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What is the airline policy for death in the family?

Many airlines offer “bereavement fares” to immediate family members escorting a body on a plane and immediate family members attending a funeral with little advance notice. Generally, bereavement fares are a percentage off the normal ticket price, with discounts ranging from 5% to 25%, depending on the airline.



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To request a free change or refund with the airline, you must provide official documentation. For death in the family: Airlines will accept an official death certificate for immediate family members. If the deceased relative does not share the same last name, proof of relationship will also be required.

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Many airlines offer “bereavement fares” to immediate family members escorting a body on a plane and immediate family members attending a funeral with little advance notice. Generally, bereavement fares are a percentage off the normal ticket price, with discounts ranging from 5% to 25%, depending on the airline.

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Not all airlines offer bereavement fares. Even a discounted bereavement fare may not be the cheapest option. Most fares of this nature need to be made via phone, so be prepared to talk to the airline.

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In most cases, the airline will be able to refund your loved one's account for the unused ticket since it's the result of a death.

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The airline can be sued for the wrongful death of the passenger. In general, the family can recover financial compensation, known as “damages,” for loss of support, and children can recover for loss of a parent's nurture, care and guidance.

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How much does an airline pay for death in USA? According to Article 21 of the Montreal Convention, in case of death of passengers, the airline is liable to pay up to 1,13,100 Special Drawing Rights for each passenger. This works out to approximately $1,74,000 at current rates.

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Some parents assume they will automatically be seated with their kids. Others may end up separated from their families if they are rebooked due to a cancellation. Regardless of the reason, airlines are not legally required to seat families together.

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In wrongful death cases arising from an airplane accident, most states provide that the decedent's spouse and children, if any, are entitled to sue for damages.

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The DOT does not require the airline to offer compensation, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

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There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers. If your flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

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To receive compensation, you must file a claim with the airline for the delay, and the delay must have been caused by a factor within the airline's control (so a weather delay wouldn't count).

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Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

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