Leaving to go on an unexpected last-minute flight is not an ideal experience but something most of us have gone through following the loss of someone we love. This can cause last-minute flight charges to be very high, making the same unaffordable to many. This article discusses the Southwest Airlines bereavement flights and provides you with an idea of how you could avail cheaper deals with Southwest Airlines.
What are bereavement fares?
Bereavement fares, also known as bereavement flights, are discounted air flight fares offered at discounted rates to people who have to travel because of the death or imminent death of a family member. These prices are designed to alleviate the financial strain at a difficult period, so that travelers will be able to make last minute plans without the usual high price of last minute travel.
Airlines providing bereavement fares tend to impose certain eligibility criteria including presenting some forms of documentation such as death certificate or a letter issued by a hospital or funeral home. Bereavement fares differ depending on the airline- some offer significant discounts regarding the price of a ticket, whilst others might have smaller discounts or allowable flexibility. Not every airline offers bereavement fares, but the ones that do aim at helping passengers by making the urgent travel more affordable and less stressful.
Does Southwest Airlines provide Bereavement flights or fares?
Unfortunately, bereavement fares are not provided by Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines has not offered specific bereavement discounts as opposed to other airlines which offer discounted fares to passengers travelling because of a family death. Southwest Airlines bereavement fares concentrate on providing relatively cheap fares and relaxed ticket policies, such as no-change fees, which will allow the passengers deal with unforeseen travel requirements, such as the ones caused by a bereavement case.
Although Southwest Airlines does not provide bereavement rates, they provide relatively cheaper prices than other airlines and could be among the cheaper options when it comes to emergency travel.
What do I need to qualify for a bereavement airline ticket in Southwest Airlines?
Southwest does not offer SW Airlines bereavement fares. As they do not provide bereavement rates, you would simply be buying a regular ticket via their portal. It is possible to make a call to customer support and clarify yourself with the customer support team because they have recommendations, alternative options, or one-time discounts they can provide to you. With that said, in case of making a bereavement travel, Southwest Airlines cannot be the airline that you will count on to receive a guaranteed discount on an emergency flight.
What are the alternatives to bereavement air travel tickets through Southwest Airlines?
Bereavement travel is normally sudden, unplanned and unforeseen. The combination of these factors can make traveling due to bereavement reasons very costly, particularly when one has to travel long distances. The following are the options for using Southwest Airlines bereavement flight discounted tickets as the method of accessing your destination:
In the case that Southwest Airlines fails to provide bereavement fares, the travelers can use a number of options to cover the last-minute travel to cater to the emergencies involving the family:
Flexible fares: Southwest Airlines provides various fare arrangements and types of tickets which will be offered according to your needs and preferences at the given moment.
Companion Pass: With a Companion Pass, one is able to allow a given person to fly with the pass holder at no extra fee, except taxation and fees that may be applied in the process, which can contribute to saving on travelling.
Rapid Rewards points: Southwest Rapid Rewards can be used to make last-minute travel bookings which can save a lot of money through the use of points. The booking through points is more flexible and may be canceled or modified with no charges.
Travel benefits of credit cards: Travel benefits come with some credit cards e.g., travel insurance or emergency travel assistance, which will come in handy to meet the costs or provide relief during emergency travel conditions.
Bereavement fares of other airlines: Southwest has failed to fulfill your needs, and it is time to take a look at other airlines that also provide bereavement fares.
Travel insurance: In case you have a travel insurance, discuss with your agent. Cover of family emergencies in some policies can assist in covering the unexpected expenses and some financial relief in the case of urgent travel.
Direct negotiation with the airline: Approach the customer support at Southwest and tell them your case. Although they do not have a formal bereavement fare, they may offer some guidance or help on how to find the best fare for a particular situation.
Conclusion
In case of emergency, finances are required to meet unexpected costs that arise because of loss of a loved one, then you may consider Southwest Airlines bereavement flight. It’s not a bad idea to inform the airline on how they can contribute to you during this tough period.