduction

The sudden loss of a loved one often necessitates immediate travel arrangements, adding financial strain to an already emotionally difficult time. Many hospitality providers recognize this hardship and offer compassionate bereavement rates to help ease the burden. This comprehensive guide explores available discounts across airlines, hotels, and other travel services, including both published policies and strategies for accessing unpublished options.

What is a Bereavement Discount?

Bereavement discounts in the hospitality industry are reduced rates offered to individuals traveling due to a family member's death or serious illness. These compassionate fares and accommodations are designed to make necessary travel more accessible during periods of mourning.

"If there is anything that can make the flying experience less pleasant, it is having to pay $900 for a same-day, one-way ticket from Philadelphia to Des Moines, with a connection through Dallas." - Barry

Airlines with Published Bereavement Policies

Major U.S. and International Carriers

Delta Airlines
- Offers special bereavement fares on both domestic and international flights
- Available to SkyMiles members (free to join)
- Must be booked directly with Delta Reservations (1-800-221-1212)
- Requires documentation including the deceased's name and your relationship
- Also waives certain change fees related to bereavement travel
Air Canada
- Provides discounted Bereavement Fares for immediate family members
- Travel must begin within 10 days of booking but can extend up to 60 days
- Must call Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262)
- Requires documentation including the name of the deceased and contact information for the funeral home or hospital
Lufthansa
- Offers bereavement fares for international travel
- Must call their reservations center
- Requires proof such as a death certificate or doctor's note
Alaska Airlines
- Offers approximately 10% discount on the lowest available fare
- Must be a Mileage Plan member (free to join)
- Travel must occur within 7 days
- Book through their reservation line (1-800-252-7522)
WestJet
- Provides compassionate fares for immediate family (including same-sex and common-law partners)
- Travel must be completed within 14 days of booking
- Call their reservations (1-888-937-8538)
- Change fees are waived, and they may offer post-travel refunds in certain situations
Hawaiian Airlines
- Offers Neighbor Island Emergency Travel fares for inter-island travel
- Available for immediate family and traveling companions (if booked together)
- For travel outside Hawaii, they waive phone reservation fees for urgent bookings

Important Notes About Airline Bereavement Fares

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines no longer offer official bereavement fares
Always compare bereavement rates with publicly available fares, as regular discount fares or miles redemptions might sometimes offer better value
Bereavement fares typically cannot be booked online and require calling the airline directly
Documentation requirements vary but often include:
- Name and relationship to the deceased
- Name and phone number of the funeral home, hospital, or hospice
- Name of the doctor, if applicable

Hotels with Bereavement Accommodations

While hotel bereavement policies are often less publicized than airline policies, many major chains and individual properties do offer compassionate rates.

"Apparently almost all hotel bereavement discounts are undocumented." - Jason

Major Hotel Chains

Marriott Hotels

Offers bereavement/compassion rates at many properties
Must call the hotel directly or Marriott Reservations (1-888-236-2427)
Rates and availability vary by location
May require proof of funeral attendance or relationship

Hilton Hotels

No corporate-wide policy, but many individual properties offer discounts
Call the specific hotel and ask to speak with the manager or director of sales
Some locations offer 5-15% off standard rates for bereavement

IHG Hotels (Holiday Inn, InterContinental, etc.)

Bereavement rates available at select properties
Contact the hotel directly rather than central reservations
Ask specifically for the "bereavement rate" or "funeral rate"

Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, etc.)

Many properties offer reduced rates for funeral attendees
Often requires direct contact with the hotel
Some locations will offer group rates for multiple rooms

Best Western

Individual hotels may offer discounted rates
Call the specific property and explain your situation
Often requires verification of funeral attendance

Wyndham Hotels

Select properties offer compassionate rates
Contact the hotel directly and speak with management
Policies and discounts vary by location

Independent and Boutique Hotels

Local, independent hotels often have more flexibility in offering bereavement rates than chain properties. When contacting them:

Speak directly with the general manager rather than front desk staff
Explain your circumstances clearly and politely
Ask if they have any special consideration for those attending funerals
Mention if multiple rooms will be needed for family members

Other Travel Services with Bereavement Considerations

Rental Cars

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- No official bereavement policy, but local branches may offer flexibility
- Contact the branch manager directly
- May waive certain fees or offer upgrades
Hertz
- No published bereavement rates, but sometimes offers discounts through funeral homes
- Ask the funeral director if they have partnerships with local rental agencies

10 Essential Tips for Getting Bereavement Discounts

Direct Inquiry: Always ask explicitly about bereavement or compassionate rates, even if not advertised.
Timing: Request bereavement rates at the time of booking; last-minute accommodations are more difficult to secure.
Documentation Preparation: Have ready access to documentation such as:
- Death certificate (if already issued)
- Funeral home contact information
- Obituary notice or link
- Your relationship to the deceased
Call Customer Service Directly: Speak with a person rather than booking online; explain your situation clearly.
Speak with Management: If initial staff can't help, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or manager who may have more authority.
Be Honest and Specific: Clearly explain your relationship to the deceased and the reason for travel.
Check with Funeral Homes: Many funeral directors have relationships with local hotels and can arrange special rates.
Consider Flexibility: If discounts aren't available, ask for other accommodations like:
- Late checkout
- Fee waivers
- Room upgrades
- Complimentary services
Use Membership Programs: Leverage existing memberships (AAA, AARP, military) which may provide additional discounts.
Be Persistent but Patient: You may need to speak with multiple representatives; remain courteous but firm in your request.

Alternative Cost-Saving Strategies

When bereavement discounts aren't available or don't offer significant savings:

Use Travel Aggregators: Sites like Expedia, Kayak, or Hotwire may offer better last-minute deals than bereavement rates.
Consider Alternative Accommodations: Vacation rentals through Airbnb or VRBO might offer better value for families traveling together.
Loyalty Points and Miles: Emergency situations are ideal times to use accumulated travel points.
Credit Card Travel Benefits: Many premium credit cards offer emergency travel assistance or concierge services.
Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check if it covers bereavement-related trip changes.

Conclusion

While navigating the practicalities of travel during bereavement is challenging, understanding available discount options can provide some financial relief during a difficult time. Always remember that policies vary widely and may change, so direct communication with travel providers is essential. By being prepared with the right information and documentation, you can focus more on supporting your family and less on logistical concerns.

When facing the loss of a loved one, every bit of support matters—including these small but meaningful accommodations from the hospitality industry.