Delta Airlines Bereavement Fares
Delta Airlines is one of the few airlines that still has an official bereavement flight policy. Through a program called Delta Cares, they also can help to transport the remains of your loved one with sensitivity. They have a page devoted to bereavement fares, excerpted here:
In the event of a death or imminent death (for international travel) in your immediate family, we understand that you may have to travel with short notice. We offer a bereavement policy which offers additional flexibility on the best published fare for your itinerary when unexpected travelis required.
Bereavement Fare Policy
While fares offered under the bereavement policy vary in price, the additional flexibility may be beneficial to accommodate unexpected changes in your travel plans. To apply the bereavement policy, please request a representative through the “Message Us” button on our Help Center page.
You cannot purchase bereavement fares on delta.com, and Delta bereavement fares are subject to the following restrictions:
- Tickets under the Bereavement policy are subject to availability and may not be available at time of booking
- Delta’s Bereavement policy provides flexibility to the outbound and/or return portion of your trip by waiving service fees; however, fare differences may still apply
- Lower promotional fares may be available on delta.com or through Delta Reservations and may serve as a better option in some markets
- Additional guidelines and restrictions apply
Visit Delta Cares™ for more information on professional services that might assist you in transporting the remains of your loved one in a time of need.
Definition of Immediate Family
Under the provisions of the Medical Fare guidelines, “Immediate Family” includes:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner
- Child
- Parent
- Sister
- Brother
- Stepparent
- Stepchild
- Grandparent
- Grandchild
- Aunt
- Uncle
- Niece
- Nephew
- Stepbrother
- Stepsister
- Mother-in-law
- Father-in-law
- Son-in-law
- Daughter-in-law
- Brother-in-law
- Sister-in-law
All spouse related relationships apply to domestic partner.
Eligibility
This program is valid for SkyMiles Members needing to travel due to death or imminent death of an immediate family member. If you are not currently a SkyMiles Member you may enroll immediately to qualify.
Required Documentation
The following information is required so that you can purchase a ticket under the Bereavement Policy:
- Deceased person’s name
- Customer’s relationship to the deceased
- Name and phone number of funeral home, hospital, or hospice
- Name of doctor (if applicable)
Children and Infants
Children will be ticketed at the same fare as an adult under the Bereavement policy or applicable child’s fare, whichever is lower. The first infant without a seat under the age of 2 is at no charge, the second infant must purchase a seat. There is a 2-infant maximum per ticketed adult. The infant must be accompanied on all flights in the same compartment by an adult.
Reservations must be ticketed immediately. Tickets must be purchased with travel commencing within seven days of the death or imminent death of the immediate family member. Required documentation is subject to verification.
- Ticketing penalties are waived, however, fare differences may still apply
- International tickets are subject to additional restrictions
- Refunds are permitted only on unrestricted bereavement tickets
Domestic tickets must be purchased — and travel must start — within seven days of the death or imminent death of the immediate family member. Required documentation is subject to verification.
Upgrades
Medallion Complimentary Upgrades and Complimentary Companion Upgrades are permitted on domestic and international bereavement fares and are subject to the applicable terms and conditions of Complimentary Upgrades. Mileage Upgrade Awards and Upgrade Certificates may only be used to upgrade on domestic bereavement fares. Contact Delta Reservations for more details.
Availability and Restrictions
Note that tickets sold under Delta’s Bereavement policy are only available on Delta marketed/Delta operated and Delta Connection® flights. Other lower, more restrictive fares may be available here on delta.com. Additional restrictions may apply.
Baggage Fees
Standard baggage fees apply and are the responsibility of the passenger.