When a loved one passes away (or is critically ill), many people suddenly need to travel often at short notice to attend a funeral or be with family. A Delta airlines bereavement fare is a special kind of ticket that airlines sometimes offer to help ease the financial and logistical burden in such difficult times.
Over the years many carriers have eliminated formal bereavement discounts but as of 2025, Delta remains one of the few major airlines still offering this option.
Does Delta Offer Bereavement Flights Yes (With Conditions)
Yes — Delta continues to offer bereavement fares for qualified travelers under certain conditions.
Key eligibility & conditions
The traveler must be going because of the death (or imminent death) of an immediate family member. According to Delta, “Immediate Family” includes spouse or domestic partner; parents or in-laws or stepparents; children (or stepchildren, in-laws); siblings (or stepsiblings/in-laws); grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews.
Booking: Bereavement fares cannot be purchased online, via the website or travel portals. You must contact Delta directly either by phone or via their “Message Us” help center.
Time frame: For a domestic flight, you need to purchase the ticket and begin travel within seven (7) days of the death or the imminent death of your loved one.
Documentation: Delta requires certain documentation for verification. Typically you’ll need to provide: the deceased person’s name; your relationship to them; name and contact (phone number) of the funeral home, hospital, or hospice; and doctor’s name if applicable.
What you get and what you don’t
Flexibility: Delta waives many of the usual service fees (for example, change-fee waivers) under the bereavement policy. That means if circumstances shift, you may have more ability to adjust your travel.
Discounted fare sometimes: The fare is often lower than fully flexible last-minute fares, but it’s not guaranteed to be cheaper than the lowest available fare on Delta’s website or other promotional fares.
Restrictions: Because bereavement tickets are only offered on flights marketed or operated by Delta (or Delta Connection), not all routes may be eligible.
Refunds: Only “unrestricted bereavement tickets” are eligible for refunds. Refundability depends on what kind of ticket you get under bereavement booking.
Why Bereavement Flights Are More Complicated Than They Seem
It’s a common misconception that bereavement fares are automatically much cheaper. In reality, many travelers find that the discount is modest, sometimes only 5–10% — and in some cases, the fare can be comparable or even higher than regular “walk-up” fares or non-refundable last-minute tickets.
Moreover, there are tradeoffs: the fare might come with restrictions on seat selection, class (particularly on international flights for example, no discounted bereavement tickets for premium cabins like Business or Delta One)
Also, because you can’t book online, you don’t get to quickly compare price options. Instead, you rely on an agent’s quotes during phone booking which may or may not reflect the lowest possible fare.
When Bereavement Flights Make Sense and When They Don’t
Given the pros and cons, when does it make sense to use a bereavement fare with Delta?
Good reasons to consider it:
You need to travel within a very short window (within a week of the death), and regular discounted fares are not available.
Flexibility matters: you might have uncertain return dates, or may need to change plans. The waived service fees under bereavement policy give you breathing room.
You qualify (immediate family), have required documentation ready, and are okay booking by phone rather than online.
Reasons to think twice:
If you find that standard last-minute or flexible fares (even refundable ones) are cheaper or similar in price.
If you need international travel, especially in premium cabins since bereavement fares may not apply for comfort-class or business-class seats.
If you require seat selection, specific amenities, or tailored travel schedules because bereavement fare availability may be limited, and options may be fewer.
How to Book a Bereavement Flight with Delta Step by Step
If you decide to go ahead with a bereavement flight, here’s what you should do:
Have the documentation ready: full name of the deceased, your relationship, name and phone number of the funeral home / hospital / hospice / doctor.
Call Delta directly use their official booking phone line (for domestic or international, depending on where you’re traveling). Note: This cannot be done on delta.com.
Explain clearly your situation that you’re requesting a bereavement fare, due to the death or imminent death of an immediate family member.
If you accept, finalize ticketing once ticketed, you often get flexibility (waived service/ change fees), but fare differences and standard baggage/seat-selection policies still apply.
Should you reach an agreement, finalize ticketing; once ticketed, you normally get some flexibility (waived service/change fees), but fare differences and standard baggage/seat-selection policies still apply.
Final Thoughts:
Delta airlines bereavement flight policy remains a meaningful option for people facing unexpected family loss or emergencies. It reflects a recognition that life’s hardest moments sometimes demand immediate travel and that cost and rigid ticket rules can add to an already stressful situation.
