Losing a close family member is something that few peopleever want to have to think about, yet it is something that is certainly aninevitability in life. In truth, thereis no real way to avoid it, provided you live a long and healthy life. Losing a loved one is one of the hardestthings that we will ever have to endure, and knowing that there are peoplewilling to offer comfort and assistance during such times can be a greatasset. With this said, it oftensurprises me to realize how few people know about the existence of bereavementfares in such times.
For those who have recently lost a close loved one, there isoften a sense of panic accompanying the grief that occurs at such a time. When the loved one lived out of town or outof state, driving home is not always an option. Because death is one thing that we are rarely given advance notice of ortime to prepare for, many people also find themselves in a bit of a financialcrisis when trying to gather the money required to take an emergency flighthome for a funeral and to be with loved ones.
This sense of panic and the threat of being unable to gohome for the loss of a loved one is what led to the creation of bereavementfares. Years ago, in an attempt to showcustomers that they are indeed compassionate when it comes to such things,airlines developed the bereavement fare. Essentially, this is a low cost ticket purchase option available only toindividuals and families who have recently lost a loved one. There is certainly some paperwork andinformation that you will be required to provide, but nothing too difficult tomake it worthwhile.
Bereavement fares used to be common knowledge, but in aworld filled with discount travel services, they have been pushed to the backburner. This doesn’t mean that they nolonger exist, however. In fact, many oftoday’s leading airlines offer discounts ranging from five to twenty percentoff of your ticket in such circumstances, depending on your destination. Bereavement fares can be within the countryor international, and you will find that you have to call the airline directlyto get more information and to find out how to secure a ticket that offers thediscount. It may seem like anoverwhelming task at such a time, but for many it can mean the differencebetween being able to go home and not being able to do so.
It is important to note that discount airlines do not offerthese tickets, as they already offer low cost flights. With that said, however, many large airlinescan offer rates for bereaved family members that rival discount flightprices. When an airline offers theflight you need as well as the arrival timeframe that you are looking for, takethe time to call and ask about bereavement rates. You just might find that it is the best wayfor you to get home to your loved ones without going broke to do so.
