Planning a funeral can be incredibly overwhelming, and even more so when trying to stick to a budget.​ Thankfully, with just a bit of research, there are a number of affordable airline options for funeral travel.​ Here are some tips for planning funeral travel on a budget.​

No two funerals are alike, and there are several factors that can affect how much you’ll pay for airfare, including the time of year, the origin and destination, the number of people flying and their specific timeframes.​ Doing some thorough research on airline offers can help you find great deals for funeral travel.​

When exploring airline options, be sure to check multiple airline carriers.​ It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but a helpful approach is to compare two or three of the main carriers to each other, so you can make a better decision.​ Don’t just look at the overall cost of a ticket, but also take into consideration smaller features such as the airline’s baggage policies and cancellation policies.​

It’s also important to consider when buying tickets for funeral travel.​ Surprisingly, buying them through the airline’s website instead of a third-party and booking several weeks in advance can potentially save you a lot of money.​ Buying multiple tickets in advance can be especially beneficial, as many airlines offer discounts on group bookings.​ Every airline will have slightly different policies, so be sure to check with individual carriers for more details.​

It pays to keep a look out for promotional offers as well.​ Airlines often run deep discounts and promotions from time to time, so check their website frequently.​ You can also connect to their social media pages and join their mailing or promotional lists to receive exclusive offers that are available for a limited time only.​

Finally, take advantage of loyalty programs.​ If you frequently travel, joining your favorite airline’s loyalty program could be a great way to save.​ Accruing points and miles over time can potentially account for tremendous savings in the long-run.​ After all, funeral travel might only be once or twice in a lifetime, but regular air travel can add up in the long-run.​

Understanding Airline Restrictions and Fees

When searching for funeral travel, it’s important to understand that airfare associated with funerals may have some restrictions and even fees.​ Some airlines will accommodate funeral-related travel as soon as the ticket is purchased, while others may require advanced notice or a special code in order to receive the benefits of funeral travel booked with them.​ There are also a number of fees associated with funeral travel, such as baggage fees and ticket change fees, that you should be aware of when booking.​

Even if an airline offers preferred or discounted rates for funeral travel, those rates may not include add-cons, like seat selection.​ Be sure to read the fine print of the airline’s policies before making a purchase to make sure you are receiving the best rate available.​ Checking multiple airlines can be the most effective way to ensure you are receiving the best deal and that all restrictions are being met.​

You’ll also want to factor in any additional cost that may be associated with funeral travel, such as ground travel expenses to and from the airport.​ Depending on your destination, ground transportation can be quite costly, so you’ll want to make sure to factor that in as well.​

Cancellation Policies

Death can be unpredictable, and funeral plans can change at any time.​ This is why it’s important to be aware of airline cancellation policies and fees when making arrangements for funeral travel.​ Different airlines have different policies, so be sure to check the fine print before purchasing a ticket to ensure that you can make changes if necessary.​

If you think it’s possible to change your plans down the line, consider purchasing refundable tickets or tickets with flexible cancellation policies.​


Depending on the airline, many of these policies can allow you to cancel your ticket and receive a full refund for a fee, making it easier to adjust plans later on without worrying about lost money if plans change.​

It’s also important to keep in mind that some airlines have different policies for refugees and those travelling on bereavement or medical exceptions.​ It would be wise to contact your airline directly if you are booking for a refugee or someone on bereavement or medical exception to confirm what their policy is.​ Oftentimes, there may be additional benefits or more flexible terms for those special excpetions.​

Payment Options for Funeral Travel

When planning funeral travel, you need to think about payment options.​ Many airlines offer flexible payment options that don’t include paying the full amount of the ticket upfront.​ Most airlines will let you pay for tickets over time, so you can make payments leading up to the travel date.​ This could be a great way to make sure you can stick to a budget for funeral travel without having to pay the full amount up front.​

When arranging payment, it’s also important to consider the best way to pay for funeral travel.​ If you’re using a credit card, make sure to check that there are no additional fees associated with the payment.​ Some airlines offer additional benefits or rewards when booking tickets on certain payment methods, so make sure to look into those before purchasing.​

Using a third-party payment method can also offer more flexibility and convenience.​ Third-party payment systems like PayPal, Stripe and Apple Pay can provide the convenience of making payments online without having to enter payment information each time.​ It could be a great way to make sure payments are secure and easier to track.​

Getting the Best Airfare Deals for Funeral Travel

There are several ways to take advantage of discounted airfares for funeral travel.​ Signing up for price alerts through third-party websites like Airfarewatchdog or Skyscanner can be a great way to stay up to date on the latest offers from different airlines.​ That way, you can get the best possible airline offers that align with your budget.​

Some airline carriers, like Southwest and Allegiant, offer subscription services where you can get discounts on their flights, as well as exclusive offers for funeral travel and other travel needs.​ Joining a loyalty program or signing up for a newsletter can also help you get access to exclusive rates that aren’t available elsewhere.​

Take your time when comparing airline offers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.​ Many airlines have customer service teams available to answer any inquiries you might have.​ Taking the time to reach out to them can ensure you are selecting the best option for funeral travel.​

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to save on funeral travel?

The best way to save on funeral travel is to do thorough research and compare different airline offers.​ Be sure to consider the entire cost of the ticket, as well as all additional fees such as baggage and ticket change fees.​ Additionally, you can take advantage of promotions and loyalty programs for added savings.​

Do airlines offer discounts for funeral travel?

Yes, most airlines do offer discounts for funeral travel.​ However, the amount and type of discounts may vary depending on the airline and the situation.​ Be sure to check with individual carriers for more details.​

What’s the best way to pay for funeral travel?

The best way to pay for funeral travel will depend on your situation, budget and preferences.​ Credit cards and third-party payment methods, like PayPal and Apple Pay, can offer more convenience.​ Consider all your payment options before deciding which one is best for you.​