Originally Posted by VPescado

I've never found this to be a problem. Obits often mention the funeral home. Just scan the destination's local paper a few days before the trip and claim that the deceased was a close family friend. The airline isn't going to ask for proof of attendence - I suppose if you are really paranoid you can work in 5 minutes to drop by during the visitation (it can be awkward is the visitation is lightly attended and the family asks who you are . . . acting like you are too overrought to speak can sometimes get you out of these conversations).

An added benefit is that on some airlines your return is totally flexible on a bereavement rate.