Bereavement fares from UK to EU?

Poq

Anyone know if any airlines offer bereavement fares for last-minute bookings to the mainland?

agrinnall

I have heard of it with long haul in the past, but I'm not sure about Europe. I doubt if you'll get anywhere with budget airlines, so your best bet will be to ring up the scheduled carriers who fly to your destination and ask them.

Louisdf

If you know anyone who works for BA, you could try getting a standby ticket. Of course, this wouldn't be good advice if you have a specific flight which you need to get on desperately.

alanrowell

Bereavement fares aren't cheap, they are more flexible than normal fares.

It would probably be cheaper to book a one way then when you are ready to return book another

Poq

Louisdf wrote: »

If you know anyone who works for BA, you could try getting a standby ticket. Of course, this wouldn't be good advice if you have a specific flight which you need to get on desperately.

Is that a cheaper ticket?

Might give BA a ring.

alanrowell

Poq wrote: »

Is that a cheaper ticket?

Might give BA a ring.

You need to know someone who WORKS for BA, it's an employee perk not something BA offers to the Great Unwashed.

pogofish

I've had a "compassionate" fare on BA before, when I had to get over to a very ill relative in Holland in a hurry - Didn't know anyone but I explained my situation at the desk, she checked with her supervisor and gave it.

It was approx half the the full-rate walk-up fare, which helped at the time but if there is any flexibility at all in your travel timing, you could probably find a far better price.

Doshwaster

Bereavement fares are more of a American concept, where it is common to have family living all over the States, than an European one. Some airlines have stopped offering them totally due to the amount of abuse the system got.

It can't hurt to ask an airline but I wouldn't expect any "cheap" fares though they may offer a more flexible ticket for the standard price or allow you to use accumulated miles. It can also help if you are have status in their frequent flyer program.

jpsartre

Where are you flying to/from? Are you leaving asap?

Obviously_the_best

To be honest it'd probably still be cheaper to fly easyJet or Ryanair

Louisdf

Doshwaster wrote: »

Bereavement fares are more of a American concept, where it is common to have family living all over the States, than an European one. Some airlines have stopped offering them totally due to the amount of abuse the system got.

It can't hurt to ask an airline but I wouldn't expect any "cheap" fares though they may offer a more flexible ticket for the standard price or allow you to use accumulated miles. It can also help if you are have status in their frequent flyer program.

What if the OP was able to present a notarised death certificate? That should alleviate any suspicion which the staff may have.