Terminal decline for bereavement airline fares
Airline discounts for families travelling to funerals may be becoming a thing of the past.
Only two of the largest airlines in America – Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines – still offer ‘bereavement fares’, according to AP Airlines. Major carriers American Airlines and United Airlines ended them in 2014.
George Hobica, the founder of airfarewatchdog.com, pointed out that even those discounts were now only a small change to an already expensive last-minute ticket.
Brett Snyder, of blog crankyflyer.com, added: “As low-fare carriers came into more markets, those bereavement fares ended up being higher than you could get elsewhere. It just angered people.”
In the UK, families travelling to the islands have posed a unique problem. Last year, Loganair was criticised by the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader Angus Campbell over the cost of fares. Going against the US trend, the airline, which specialises in island flights, promised to add compassionate discounts by extending concessions for hospital visitors to also include funeral trips.
Chief Executive Stewart Adams said: “This should make a real difference to our passengers at times when they need our help and understanding.”
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