Hi Chris and folks...My mother is probably dying in the next month and I will have to book ticktets on short notice...for the funeral near St . Louis, MO. Is there any recommendations as to avoid a huge cost due to short notice??? any particularr airline better for bereavement reimbursement? thanks much for any help!!!

I don't think any of them do Compassionate or bereavement reimbursements anymore , but having said that if they do,you will need a copy of the death certificate, which usually the funeral home (here in Canada anyways) provides you with. I would check the various airline sites that you may be using to see what there policy/procedure is. When the time comes, contact the airlines directly, explain your circumstances and they will attempt to get you on to a reasonably priced flight. That's what happened with us the last time we had to travel for a funeral - if you are travelling on multiple airlines you would need to contact them each separately - air canada bereavement/compassionate fare were only allowed on certain routes, i.e. not all

I am sorry you are going through this. It truly sucks being so far away. I have had 2 phone calls in the middle of the night in the past decade and have had to get from Helsinki to Vancouver quickly. I used BA and their code share airlines 10 yrs ago and lufthansa and their code share airlines 3 yrs ago. Both offered a 15% discount and extra luggage, if needed. Both were super helpful when I called them and both got me "home" within 36 hrs.

It's been a while but I know west jet used to offer bereavement fairs. Family used it when their nephew passed away and it was a good discount and they were very easy to deal with.

I used air canada after "the call" (got me a flight within 48 hours, but cost me full price...) in 1997 from Vancouver to the UK. Flew with klm two years ago, again no discount but was so looked after when air canada let me down with connections, they didn't care at all, just told me to collect my baggage and go and book another flight, no help. I walked over to the klm desk and their compassion and help was unbelievable. They booked me into the Fairmont in Van right in the airport for the next available flight the next day. This was so what I needed during that time. I would contact westjet, they seem to be very generous (during the Fort McMurray fire they helped fly people and animals at cut rate even though air canada didn't). Hope this helps... I know what you are going through, take care.

how kind of you, Carole...thanks so much!!

Check out the skip lagged app. It might be helpful as long as you only have carry on. You can get some really cheap flights on it

Because airlines no longer have the book sooner save money flights, most don't give bereavement fares anymore. But it never hurts to ask.

I believe that if you are going into the States via a U.S. Airline for bereavement that they will discount you. As well, they will quickly accommodate you as best they can. Good luck and I am sorry about your Mom.

Sorry to hear! Tell them it is a "Bereavement" flight when you are booking. west jet flew our whole family in for funeral at reduced rates!! They even gave me a "pre-bereavement" flight to be there for my mom's impending death!
They may ask for funeral home name and some of deceased info, as confirmation that it is a bereavement!