Bereavement flights

[womble123]

Hi all,

My business partner's father has just passed away in the UK (he is in Sydney) and he has to make an immediate trip back for the funeral etc.

Flights at present (he's expecting to go economy) seem to be pretty pricey, I remember hearing that some airlines may have special circumstance fares, does anyone know about this? He rang BA and they didn't seem to have any policy in this regard. Any advice really appreciated.

regards,
W.

 

[markis10]

This article is a good start allbeit a little bit old as far as info goes:

Compassionate and bereavement air fares | Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue

 

[oz_mark]

Qantas have a policy for domestic fares, but don't think it appliies to international travel. Maybe give them a call.

 

[womble123]

thank you.

 

[docjames]

Suggest looking quickly online at what the pricing/options are (multiple airlines), then calling QF, they are typically quite accomodating in this sort of situation.

At the end of the day, decide if you want the hassle or to just pay the money - not a time to be overly worrying about cost if you can afford not to.

Would also suggest a relatively flexible ticket as the return date may not be fixed / may need to change (again depending on circumstances). So it may be worth paying for that flexibility.

 

[oz_mark]

Did a quick check of online procedures. Air New Zealand seems the most promising: https://airnzau.custhelp.com/app/an...air-new-zealand-offer-compassionate-airfares?

 

[harvyk]

From my understanding of such things, bereavement fares are more to do with allowing flexible terms on normally non-flexible tickets. Small discounts can also be gotten, but thanks to the current crop of cheap airfares thanks to the LCC's they are often not anywhere near as much as what they used to be.

They are usually only available from TA's or the airline themselves, and often require some degree of proof (eg Dr Cert or Death Cert) before they can be offered.

 

[Pushka]

Qantas were very good with us, but not around pricing, but just getting someone there as quickly as possible on otherwise full or "not available" flights. Really not a time to worry too much whether it is a few hundred dollars cheaper in such circumstances. You just want to get there,

 

[womble123]

thanks all. i'll pass this on to him.

 

[simongr]

I was also able to get QF to release an award flight when my grandmother was run over. Due to all sorts of circumstances we did not have the cash for a flight (and I had limited leave) and QF were able also to hold the award until I transferred points from Amex.

 

[vitagen]

Qf didn't do any international fares, when i tried to call them, only domestic unfortunately.

 

[markis10]

Its school holidays on the east coast so your looking at $3400 or so ex Sydney, a quick look at Skyscanner shows PER-LHR departing tomorrow with Thai back a week later for $2500 ex, of course you need to get to PER! Alternatively VA to Singapore ex SYD $1100, ex SIN to LHR is easy at $1100 SGD and up.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Check royal Brunei for mel-lhr. They often have good prices last minute even in holidays

EDit: delete reference even they are pricey this week