We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Bereavement fares from UK to EU?

Anyone know if any airlines offer bereavement fares for last-minute bookings to the mainland?
«1

Comments

  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    Louisdf Posts: 575 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    alanrowell Posts: 5,384 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    Poq Posts: 205 Forumite
    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
    alanrowell Posts: 5,384 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    pogofish Posts: 10,853 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 31 January 2013 at 5:27PM
    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
    Doshwaster Posts: 6,274 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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
    jpsartre Posts: 4,087 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Where are you flying to/from? Are you leaving asap?
  • To be honest it'd probably still be cheaper to fly easyJet or Ryanair
  • Louisdf
    Louisdf Posts: 575 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    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.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 349.1K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 242.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 618.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.1K Life & Family
  • 255K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.