Losing loved one is one of life challenging experiences. In midst of grief, last thing anyone wants to worry about is logistics of travel or costs of last minute flights. If you are facing same situation, suddenly due to a loss, you might be wondering: “Does Alaska offer bereavement discount?” How much can I save? And what documents do I need? If so, don’t worry! In this guide, we will discuss everything about Alaska Airlines Bereavement Fares in 2026. From eligibility requirements to booking process.
Additionally, we will cover important tips to help passengers find affordable last minute options and explain ways to save if fares are limited. So, let’s get into details.
What is an Alaska Airlines Bereavement Fare?
A bereavement fare is a discounted flight ticket offered to passengers who travel on very short notice due to death of an immediate family member. While major airlines have removed these programs with “low-fare” structures. But Alaska Airlines still offers a discount to support grieving families. The current policy provides a 10% discount off lowest available fare at time of booking. However,discounts can be more when booking flights just 24 to 48 hours before departure.
Eligibility: Who Can Claim the Discount?
Alaska Airlines has a definition of “immediate family.” To qualify for bereavement discount, person should be one of following relatives:
- Spouse: Including same sex partners
- Parents: Mother or father, and stepsparents.
- Children: Sons, daughters, stepchildren, or sons/daughters in law.
- Siblings: Brothers, sisters, or half siblings.
- Grandparents & Grandchildren: Including “step” and “great” variations.
- Extended Family: Aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Requirements for Discount on Alaska Airlines Bereavement Fares:
To get a smooth booking process for bereavement flights with Alaska Airlines, travelers should check eligibility conditions. Have documents and follow airline rules helps to skip delays or issues during booking and departure.
- Mileage Plan Membership: All travelers over 18 should be members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. If, sign up for free on website or during a phone call before discount is apply.
- Timing: Fight should be booked within 7 days of family member passing.
- Flight Type: Discount applies to flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, or SkyWe. It does not apply to codeshare flights operated by partners.
- New Booking: You cannot apply discount to a ticket you have already purchased. It should be a fresh reservation.
How to Book an Alaska Airlines Bereavement Fares?
Passengers cannot get a bereavement fare online through website or app. Because process requires manual verification. However travelers should speak with a representative before booking a flight. The steps are as follows:
- Have necessary documentation, including deceased person name. Relationship, and name and phone number of funeral home.
- Contact Alaska Airlines reservations department by calling 1-800-252-7522.
- Inform representative that inquires about a bereavement fare.
- Provide agent with travel dates and destinations to check for flight availability.
- Submit required documentation or contact information for funeral home or attending physician as requested by agent for verification.
- Confirm fare details, as these discounts apply to lowest available price at time of request and will have specific refunds or change rules.
- Complete booking over phone using a credit or debit card once representative has verified your information
Request a copy of itinerary and confirmation number via email to ensure all details are correct before ending the call.
Do Bereavement Fares are the Cheapest Option?
No, bereavement fares are not cheapest option available. While Alaska Airlines offers a 10% discount for these situations, that is applied to “lowest available” standard fare at time you call. Because these are last minute bookings, so base price is already high. Passengers can find lower prices by booking a Saver fare or a standard Economy ticket on a website, or by using travel search engines to find budget friendly alternatives. The real benefit of a bereavement fare is last minute changes than actual price tag.
Can Travel Companion Get a 10% Discount too on Alaska Airlines Bereavement Fares?
No, a travel companion cannot get 10% bereavement discount unless they are also an “immediate family member” of deceased person as defined by Alaska Airlines. The discount is specific to individual relationship with person who passed away.
However, if travel companion is a relative who fits into one of covered categories (like a sibling, child, or in-law), can get discount by providing own Mileage Plan number. If they are just a friend or a partner who is not a legal “immediate family” member, they will have to pay standard fare.
Tips to Get More Discounts on Alaska Bereavement Fares:
While bereavement fare is a helpful safety net, it is not absolute cheapest way to fly. By being strategic with how to book and which flight types you choose, you can get lower costs even further.
- Compare with “Saver” Fares: Before calling, check the price of a “Saver” fare on the website. While these don’t get the 10% bereavement discount and are less flexible, the base price is sometimes so much lower that it beats the discounted “Main Cabin” price.
- Book Red-Eyes or Early Mornings: The 10% discount is applied to the lowest available fare at the time you call. Since flights at “off-peak” times (like 5:00 AM or overnight) are generally cheaper, the final price after the discount will be significantly lower.
- Ask for a Fee Waiver: When booking over the phone, politely remind the agent that you are traveling for a bereavement. While not guaranteed, agents occasionally have the discretion to waive the standard $15–$25 phone booking fee as a gesture of support.
- Check Senior Discounts (65+): If the traveler is 65 or older, ask the agent to compare the bereavement discount with the senior citizen discount. In 2026, some routes offer senior savings that may be higher than the standard 10% bereavement reduction
- Use Points for One-Way: If the round-trip cash price is too high, see if you can book one leg of the trip using Mileage Plan miles and use the bereavement discount for the other. This helps reduce your immediate out-of-pocket costs.
Conclusion
In short, dealing with loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult. While Alaska Airlines bereavement fare not be cheapest option compared to a budget “Saver” fare, but 10% discount and flexibility provides some relief during a high stress, last minute situation.
Remember to have Mileage Plan number and funeral home or medical information ready before you call. By following steps in this guide, you can be with your family when it matters most without spending too much on last minute travel.
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