What do Canadian airlines offer in terms of bereavement fares?

People carry luggage at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on December 20, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Mark Blinch)

When a loved one suddenly dies, bereaved people often have to rush to make travel arrangements to attend the funeral. To accommodate their grieving passengers, some airlines offer reduced tickets that can be booked when a friend or close relative dies, known as bereavement fares. Here’s a look at what Canadian airlines offer their customers.

Air Canada

According to Air Canada’s policies, bereavement fares are available, in the event of the death of an immediate family member, on select itineraries on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express.

The fares apply to round-trip and select one-way bookings for international travel, and one-way bookings for travel within North America. They do not apply to International Business Class travel, international flights in Premium Economy Class, and flights operated by another airline or Air Canada’s codeshare partners. Passengers are encouraged to contact Air Canada for more details.

In order to book a bereavement fare, your travel must start within seven days of booking for international travel, and within 10 days of booking if you’re travelling within North America. Your maximum stay must not exceed 30 days in the case of international travel.

The bereavement fare offers a fixed discount on specific, unrestricted, full fares, and no other discounts may be applied.

Air Canada notes that, in many cases, a lower-priced fare can be found online.

“Bereavement fares are intended to provide maximum flexibility for passengers who must travel during a time of family emergency but are not necessarily the lowest fares available,” the policy says.

Air Canada requires certain documentation in order to book a bereavement fare, including the name of the family member who died, the phone number and address of the hospital and attending physician or the phone number and address of the funeral home and the date of the funeral.

If you’re booking a bereavement ticket at the airport counter, you’ll need to present a copy of the death certificate or a letter from the attending physician or hospital “clearly defining the imminent death of the family member.”

Air Canada also offers after-travel refunds for international flights. Passengers may apply for a refund by calling Air Canada for more information, and all refund applications must be made within 90 days of the death.

When asked for an interview, a company spokesperson directed CTVNews.ca to the company website.

WestJet

WestJet offers bereavement fares in the event of the death of an immediate family member, as well as for people travelling to funerals for firefighters, police officers, military personnel and emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty.

Bereavement fares can only be booked by calling 1-888-937-8538.

WestJet spokesperson Robert Palmer told CTVNews.ca in an email that, “As each situation is different (destination, dates, flexibility, length of time they expect to be away, etc.), we will work with each guest individual to find them the lowest fare possible.

“We appreciate that this is a very difficult time for our guests and we encourage them to contact us.”

The company also says its bereavement fares offer maximum flexibility. It encourages travellers to look for a lower price online before booking a bereavement fare.

Porter

According to its website, Porter Airlines does not offer bereavement fares.