Travelling when a loved one has died can be very distressing. To make this process simpler, we’ve put together a guide for what you need to know about booking urgent flights, changing your plans, and asking an airline for support.
What is a bereavement fare?
A bereavement fare is a special rate for someone travelling because a close relative has died or is approaching the end of their life. Although some airlines offer help with existing bookings, traditional bereavement fares are uncommon in the UK.
In the UK, airlines generally don’t advertise dedicated discounts for new flights booked following a bereavement, but some carriers offer flexibility if a bereavement affects a journey you have already booked. Depending on the airline and circumstances, this might mean:
Bereavement/compassionate fare or flexibility on a new ticket purchase
Changing your travel dates without the usual fee
Receiving flight credit or a voucher
Cancelling and receiving a full or partial refund
Recovering the unused portion of a deceased passenger’s ticket
Please note that assistance isn’t automatic. Airlines set their own eligibility rules and might ask for supporting documents such as a death certificate.
When a bereavement fare is offered, it’s still helpful to check the fare against market prices as they are not guaranteed to offer the best deal.
Which airlines offer bereavement support?
Because bereavement fares are uncommon in the UK, the following policies mostly apply to existing bookings rather than discounted last-minute flights. Notably, however, Loganair offers a dedicated compassionate fare for eligible new bookings. Terms can change, so always contact the airline before cancelling or making any changes yourself.
Airline | Bereavement policy | What you might receive |
|---|---|---|
Loganair | Loganair offers Compassionate Fares and Flexibility for urgent travel following the death of an immediate family member, a critical medical situation, or a need for inpatient hospital treatment. | A discount on Loganair’s most flexible fare for a new booking, plus flexibility when changing an existing booking. |
British Airways | BA asks passengers affected by the death of someone in their travelling party or an immediate family member to contact the airline. | Help is offered individually and might include changing or cancelling a booking. |
easyJet | Passengers prevented from travelling by a bereavement can apply for help through easyJet’s contact form. | A flight voucher covering affected passengers. A full or partial refund if the booker or a passenger on the booking has died. |
Ryanair | If a passenger on the booking or an immediate family member dies within 10 days before departure, an application can be made before the flight leaves. | Travel credit is available and must be used within 12 months of the issue date. |
Virgin Atlantic | Virgin Atlantic’s policy covers passengers unable to travel because an immediate family member or travelling companion has died. | A full refund can be processed for any unused flights, including the unused portion of a ticket when the passenger has died during their trip. |
Aer Lingus | The flight must be cancelled before departure. Passengers can then submit Aer Lingus’s bereavement form. | A cash refund to the original payment method or, in some circumstances, a voucher. |
Jet2 | Jet2 states that its scheduled flights are normally non-refundable and doesn’t publish a specific bereavement exception on its general cancellation page. | Contact Jet2 to ask whether assistance is available. |
TUI | TUI’s standard cancellation charges normally apply, and it doesn’t publicly advertise a dedicated bereavement fare. | Contact TUI or the travel agent that made the booking to ask what assistance is available. |
Find more information: Loganair, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, Jet2.com and TUI.
How to request bereavement assistance
It is important to contact the airline as soon as possible, ideally before your scheduled departure. While some airlines may not advertise a bereavement policy or only offer help in specific circumstances it’s always best to inquire about what help might be available.
Have the following information ready:
Your booking reference and flight details
The names of the affected passengers
Your relationship to the person who died
A death certificate, death notice or other official evidence
Funeral-director or hospital details, if requested
The dates on which you now need to travel
If you have booked your flights through a travel agent or third-party site, you might be required to deal with that company directly instead of the airline.
If you are offered a voucher, be sure to check details such as the expiry date, any destination restrictions, and whether it can be transferred to a different passenger.
If the airline offers a refund, confirm whether it covers the whole booking, including fellow members of your travelling party.
What if you need to book an urgent flight?
If the airline you’ve booked with doesn’t offer a bereavement policy, be sure to research ordinary fares before calling to change your flight. Sometimes a last-minute flight can cost less than the price of changing a booking.
For travel within the UK, compare flying with rail or coach services. An open or flexible rail ticket might make it easier to return at an uncertain time.
Can travel insurance cover bereavement?
Many travel-insurance policies include different forms of cover following the death or serious illness of a close relative, but remember the definition of a “close relative” can vary depending on providers. Some providers also have exclusions if the person had a pre-existing medical condition when the policy was purchased.
Be sure to contact your travel insurer before accepting a voucher or cancelling your booking. You may have to provide confirmation that the airline has refused a refund, including proof in receipts, booking records, medical documentation, or a death certificate.
Tips for travelling following a bereavement
Keep essential information together in one folder or email it to yourself. In emotional situations it is often helpful to ask a friend or relative to help with administrative affairs like comparing flights, contacting the airline, or gathering documents.
Remember, airline employees are often very sensitive to these situations, so if you’re feeling distressed or require any assistance be sure to talk to airport or cabin staff. They might not be able to change standard flight procedures, but they can help to accommodate some needs.
Most importantly, don’t assume that a non-refundable ticket means the airline cannot help you. Contact the airline, explain the circumstances, and ask exactly what support is available before making any changes yourself.
FAQs about bereavement fares in the UK
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