GailT

My daughter is in Germany. We just found out that a family member has a brain tumor and we would like her to come home as soon as possible. What is the best method for getting the united to give her a break on the fare?

Tchiowa

I tried that with UA when my father-in-law died. Turns out the bereavement fare isn't really any lower than a discount fare you can get on line.

emma69

I am sorry to hear your news. I don't believe United offer bereavement / family emergency fares any more, but on the airlines that still do, they rarely represent any cost savings (the benefits of them is that the airline will often waive minimum stay / make them changeable etc.) As you are asking about United specifically, if there is a ticket already booked for a later date, you could call them and ask if they can make an exception to their change fee policy because of the circumstance - I have done with successfully with another airline, even though it was not in policy.

Being FT, some may suggest using airline miles, if you have them, would be a good plan, but I am not overly familiar with that myself so will leave it to others to comment.

Often1

The value of these fares is that they waive minimum purchase and thus do actually represent a significant savings over what is otherwise offered. They can also be more flexible as to the return.

It is definitely worth calling UA and asking. Better yet, ask someone not directly and emotionally involved in the situation who can explain what the situation is and then collect what is required.

Also, if you have miles/points on any carrier, consider asking whether that carrier/alliance might find award space. Some will make an effort.

Ocn Vw 1K

GailT, welcome to FlyerTalk! As you are planning to fly on United, let me move this to the United forum for more discussion. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz and United.

mgobluetex

I think United stopped offering bereavement fares in March of 2014. Like other posters have noticed, it was rarely lower than the lowest available discount fare. I'm sorry to hear about your family member. Your best bet it to kayak it unless you have status or loyalty to United

GailT

thanks everyone for the comments and also the kind words. I think she is going to just cancel the United ticket and keep whatever is left as credit, and try that new Norwegian flight from Oslo. She says she can get a one-way ticket for $500.

andyh64000

Pre merger United opened saver award availability to me when my stepmother unexpectedly passed away...not sure if the current regime would do it or not.

GalleyWench

Does she already have a ticket? You mention keeping it as a credit. Bear in mind that if its a nonrefundable ticket the change fee for an international flight is quite steep and she will have to use the credit within the year.

JPG3392

My sympathy as well, and welcome to FT.

Your daughter seems to have found an excellent arrangement, but it might be to her advantage to tell United why she is cancelling the ticket. While United will not offer a bereavement fare at low cost, it might (no guarantee) be willing to waive the usual fees associated with a cancellation under these circumstances.

I comment on the basis of personal experience, though in an admittedly different situation. Five years ago, I used UA miles to book award travel to Germany on LH. Two months before the flight, I broke my hip in a fall and was unable to travel. When I cancelled the reservation and reinstated the miles, the UA agent charged me the appropriate fee, but suggested that I write to UA with appropriate documentation (a doctor's note, in my case) and that the fee might be refunded. I followed through, and within a month or two the fee was refunded to my credit card.

LAX UA 1K

If she has an existing UA ticket that she could rebook, UA may waive or refund some or all of the change fees/fare difference. By policy, you are supposed to get a refund if you meet the requirements, less a $50 fee, but you might get more generous treatment if you call.

http://www.united.com/web/en-us/cont...nd.aspx#tabs-4

Refund request for nonrefundable tickets — unplanned event - covers change fees

skycrab

As said above, there is no longer a bereavement fare with UA.
When my grandfather was dying last year and I had to go from LHR to YWG with no notice, I called UA and was quoted 3 different fares in 3 calls, so be prepared to HUACA!

wharvey

You may want to reach out to UA INSIDER here on FT.... that team represents UA and can be very helpful in resolving issues.

It is definitely worth a message to that team!